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When the avenger of blood finds the murderer, he is to kill him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/35-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/04_Num_35_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 35:21 - Six Cities of Refuge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="or if in hostility he strikes him with his hand and he dies, the one who struck him must surely be put to death; he is a murderer. When the avenger of blood finds the murderer, he is to kill him." /><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/35-21.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/35-21.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 21</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="/ad1.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/35-20.htm" title="Numbers 35:20">◄</a> Numbers 35:21 <a href="/numbers/35-22.htm" title="Numbers 35:22">►</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 />or if out of enmity one person hits another with their fist so that the other dies, that person is to be put to death; that person is a murderer. The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death when they meet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/35.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Or if someone hates another person and hits him with a fist and he dies, it is murder. In such cases, the avenger must put the murderer to death when they meet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/35.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />or in enmity struck him down with his hand, so that he died, then he who struck the blow shall be put to death. He is a murderer. The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death when he meets him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/35.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />or if in hostility he strikes him with his hand and he dies, the one who struck him must surely be put to death; he is a murderer. When the avenger of blood finds the murderer, he is to kill him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/35.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote <i>him</i> shall surely be put to death; <i>for</i> he <i>is</i> a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/35.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />or in enmity he strikes him with his hand so that he dies, the one who struck <i>him</i> shall surely be put to death. He <i>is</i> a murderer. The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death when he meets him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/35.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />or <i>if</i> he struck him with his hand with hostility, and <i>as a result</i> he died, the one who struck him must be put to death; he is a murderer. The blood avenger shall put the murderer to death when he meets him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/35.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />or if he struck him down with his hand in enmity, and as a result he died, the one who struck him shall surely be put to death, he is a murderer; the blood avenger shall put the murderer to death when he meets him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/35.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />or if he struck him down with his hand in enmity, and <i>as a result</i> he died, the one who struck him shall surely be put to death, he is a murderer; the blood avenger shall put the murderer to death when he meets him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/35.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />or if he struck him down with his hand in enmity, and <i>as a result</i> he died, the one who struck him shall surely be put to death; he is a murderer; the blood avenger shall put the murderer to death when he meets him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/35.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />or if, in enmity, he struck the victim down with his hand, and he died, the one that struck the victim shall certainly be put to death; he is a murderer. The blood avenger shall put the murderer to death when he meets him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/35.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />or if in hostility he strikes him with his hand and he dies, the one who struck him must be put to death; he is a murderer. The avenger of blood is to kill the murderer when he finds him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/35.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />or if in hostility he strikes him with his hand and he dies, the one who struck him must be put to death; he is a murderer. The avenger of blood is to kill the murderer when he finds him.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/35.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />or in enmity smote him with his hand, so that he died; he that smote him shall surely be put to death; he is a murderer: the avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death, when he meeteth him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/35.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />or in enmity smote him with his hand, that he died: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; he is a manslayer: the avenger of blood shall put the manslayer to death, when he meeteth him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/35.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />or if you beat your enemy to death with your bare hands, you must be put to death. You are a murderer. The relative who can avenge the death must kill you when he catches up with you, because you are a murderer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/35.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />or by striking him with your fist, you are guilty of murder and are to be put to death. The dead person's nearest relative has the responsibility for putting the murderer to death. When he finds you, he is to kill you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/35.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />or if he struck him with his hand out of hatred so that he died, then the killer is certainly to be put to death for murder. The avenger of blood is to put him to death when he meets him."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/35.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />or if in hostility he strikes him with his hand and he dies, the one who struck him must surely be put to death; he is a murderer. When the avenger of blood finds the murderer, he is to kill him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/35.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />or with enmity he strikes him with his hand and he dies, the one who struck him must surely be put to death, for he is a murderer. The avenger of blood must kill the murderer when he meets him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/35.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />or in enmity struck him with his hand, so that he died; he who struck him shall surely be put to death. He is a murderer, the murderer must surely be put to death; the avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death when he meets him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/35.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Or in enmity shall smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the avenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/35.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />or in hostility struck him with his hand, so that he died, he who struck him shall surely be put to death. He is a murderer. The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death when he meets him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/35.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />or he has struck him with his hand in enmity, and he dies, the striker is certainly put to death; he [is] a murderer; the redeemer of blood puts the murderer to death in his coming against him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/35.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> or in enmity he hath smitten him with his hand, and he dieth; the smiter is certainly put to death; he is a murderer; the redeemer of blood doth put the murderer to death in his coming against him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/35.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Or in enmity he smote with his hand, and he will die; dying, he smiting shall die; he is a slayer: the nearest relative of blood shall kill the slayer in his meeting him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/35.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Or being his enemy, strike; him with his hand, and he die: the striker shall be guilty of murder: the kinsman of him that was slain as soon as he findeth him, shall kill him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/35.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />or, while being his enemy, strikes him with his hand, and so he has died, the attacker shall be guilty of murder. The kinsman of the deceased, as soon as he finds him, shall cut his throat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/35.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />or strikes another with the hand out of enmity and death results, the assailant must be put to death as a murderer. The avenger of blood will kill the murderer on sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/35.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />or in enmity strikes another with the hand, and death ensues, then the one who struck the blow shall be put to death; that person is a murderer; the avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death, when they meet.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/35.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he might die, and he did die, the murderer shall surely be put to death; the avenger of the blood himself shall slay the murderer when he meets him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/35.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />With hatred he struck him with his hand so that he should die, and he died; he is a murderer; he shall certainly be killed; the seeker of vengeance of blood shall kill the murderer when he meets him.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/35.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />or in enmity smote him with his hand, that he died; he that smote him shall surely be put to death: he is a murderer; the avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death when he meeteth him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/35.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />or if he have smitten him with his hand through anger, and the man should die, let the man that smote him be put to death by all means, he is a murderer: let the murderer by all means be put to death: the avenger of blood shall slay the murderer when he meets him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/35-21.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=10887" 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">20</span>Likewise, if anyone maliciously pushes another or intentionally throws an object at him and kills him, <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/176.htm" title="176: ’ōw (Conj) -- Or. Presumed to be the constructive or genitival form of -av; short for 'avvah; desire; hence or, also if.">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/342.htm" title="342: ḇə·’ê·ḇāh (Prep-b:: N-fs) -- Enmity. From 'ayab; hostility.">if in hostility</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: hik·kā·hū (V-Hifil-Perf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">he strikes him</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: ḇə·yā·ḏōw (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">with his hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: way·yā·mōṯ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">and he dies,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: ham·mak·keh (Art:: V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">the one who struck him</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: mō·wṯ- (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">must surely be put to death;</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: yū·maṯ (V-Hofal-Imperf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">he</a> <a href="/hebrew/7523.htm" title="7523: rō·ṣê·aḥ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To murder, slay. A primitive root; properly, to dash in pieces, i.e. Kill, especially to murder.">is a murderer.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1350.htm" title="1350: gō·’êl (V-Qal-Prtcpl-msc) -- To redeem, act as kinsman. A primitive root, to redeem, i.e. To be the next of kin.">When the avenger</a> <a href="/hebrew/1818.htm" title="1818: had·dām (Art:: N-ms) -- Blood. From damam; blood of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively bloodshed.">of blood</a> <a href="/hebrew/6293.htm" title="6293: bə·p̄iḡ·‘ōw- (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3ms) -- To meet, encounter, reach. A primitive root; to impinge, by accident or violence, or by importunity.">finds</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.">the murderer,</a> <a href="/hebrew/ḇōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: yā·mîṯ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">he is to kill</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">him.</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>But if anyone pushes a person suddenly, without hostility, or throws an object at him unintentionally,…<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="/deuteronomy/19-11.htm">Deuteronomy 19:11-13</a></span><br />If, however, a man hates his neighbor and lies in wait, attacks him and kills him, and then flees to one of these cities, / the elders of his city must send for him, bring him back, and hand him over to the avenger of blood to die. / You must show him no pity. You are to purge from Israel the guilt of shedding innocent blood, that it may go well with you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/21-14.htm">Exodus 21:14</a></span><br />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="/joshua/20-5.htm">Joshua 20:5</a></span><br />Now if the avenger of blood pursues him, they must not surrender the manslayer into his hand, because that man killed his neighbor accidentally without prior malice.<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="/genesis/9-6.htm">Genesis 9:6</a></span><br />Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/24-17.htm">Leviticus 24:17</a></span><br />And if a man takes the life of anyone else, he must surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Deuteronomy 19:4-6</a></span><br />Now this is the situation regarding the manslayer who flees to one of these cities to save his life, having killed his neighbor accidentally, without intending to harm him: / If he goes into the forest with his neighbor to cut timber and swings his axe to chop down a tree, but the blade flies off the handle and strikes and kills his neighbor, he may flee to one of these cities to save his life. / Otherwise, the avenger of blood might pursue the manslayer in a rage, overtake him if the distance is great, and strike him dead though he did not deserve to die, since he did not intend any harm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/14-5.htm">2 Samuel 14:5-11</a></span><br />“What troubles you?” the king asked her. “Indeed,” she said, “I am a widow, for my husband is dead. / And your maidservant had two sons who were fighting in the field with no one to separate them, and one struck the other and killed him. / Now the whole clan has risen up against your maidservant and said, ‘Hand over the one who struck down his brother, that we may put him to death for the life of the brother whom he killed. Then we will cut off the heir as well!’ So they would extinguish my one remaining ember by not preserving my husband’s name or posterity on the earth.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/14-6.htm">2 Kings 14:6</a></span><br />Yet he did not put the sons of the murderers to death, but acted according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, where the LORD commanded: “Fathers must not be put to death for their children, and children must not be put to death for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin.”<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/13-4.htm">Romans 13:4</a></span><br />For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-24.htm">Acts 7:24</a></span><br />And when he saw one of them being mistreated, Moses went to his defense and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian who was oppressing him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-52.htm">Matthew 26:52</a></span><br />“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-44.htm">John 8:44</a></span><br />You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.<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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meets him.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/35-19.htm">Avenger</a> <a href="/numbers/35-19.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/numbers/35-17.htm">Blow</a> <a href="/numbers/35-18.htm">Blows</a> <a href="/numbers/35-18.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/numbers/35-19.htm">Death</a> <a href="/exodus/21-12.htm">Death-Blow</a> <a href="/numbers/35-20.htm">Die</a> <a href="/numbers/35-20.htm">Died</a> <a href="/numbers/35-20.htm">Dies</a> <a href="/exodus/23-22.htm">Enmity</a> <a href="/numbers/35-18.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/numbers/35-20.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/numbers/35-18.htm">Hits</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-41.htm">Hostility</a> <a href="/numbers/35-19.htm">Life</a> <a href="/numbers/35-19.htm">Meeteth</a> <a href="/numbers/35-19.htm">Meets</a> <a href="/numbers/35-19.htm">Murderer</a> <a href="/numbers/35-20.htm">Result</a> <a href="/numbers/35-19.htm">Revenger</a> <a href="/numbers/35-19.htm">Right</a> <a href="/numbers/35-19.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/numbers/35-18.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/numbers/35-18.htm">Smitten</a> <a href="/numbers/35-18.htm">Smote</a> <a href="/numbers/35-18.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/numbers/35-18.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/numbers/35-19.htm">Taker</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/35-24.htm">Avenger</a> <a href="/numbers/35-24.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-11.htm">Blow</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-2.htm">Blows</a> <a href="/numbers/35-23.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/numbers/35-23.htm">Death</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-10.htm">Death-Blow</a> <a href="/numbers/35-23.htm">Die</a> <a href="/numbers/35-23.htm">Died</a> <a href="/numbers/35-23.htm">Dies</a> <a href="/numbers/35-22.htm">Enmity</a> <a href="/numbers/35-25.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/numbers/35-22.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/luke/6-29.htm">Hits</a> <a href="/numbers/35-22.htm">Hostility</a> <a href="/numbers/35-28.htm">Life</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-20.htm">Meeteth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-23.htm">Meets</a> <a href="/numbers/35-30.htm">Murderer</a> <a href="/ezra/4-16.htm">Result</a> <a href="/numbers/35-24.htm">Revenger</a> <a href="/numbers/35-24.htm">Right</a> <a href="/numbers/35-27.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/numbers/35-30.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/numbers/35-23.htm">Smitten</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-33.htm">Smote</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-4.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/numbers/35-31.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/numbers/35-28.htm">Taker</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>or if in hostility he strikes him with his hand and he dies</b><br>This phrase addresses the intentionality behind the act of violence. In ancient Israelite law, the motive was crucial in determining guilt. Hostility implies premeditation or malice, distinguishing murder from accidental killing. This reflects the broader biblical principle that God judges the heart (<a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>). The act of striking with the hand suggests a personal and direct form of violence, emphasizing the personal nature of the crime.<p><b>the one who struck him must surely be put to death; he is a murderer</b><br>The mandate for capital punishment underscores the sanctity of life, a principle rooted in <a href="/genesis/9-6.htm">Genesis 9:6</a>, where God establishes that whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed. This reflects the seriousness with which God views murder, as humans are made in His image. The certainty of the punishment ("must surely be put to death") indicates the non-negotiable nature of justice in this context.<p><b>When the avenger of blood finds the murderer, he is to kill him</b><br>The "avenger of blood" (Hebrew: go'el ha-dam) was typically a close relative of the deceased, tasked with executing justice. This practice was part of the ancient Near Eastern legal systems and served as a deterrent against murder. It also maintained family honor and societal order. The role of the avenger is a precursor to the legal systems that would later develop, where the state assumes the role of executing justice. This system also foreshadows the ultimate justice and redemption found in Christ, who, as the ultimate Avenger, will bring final justice and restoration.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_murderer.htm">The Murderer</a></b><br>The individual who intentionally kills another person out of hostility. In the context of <a href="/bsb/numbers/35.htm">Numbers 35</a>, this person is subject to capital punishment.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_avenger_of_blood.htm">The Avenger of Blood</a></b><br>A family member of the victim responsible for executing justice by putting the murderer to death. This role was part of the ancient Israelite justice system.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_city_of_refuge.htm">The City of Refuge</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, these cities are relevant to the context. They were designated places where someone accused of manslaughter could seek asylum until a fair trial.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_assembly.htm">The Assembly</a></b><br>The community or group responsible for judging the case and determining whether the act was murder or manslaughter.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_victim.htm">The Victim</a></b><br>The person who was killed, whose death prompts the legal and moral proceedings described in the passage.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_sanctity_of_life.htm">The Sanctity of Life</a></b><br>The passage underscores the value God places on human life and the seriousness of taking it unlawfully.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/justice_and_mercy.htm">Justice and Mercy</a></b><br>While justice demands accountability for murder, the provision of cities of refuge shows God's mercy and the importance of due process.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_intent.htm">The Role of Intent</a></b><br>The distinction between murder and manslaughter highlights the importance of intent in God's justice system.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a></b><br>The involvement of the avenger of blood and the assembly reflects the communal responsibility in upholding justice and righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/heart_matters.htm">Heart Matters</a></b><br>As Jesus taught, the root of murder lies in the heart's hostility and anger, calling believers to examine their hearts and seek reconciliation.<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/what_are_the_infancy_gospels.htm">Who is the Avenger of Blood in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_allow_a_'blood_avenger'_for_accidents.htm">Deuteronomy 19:6: Why would God allow a 'blood avenger' to pursue someone innocent of intentional murder, and where is this justice in historical context?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_joshua_20_1-6_align_with_mosaic_laws.htm">How does the system of protection for manslaughter in Joshua 20:1-6 align or conflict with other Mosaic laws on homicide and justice?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_definition_of_enmity.htm">What is the definition of enmity?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/35-21.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">or</span><br /><span class="heb">א֣וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(’ōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_176.htm">Strong's 176: </a> </span><span class="str2">Desire, if</span><br /><br /><span class="word">if in hostility</span><br /><span class="heb">בְאֵיבָ֞ה</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·’ê·ḇāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_342.htm">Strong's 342: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hostility</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he strikes</span><br /><span class="heb">הִכָּ֤הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(hik·kā·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike</span><br /><br /><span class="word">him with his hand</span><br /><span class="heb">בְיָדוֹ֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·yā·ḏōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and he dies,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּמֹ֔ת</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·mōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive 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">the one who struck him</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמַּכֶּ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mak·keh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike</span><br /><br /><span class="word">must surely be put to death;</span><br /><span class="heb">מֽוֹת־</span> <span class="translit">(mō·wṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute<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">he</span><br /><span class="heb">ה֑וּא</span> <span class="translit">(hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is a murderer.</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹצֵ֣חַֽ</span> <span class="translit">(rō·ṣê·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">When the avenger</span><br /><span class="heb">גֹּאֵ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(gō·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct<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">of blood</span><br /><span class="heb">הַדָּ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(had·dām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1818.htm">Strong's 1818: </a> </span><span class="str2">Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed</span><br /><br /><span class="word">finds</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּפִגְעוֹ־</span> <span class="translit">(bə·p̄iḡ·‘ōw-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6293.htm">Strong's 6293: </a> </span><span class="str2">To impinge, by accident, violence, by importunity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the murderer,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרֹצֵ֖חַ</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">he is to kill</span><br /><span class="heb">יָמִ֛ית</span> <span class="translit">(yā·mîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - 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">him.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶת־</span> <span class="translit">(’eṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Direct object marker<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/35-21.htm">Numbers 35:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/35-21.htm">Numbers 35:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/35-21.htm">Numbers 35:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/35-21.htm">Numbers 35:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/35-21.htm">Numbers 35:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/35-21.htm">Numbers 35:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/35-21.htm">Numbers 35:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/35-21.htm">Numbers 35:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/35-21.htm">Numbers 35:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/35-21.htm">Numbers 35:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/35-21.htm">OT Law: Numbers 35:21 Or in enmity struck him with his (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/35-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 35:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 35:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/35-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 35:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 35:22" /></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>