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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 35:16 If, however, anyone strikes a person with an iron object and kills him, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/35-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/04_Num_35_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 35:16 - Six Cities of Refuge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If, however, anyone strikes a person with an iron object and kills him, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death." /><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/35-16.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/35-16.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 16</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="/ad16.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/35-15.htm" title="Numbers 35:15">◄</a> Numbers 35:16 <a href="/numbers/35-17.htm" title="Numbers 35:17">►</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 />&#8220&#8217If anyone strikes someone a fatal blow with an iron object, that person is a murderer; the murderer is to be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/35.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“But if someone strikes and kills another person with a piece of iron, it is murder, and the murderer must be executed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/35.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“But if he struck him down with an iron object, so that he died, he is a murderer. The murderer shall be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/35.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />If, however, anyone strikes a person with an iron object and kills him, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/35.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he <i>is</i> a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/35.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />‘But if he strikes him with an iron implement, so that he dies, he <i>is</i> a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/35.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />‘But if he struck him with an iron object, so that he died, he is a murderer; the murderer must be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/35.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8216But if he struck him down with an iron object, so that he died, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/35.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />‘But if he struck him down with an iron object, so that he died, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/35.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />‘But if he struck him down with an iron object, so that he died, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/35.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />‘But if he struck his victim down [intentionally] with an iron object so that he died, he is a murderer; the murderer shall certainly be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/35.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“If anyone strikes a person with an iron object and death results, he is a murderer; the murderer must be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/35.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If anyone strikes a person with an iron object and death results, he is a murderer; the murderer must be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/35.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But if he smote him with an instrument of iron, so that he died, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/35.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But if he smote him with an instrument of iron, so that he died, he is a manslayer: the manslayer shall surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/35.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"But if any of you uses an iron weapon to kill another person, you are a murderer. Murderers must be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/35.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Whoever uses an iron implement to kill someone is to be adjudged a murderer, and that murderer is certainly to be put to death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/35.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If, however, anyone strikes a person with an iron object and kills him, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/35.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"But if he hits someone with an iron tool so that he dies, he is a murderer. The murderer must surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/35.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"'But if he struck him with an instrument of iron, so that he died, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/35.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And if he shall smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he shall die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/35.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“‘But if he struck him with an instrument of iron, so that he died, he is a murderer. The murderer shall surely be put to death. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/35.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And if he has struck him with an instrument of iron, and he dies, he [is] a murderer: the murderer is certainly put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/35.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And if with an instrument of iron he hath smitten him, and he dieth, he is a murderer: the murderer is certainly put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/35.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And if with an instrument of iron he smote him, the slayer shall die; the slayer he dying, shall die.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/35.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If any man strike with iron, and he die that was struck : he shall be guilty of murder, and he himself shall die. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/35.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />If anyone will have struck someone with iron, and he who was struck will have died, then he shall be guilty of homicide, and he himself shall die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/35.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If someone strikes another with an iron instrument and causes death, that person is a murderer, and the murderer must be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/35.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But anyone who strikes another with an iron object, and death ensues, is a murderer; the murderer shall be put to death.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/35.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But if he struck him with an instrument of iron, so that he might die, and he did die, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/35.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And if he struck him with an implement of iron so that he would die, and he died, he is a murderer; that murderer certainly shall be killed.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/35.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />But if he smote him with an instrument of iron, so that he died, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/35.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And if he should smite him with an iron instrument, and the man should die, he is a murderer; let the murderer by all means be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/35-16.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=10841" 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">15</span>These six cities will serve as a refuge for the Israelites and for the foreigner or stranger among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">If, however,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: hik·kā·hū (V-Hifil-Perf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">anyone strikes</a> <a href="/hebrew/1270.htm" title="1270: ḇar·zel (N-ms) -- Iron. Perhaps from the root of Birzowth; iron; by extension, an iron implement.">a person with an iron</a> <a href="/hebrew/3627.htm" title="3627: biḵ·lî (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- An article, utensil, vessel. From kalah; something prepared, i.e. Any apparatus.">object</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 kills him,</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/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/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> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>Or if anyone has in his hand a stone of deadly size, and he strikes and kills another, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death.…<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="/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="/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="/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="/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/13-9.htm">Romans 13:9</a></span><br />The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”<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="/deuteronomy/27-24.htm">Deuteronomy 27:24</a></span><br />‘Cursed is he who strikes down his neighbor in secret.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-5.htm">1 Kings 2:5-6</a></span><br />Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/1-9.htm">1 Timothy 1:9</a></span><br />We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers,<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="/revelation/13-10.htm">Revelation 13:10</a></span><br />“If anyone is destined for captivity, into captivity he will go; if anyone is to die by the sword, by the sword he must be killed.” Here is a call for the perseverance and faith of the saints.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Joshua 20:3-5</a></span><br />so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood. / When someone flees to one of these cities, stands at the entrance of the city gate, and states his case before its elders, they are to bring him into the city and give him a place to live among them. / 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="/2_samuel/3-27.htm">2 Samuel 3:27</a></span><br />When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/20-10.htm">2 Samuel 20:10</a></span><br />Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.</p><p class="hdg">if he smite</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/35-22.htm">Numbers 35:22-24</a></b></br> But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or have cast upon him any thing without laying of wait, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/19-11.htm">Deuteronomy 19:11-13</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="hdg">the</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/35-30.htm">Numbers 35:30-33</a></b></br> Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person <i>to cause him</i> to die… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/9-5.htm">Genesis 9:5,6</a></b></br> And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/21-12.htm">Exodus 21:12-14</a></b></br> He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/31-6.htm">Blow</a> <a href="/numbers/35-15.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/numbers/35-15.htm">Death</a> <a href="/numbers/35-12.htm">Die</a> <a href="/numbers/33-39.htm">Died</a> <a href="/numbers/27-8.htm">Dies</a> <a href="/numbers/27-8.htm">Dieth</a> <a href="/exodus/32-4.htm">Instrument</a> <a href="/numbers/31-22.htm">Iron</a> <a href="/numbers/35-12.htm">Life</a> <a href="/1_john/3-15.htm">Murderer</a> <a href="/leviticus/15-26.htm">Object</a> <a href="/numbers/25-17.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/numbers/34-11.htm">Smitten</a> <a href="/numbers/32-4.htm">Smote</a> <a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/exodus/21-27.htm">Strikes</a> <a href="/numbers/33-4.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/numbers/32-11.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/numbers/35-12.htm">Taker</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/35-17.htm">Blow</a> <a href="/numbers/35-17.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/numbers/35-17.htm">Death</a> <a href="/numbers/35-17.htm">Die</a> <a href="/numbers/35-17.htm">Died</a> <a href="/numbers/35-17.htm">Dies</a> <a href="/numbers/35-17.htm">Dieth</a> <a href="/numbers/35-18.htm">Instrument</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/3-11.htm">Iron</a> <a href="/numbers/35-17.htm">Life</a> <a href="/numbers/35-17.htm">Murderer</a> <a href="/numbers/35-18.htm">Object</a> <a href="/numbers/35-17.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/numbers/35-18.htm">Smitten</a> <a href="/numbers/35-17.htm">Smote</a> <a href="/numbers/35-17.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/numbers/35-17.htm">Strikes</a> <a href="/numbers/35-17.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/numbers/35-17.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/numbers/35-17.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>If, however, anyone strikes a person with an iron object and kills him,</b><br>This phrase introduces a specific scenario within the broader context of the laws concerning murder and manslaughter given to the Israelites. The use of an "iron object" indicates premeditation and intent, as iron was a common material for weapons and tools in ancient times. This reflects the seriousness of the act, distinguishing it from accidental killings. The specificity of the object suggests a legal framework that considers the means of the crime, aligning with the principle of lex talionis, or the law of retribution, found in <a href="/exodus/21-23.htm">Exodus 21:23-25</a>.<p><b>he is a murderer;</b><br>The declaration "he is a murderer" establishes the moral and legal culpability of the individual. In the ancient Near Eastern context, murder was a grave offense against both divine and human law. This aligns with the sixth commandment, "You shall not murder" (<a href="/exodus/20-13.htm">Exodus 20:13</a>), underscoring the sanctity of human life. The term "murderer" is used to differentiate between intentional killing and accidental death, which is addressed separately in the laws of cities of refuge (<a href="/numbers/35-9.htm">Numbers 35:9-15</a>).<p><b>the murderer must surely be put to death.</b><br>The mandate for capital punishment reflects the seriousness with which the Mosaic Law treats the crime of murder. This is consistent with <a href="/genesis/9-6.htm">Genesis 9:6</a>, where God establishes the principle of life for life, emphasizing the value of human life made in God's image. The requirement for the death penalty serves as a deterrent and a means of purging evil from the community, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/19-13.htm">Deuteronomy 19:13</a>. This also prefigures the ultimate justice and judgment that Christ will bring, as He fulfills the law and embodies perfect justice and mercy.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The people to whom the laws in Numbers were given, as they were preparing to enter the Promised Land.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites who received and communicated God's laws to the people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_cities_of_refuge.htm">The Cities of Refuge</a></b><br>Designated places where someone who killed another unintentionally could flee for safety until a trial could be held.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_murderer.htm">The Murderer</a></b><br>The individual who intentionally kills another person, as described in this verse.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_victim.htm">The Victim</a></b><br>The person who is struck and killed with an iron object, highlighting the severity of the act.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_sanctity_of_life.htm">The Sanctity of Life</a></b><br>Human life is sacred because it is created in the image of God. This verse underscores the seriousness of taking a life and the corresponding justice required.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/intent_matters.htm">Intent Matters</a></b><br>The distinction between murder and manslaughter is crucial. Intentional harm is met with severe consequences, reflecting God's justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/justice_and_mercy.htm">Justice and Mercy</a></b><br>While justice demands the life of a murderer, the provision of cities of refuge shows God's mercy for those who act without intent.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_the_heart.htm">Guarding the Heart</a></b><br>Jesus teaches that murder begins in the heart with anger and hatred. Believers are called to examine their hearts and seek reconciliation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a></b><br>The community plays a role in upholding justice and providing refuge, reflecting the balance of justice and mercy in God's law.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/35.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">With an instrument of iron.</span> There is no reasonable doubt that <span class="hebrew">בַּרְיֶל</span> has here (as elsewhere) its proper meaning of iron. The expression must be held to include both weapons and other instruments; the former may have been mostly made of bronze, but where iron is used at all it is sure to be employed in war. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/35-16.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">If, however,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאִם־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">anyone strikes</span><br /><span class="heb">הִכָּ֛הוּ</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">a person with an iron</span><br /><span class="heb">בַרְזֶ֧ל ׀</span> <span class="translit">(ḇar·zel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1270.htm">Strong's 1270: </a> </span><span class="str2">Iron, an iron implement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">object</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּכְלִ֨י</span> <span class="translit">(biḵ·lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3627.htm">Strong's 3627: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something prepared, any apparatus</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and kills him,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּמֹ֖ת</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">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">the murderer</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרֹצֵֽחַ׃</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">must surely be put to death.</span><br /><span class="heb">מ֥וֹת</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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/35-16.htm">Numbers 35:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/35-16.htm">Numbers 35:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/35-16.htm">Numbers 35:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/35-16.htm">Numbers 35:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/35-16.htm">Numbers 35:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/35-16.htm">Numbers 35:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/35-16.htm">Numbers 35:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/35-16.htm">Numbers 35:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/35-16.htm">Numbers 35:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/35-16.htm">Numbers 35:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/35-16.htm">OT Law: Numbers 35:16 But if he struck him with an (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/35-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 35:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 35:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/35-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 35:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 35:17" /></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>