Bitter water (sotah)
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Also known as: Waters of bitterness; ordeal water
Description
Ritual potion for woman suspected of adultery: holy water mixed with dust from tabernacle floor and ink from written curses (Num 5:11–31).
Scriptural or source references
Numbers 5:11–31
Who is authorized
Priest
Uses and notes
Ordeal of jealousy; if guilty, body would swell; if innocent, unharmed and able to conceive.
Source notes
Biblical; priestly ritual.