Rolling Over an Oath

There is an interesting Halacha that is learned from the oath that the Sotah, the woman suspected of being unfaithful , must make.

In actuality, the oath is recited by the Kohein, and she responds with the words, אמן אמן. She says Amen twice.

The principle that is learned from here, is known as גלגול שבועה, rolling over an oath. This means that while she is under oath, other items can be added.

Technically, she is swearing that she is innocent as a married woman. That is, that she was not with another man since she was married. If the husband suspects her of being unfaithful when they were engaged, it is not a case where she would drink the Sotah water. It only applies to a married woman. However, by implementing the גלגול שבועה enactment, the oath is rolled over to include engagement. She can then include in her oath that she was not unfaithful when they were married, or when they were engaged. She was not unfaithful with the particular man she was accused of, but she was not unfaithful with any man.

This principle of Gilgul Shevuah, is applicable in other cases as well. While under oath, other matters could be “rolled over” to include other matters.