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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 35:12 You are to have these cities as a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/35-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/04_Num_35_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 35:12 - Six Cities of Refuge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You are to have these cities as a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/35-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/35-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/35.htm">Chapter 35</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/35-11.htm" title="Numbers 35:11">◄</a> Numbers 35:12 <a href="/numbers/35-13.htm" title="Numbers 35:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/numbers/35.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/numbers/35.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />They will be places of refuge from the avenger, so that anyone accused of murder may not die before they stand trial before the assembly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/35.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />These cities will be places of protection from a dead person’s relatives who want to avenge the death. The slayer must not be put to death before being tried by the community.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/35.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The cities shall be for you a refuge from the avenger, that the manslayer may not die until he stands before the congregation for judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/35.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />You are to have these cities as a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/35.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/35.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />They shall be cities of refuge for you from the avenger, that the manslayer may not die until he stands before the congregation in judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/35.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The cities shall serve you as a refuge from the avenger, so that the one who commits manslaughter does not die until he stands before the congregation for trial.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/35.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8216The cities shall be to you as a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands before the congregation for trial.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/35.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />‘And the cities shall be to you as a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer may not die until he stands before the congregation for trial.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/35.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And the cities shall be for you as a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands before the congregation for judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/35.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The cities shall be to you as a refuge from the avenger, so that the one who has caused the death of another will not be killed until he has had a [fair] trial before the congregation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/35.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You will have the cities as a refuge from the avenger, so that the one who kills someone will not die until he stands trial before the assembly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/35.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You will have the cities as a refuge from the avenger, so that the one who kills someone will not die until he stands trial before the assembly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/35.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the cities shall be unto you for refuge from the avenger, that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation for judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/35.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If the victim's relatives think it was murder, they might try to take revenge. Anyone accused of murder can run to one of these Safe Towns for protection and not be killed before a trial is held. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/35.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the cities shall be unto you for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation for judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/35.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />These cities will be places of refuge from any relative who can avenge the death. So anyone accused of murder will not have to die until he has had a trial in front of the community.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/35.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />There you will be safe from the dead person's relative who seeks revenge. No one accused of manslaughter is to be put to death without a public trial. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/35.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They are to serve as cities of refuge from a blood avenger in order to keep the inadvertent killer from dying until he has stood trial in the presence of the community. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/35.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />You are to have these cities as a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/35.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />And they must stand as your towns of refuge from the avenger in order that the killer may not die until he has stood trial before the community.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/35.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The cities shall be to you for refuge from the avenger, that the manslayer not die, until he stands before the congregation for judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/35.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And they shall be to you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the man-slayer may not die, until he stands before the congregation in judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/35.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The cities shall be for your refuge from the avenger, that the man slayer not die until he stands before the congregation for judgment. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/35.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and the cities have been for a refuge to you from the redeemer, and the manslayer does not die until his standing before the congregation for judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/35.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the cities have been to you for a refuge from the redeemer, and the man-slayer doth not die till his standing before the company for judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/35.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they to you the cities for refuge from the nearest relative; and the slayer shall not die till his standing before the assembly for judgment,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/35.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when the fugitive shall be in them, the kinsman of him that is slain may not have power to kill him, until he stand before the multitude, and his cause be judged. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/35.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And when a fugitive is in these, the kinsman of the deceased shall not be able to kill him, until he stands in the sight of the multitude and his case is judged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/35.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />These cities will serve you as places of asylum from the avenger of blood, so that a homicide will not be put to death until tried before the community.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/35.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The cities shall be for you a refuge from the avenger, so that the slayer may not die until there is a trial before the congregation.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/35.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And they shall be to you cities for refuge from the avenger, that the manslayer may not be killed until he stand before the congregation in judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/35.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And these cities shall be yours for a house of refuge from one seeking the vengeance of blood, and a killer will not be killed until standing in front of the assembly in judgment.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/35.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the cities shall be unto you for refuge from the avenger, that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation for judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/35.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the cities shall be to you places of refuge from the avenger of blood, and the slayer shall not die until he stands before the congregation for judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/35-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=10809" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/35.htm">Six Cities of Refuge</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">You are to have</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: he·‘ā·rîm (Art:: N-fp) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">these cities</a> <a href="/hebrew/4733.htm" title="4733: lə·miq·lāṭ (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Refuge, asylum. From qalat in the sense of taking in; an asylum.">as a refuge</a> <a href="/hebrew/1350.htm" title="1350: mig·gō·’êl (Prep-m:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To redeem, act as kinsman. A primitive root, to redeem, i.e. To be the next of kin.">from the avenger,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7523.htm" title="7523: hā·rō·ṣê·aḥ (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To murder, slay. A primitive root; properly, to dash in pieces, i.e. Kill, especially to murder.">so that the manslayer</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: yā·mūṯ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">die</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">until</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: ‘ā·mə·ḏōw (V-Qal-Inf:: 3ms) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">he stands</a> <a href="/hebrew/4941.htm" title="4941: lam·miš·pāṭ (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- Judgment. ">trial</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/5712.htm" title="5712: hā·‘ê·ḏāh (Art:: N-fs) -- Congregation. Feminine of ed in the original sense of fixture; a stated assemblage.">the assembly.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>The cities you select will be your six cities of refuge.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/20-1.htm">Joshua 20:1-9</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Joshua, / “Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, / so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-1.htm">Deuteronomy 19:1-13</a></span><br />When the LORD your God has cut off the nations whose land He is giving you, and when you have driven them out and settled in their cities and houses, / then you are to set apart for yourselves three cities within the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess. / You are to build roads for yourselves and divide into three regions the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that any manslayer can flee to these cities. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/21-12.htm">Exodus 21:12-14</a></span><br />Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death. / If, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee. / But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/6-18.htm">Hebrews 6:18</a></span><br />Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Deuteronomy 4:41-43</a></span><br />Then Moses set aside three cities across the Jordan to the east / to which a manslayer could flee after killing his neighbor unintentionally without prior malice. To save one’s own life, he could flee to one of these cities: / Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau belonging to the Reubenites, Ramoth in Gilead belonging to the Gadites, or Golan in Bashan belonging to the Manassites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/21-13.htm">Joshua 21:13</a></span><br />So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave these cities, together with their pasturelands: Hebron, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Libnah,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-28.htm">1 Kings 2:28-34</a></span><br />When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-29.htm">Acts 7:29</a></span><br />At this remark, Moses fled to the land of Midian, where he lived as a foreigner and had two sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/14-14.htm">2 Samuel 14:14</a></span><br />For we will surely die and be like water poured out on the ground, which cannot be recovered. Yet God does not take away a life, but He devises ways that the banished one may not be cast out from Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/46-1.htm">Psalm 46:1</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/4-6.htm">Isaiah 4:6</a></span><br />a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and the rain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">Matthew 5:21-22</a></span><br />You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ / But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a></span><br />Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-15.htm">1 John 3:15</a></span><br />Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/6-10.htm">Revelation 6:10</a></span><br />And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge those who dwell upon the earth and avenge our blood?”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And they shall be to you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment.</p><p class="hdg">from the avenger</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/35-19.htm">Numbers 35:19,25-27</a></b></br> The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Deuteronomy 19:6</a></b></br> Lest the avenger of the blood pursue the slayer, while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and slay him; whereas he <i>was</i> not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Joshua 20:3-6,9</a></b></br> That the slayer that killeth <i>any</i> person unawares <i>and</i> unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood… </p><p class="hdg">until he stand</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/35-24.htm">Numbers 35:24</a></b></br> Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood according to these judgments:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/19-11.htm">Deuteronomy 19:11,12</a></b></br> But if any man hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth into one of these cities: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/20-4.htm">Joshua 20:4-6</a></b></br> And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/revelation/12-10.htm">Accused</a> <a href="/numbers/32-4.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-6.htm">Avenger</a> <a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/numbers/32-4.htm">Company</a> <a href="/numbers/32-4.htm">Congregation</a> <a href="/numbers/33-39.htm">Death</a> <a href="/numbers/27-8.htm">Die</a> <a href="/numbers/33-4.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/numbers/33-4.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/numbers/22-30.htm">Life</a> <a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Manslayer</a> <a href="/numbers/35-6.htm">Man-Slayer</a> <a href="/numbers/32-2.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/exodus/20-13.htm">Murder</a> <a href="/numbers/26-65.htm">Overtake</a> <a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Places</a> <a href="/numbers/31-3.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Refuge</a> <a href="/numbers/27-7.htm">Right</a> <a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/numbers/31-23.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/numbers/23-17.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/numbers/14-14.htm">Stands</a> <a href="/numbers/35-6.htm">Taker</a> <a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Towns</a> <a href="/revelation/3-10.htm">Trial</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/35-25.htm">Accused</a> <a href="/numbers/35-24.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/numbers/35-19.htm">Avenger</a> <a href="/numbers/35-14.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/numbers/35-24.htm">Company</a> <a href="/numbers/35-24.htm">Congregation</a> <a href="/numbers/35-15.htm">Death</a> <a href="/numbers/35-16.htm">Die</a> <a href="/numbers/35-24.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/numbers/35-29.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/numbers/35-16.htm">Life</a> <a href="/numbers/35-24.htm">Manslayer</a> <a href="/numbers/35-27.htm">Man-Slayer</a> <a href="/numbers/35-24.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/numbers/35-25.htm">Murder</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-31.htm">Overtake</a> <a href="/numbers/35-13.htm">Places</a> <a href="/numbers/35-19.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/numbers/35-13.htm">Refuge</a> <a href="/numbers/35-19.htm">Right</a> <a href="/numbers/35-13.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-11.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-38.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-38.htm">Stands</a> <a href="/numbers/35-16.htm">Taker</a> <a href="/numbers/35-13.htm">Towns</a> <a href="/judges/6-39.htm">Trial</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 35</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/35-1.htm">Forty-eight cities for the Levites, with their suburbs, and measure thereof</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/35-6.htm">Six of them are to be cities of refuge</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/35-9.htm">The laws of murder and manslaughter</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/35-31.htm">No satisfaction for murder</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/35.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/35.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>You are to have these cities as a refuge from the avenger</b><br>The concept of cities of refuge is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern legal tradition, where sanctuary was provided for those who committed unintentional manslaughter. These cities were strategically located throughout Israel to be accessible to all. The "avenger" refers to the "goel," or kinsman-redeemer, who had the responsibility to avenge the blood of a slain relative. This system reflects God's justice and mercy, ensuring protection for the innocent while maintaining the sanctity of life. Theologically, these cities prefigure Christ as our refuge, offering protection from the ultimate avenger, which is divine justice against sin.<p><b>so that the manslayer will not die</b><br>The term "manslayer" specifically denotes someone who has killed another unintentionally, distinguishing them from a murderer. The provision of refuge underscores the value of human life and the importance of intent in God's justice system. This protection prevents the cycle of blood vengeance, which was common in ancient cultures. It highlights the principle that justice should be measured and not driven by personal vendetta. This anticipates the New Testament teaching of grace, where believers are spared from spiritual death through Christ's atoning work.<p><b>until he stands trial before the assembly</b><br>The trial before the assembly ensured that justice was served fairly and publicly. The assembly, likely composed of local elders, acted as judges to determine the intent and circumstances of the killing. This process reflects the communal responsibility in maintaining justice and order. It also points to the importance of due process, a principle that has influenced modern legal systems. In a typological sense, this foreshadows the final judgment where all will stand before God, the ultimate judge, to give an account of their lives.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/c/cities_of_refuge.htm">Cities of Refuge</a></b><br>Designated places where individuals who committed unintentional manslaughter could seek asylum to avoid immediate retribution from the "avenger of blood" until a fair trial could be conducted.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/manslayer.htm">Manslayer</a></b><br>A person who has killed another unintentionally. The cities of refuge provided protection for such individuals, distinguishing between accidental and premeditated murder.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/avenger_of_blood.htm">Avenger of Blood</a></b><br>A family member of the deceased who sought justice or retribution for the killing. This role was part of the ancient Near Eastern practice of blood vengeance.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_assembly.htm">The Assembly</a></b><br>The community or congregation responsible for judging the case of the manslayer to determine guilt or innocence.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/trial.htm">Trial</a></b><br>The legal process by which the assembly would hear the case of the manslayer to ensure justice was served fairly and without bias.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/j/justice_and_mercy.htm">Justice and Mercy</a></b><br>The cities of refuge illustrate God's balance of justice and mercy. While justice demands accountability, mercy provides protection and a fair trial for those who have sinned unintentionally.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_community.htm">The Role of Community</a></b><br>The assembly's role in judging the manslayer highlights the importance of community involvement in maintaining justice and order. It underscores the need for collective discernment and wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_provision_for_safety.htm">God’s Provision for Safety</a></b><br>The provision of cities of refuge reflects God’s concern for the safety and well-being of His people, even those who have erred unintentionally. It serves as a reminder of God’s protective nature.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_refuge_in_christ.htm">Spiritual Refuge in Christ</a></b><br>Just as the cities provided physical refuge, Christ offers spiritual refuge. Believers can find safety and forgiveness in Him, escaping the ultimate avenger, which is sin and death.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/accountability_and_repentance.htm">Accountability and Repentance</a></b><br>The requirement for the manslayer to stand trial before the assembly emphasizes the need for accountability and the opportunity for repentance and restoration.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_35.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 35</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/purpose_of_biblical_cities_of_refuge.htm">What were the biblical Cities of Refuge for?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_the_sanctuary_movement.htm">What defines the Sanctuary Movement?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_need_refuge_cities_if_god_stops_injustice.htm">Why would a just God need these specific cities of refuge in Joshua 20 if He could prevent unjust killings in the first place? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_evidence_for_refuge_cities.htm">Why is there no conclusive archaeological evidence for the six cities of refuge (Numbers 35:9-15) if they were central to Israelite legal practice?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/35.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">And they shall be unto you cities for refuge . . . --</span>Better, <span class= "ital">And the cities shall be unto you for refuge </span>(or, <span class= "ital">as a place of refuge</span>)<span class= "ital"> from the avenger, that the manslayer may not die until he stand before the congregation for judgment. </span>The avenger (Heb., <span class= "ital">goel</span>) was the near kinsman whose office it was to redeem the person or inheritance of his kinsman, if that kinsman was reduced by poverty to sell himself into slavery, or to sell his inheritance; and also to avenge his blood in the event of his being slain. (See <a href="/context/leviticus/25-25.htm" title="If your brother be waxen poor, and has sold away some of his possession, and if any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which his brother sold.">Leviticus 25:25-55</a>, and Notes.) The law of the <span class= "ital">goel, </span>as contained in this chapter, served to keep in check the excited passions of the near relations of the man who had been slain, and to secure for him a fair and impartial trial. The duties which devolved upon the congregation are stated in <a href="/context/numbers/35-24.htm" title="Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood according to these judgments:">Numbers 35:24-25</a>. Christ, as our "Redeemer" (Heb., <span class= "ital">goel</span>)<span class= "ital">, </span>ever lives (<a href="/job/19-25.htm" title="For I know that my redeemer lives, and that he shall stand at the latter day on the earth:">Job 19:25</a>). He has redeemed the persons and the inheritance of His people by His death; and He will in the last great day, ransom them from the power of the grave, and redeem them from death (<a href="/hosea/13-4.htm" title="Yet I am the LORD your God from the land of Egypt, and you shall know no god but me: for there is no savior beside me.">Hosea 13:4</a>, where the cognate verb to <span class= "ital">goel </span>occurs), and will avenge their blood on them that dwell on the earth (<a href="/revelation/6-10.htm" title="And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, do you not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?">Revelation 6:10</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/35.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">From the avenger.</span> Hebrew, <span class="hebrew">גֹאֵל</span>. Septuagint, <span class="greek">ὁ ἀγχιστεύων τὸ αῖμα</span>. In all other passages (twelve in number) where the word occurs in this sense it is qualified by the addition <span class="accented">"of</span> blood." Standing by itself, it is everywhere else translated "kinsman," or (more properly) "redeemer," and is constantly applied in that sense to God our Saviour (<a href="/job/19-25.htm">Job 19:25</a>; <a href="/isaiah/63-16.htm">Isaiah 63:16</a> etc.). The two ideas, however, which seem to us so distinct, and even so opposed, are in their origin one. To the men of the primitive age, when public justice was not, and when might was right, the only protector was one who could and would avenge them of their wrongs, and by avenging prevent their repetition. This champion of the injured individual, or rather family, - for rights and wrongs were thought of as belonging to families rather than to individuals, was their goel, who had their peace, their safety, above all, their honour, in his charge. For no sentiments spring up quicker, and none exercise a more tyrannous sway, than the sentiment of honour, which in its various and often strangely distorted forms has always perhaps outweighed all other considerations in the minds of men. Now the earliest form in which the sentiment of honour asserted itself was in the blood-feud. If one member of a family was slain, an intolerable shame and sense of contumely rested upon the family until blood had been avenged by blood, until "satisfaction" had been done by the death of the manslayer. He who freed the family from this intolerable pain and humiliation - who enabled it to hold up its head, and to breathe freely once more - was the goel; and in the natural order of things he was the nearest "kinsman" of the slain who could and would take the duty upon him. To these natural feelings was added in many cases a religious sentiment which regarded homicide as a sin against the higher Powers for which they too demanded the blood of the guilty. Such was the feeling among the Greeks, and probably among the Egyptians, while among the Hebrews it could plead Divine sanction, given in the most comprehensive terms: "Your blood of your lives will I require, at the hand of every beast will I require it; and at the hand of man;... whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed" (<a href="/genesis/9-5.htm">Genesis 9:5, 6</a>). The moral difficulties of this proclamation need not here be considered; it is enough to take note that the Divine law itself recognized the duty as well as the lawfulness of private blood-revenge when public justice could not be depended on. The goel, therefore, was not merely the natural champion of his family, nor only the deliverer who satisfied the imperious demands of an artificial code of honour; he was a minister of God, in whose patient efforts to hunt down his victim the thirst for vengeance was to some extent at least superseded by, or rather transmuted into, the longing to glorify God (compare the difficult case of <a href="/revelation/6-10.htm">Revelation 6:10</a>). It was not merely human feelings of great reach and tenacity which were outraged by the immunity of the manslayer; it was still more the justice of God which received a grievous wound. Just because, however, God had made the cause of the slain man his own, and had sanctioned the avenging mission of the goel, he could therefore regulate the course of vengeance so as to make it run as even as possible with true justice. It was not indeed possible to distinguish <span class="accented">ab initio</span> between the homicide which deserved and that which did not deserve capital punishment. Such distinction, difficult under any circumstances, was impossible when vengeance was in private hands. But while the goel could not be restrained from immediate pursuit unhindered by investigation or compunction (lest his whole usefulness be paralyzed), the manslayer might have opportunity to escape, and to be sheltered under the Divine mercy until he could establish (if that were possible) his innocence. No better instance can be found of the way in which the King of Israel adopted the sentiments and institutions of a semi-barbarous age, added to them the sanctions of religion, and so modified them as to secure the maximum of practical good consistent with the social state and moral feelings of the people. No doubt many an individual was overtaken and slain by the goel who did. not deserve to die according to our ideas; but where perfection was unattainable, this error was far less dangerous to that age than the opposite error of diminishing the sanctity of human life and the awfulness of Divine justice. The congregation. Hebrew, <span class="hebrew">עֵדָה</span>. This word is used frequently from <a href="/exodus/12-3.htm">Exodus 12:3</a> to the end of this chapter, and again in Joshua and the last two chapters of Judges. It is not found in Deuteronomy, nor often in the later books. In every case apparently <span class="accented">eydah</span> signifies the whole nation as gathered together, <span class="accented">e.g.</span>, as represented by all who had an acknowledged right to appear, for of course 600,000 men could not gather together in any one place. The force of the word may be understood by reference to its use in <a href="/judges/20-1.htm">Judges 20:1</a>; <a href="/judges/21-10.htm">Judges 21:10, 13, 16</a>. Another word (<span class="hebrew">קָהָל</span>) is also used, less frequently in Leviticus and Numbers, but more frequently in the later books, for the general assembly of the people of Israel. No distinction of meaning can be drawn between the two words, and it cannot, therefore, be maintained that the "congregation" of this verse means the local elders of <a href="/joshua/20-4.htm">Joshua 20:4</a>. The regulations there laid down are not inconsistent with the present law, but are quite independent of it. They refer to a preliminary hearing of the case as stated by the fugitive alone in order to determine his right to shelter in the mean time; which right, if accorded, was without prejudice to the future judgment of the "congregation" on the whole facts of the case (see below on verse 25). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/35-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">You are to have</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָי֨וּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·yū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">these cities</span><br /><span class="heb">הֶעָרִ֛ים</span> <span class="translit">(he·‘ā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as a refuge</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמִקְלָ֖ט</span> <span class="translit">(lə·miq·lāṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4733.htm">Strong's 4733: </a> </span><span class="str2">Refuge, asylum</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from the avenger,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִגֹּאֵ֑ל</span> <span class="translit">(mig·gō·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1350.htm">Strong's 1350: </a> </span><span class="str2">To redeem, act as kinsman</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so that the manslayer</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרֹצֵ֔חַ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·rō·ṣê·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7523.htm">Strong's 7523: </a> </span><span class="str2">To dash in pieces, kill, to murder</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֤א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">die</span><br /><span class="heb">יָמוּת֙</span> <span class="translit">(yā·mūṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><br /><span class="word">until</span><br /><span class="heb">עַד־</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḏ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> </span><span class="str2">As far as, even to, up to, until, while</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he stands</span><br /><span class="heb">עָמְד֛וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·mə·ḏōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stand, in various relations</span><br /><br /><span class="word">trial</span><br /><span class="heb">לַמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃</span> <span class="translit">(lam·miš·pāṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4941.htm">Strong's 4941: </a> </span><span class="str2">A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before</span><br /><span class="heb">לִפְנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(lip̄·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the assembly.</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעֵדָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ê·ḏāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5712.htm">Strong's 5712: </a> </span><span class="str2">A stated assemblage</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/35-12.htm">Numbers 35:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/35-12.htm">Numbers 35:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/35-12.htm">Numbers 35:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/35-12.htm">Numbers 35:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/35-12.htm">Numbers 35:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/35-12.htm">Numbers 35:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/35-12.htm">Numbers 35:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/35-12.htm">Numbers 35:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/35-12.htm">Numbers 35:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/35-12.htm">Numbers 35:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/35-12.htm">OT Law: Numbers 35:12 The cities shall be to you (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/35-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 35:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 35:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/35-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 35:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 35:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>