CINXE.COM

<!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 35:15 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/35-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/04_Num_35_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 35:15 - Six Cities of Refuge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><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/35-15.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/35-15.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 15</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="/ad15.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/35-14.htm" title="Numbers 35:14">◄</a> Numbers 35:15 <a href="/numbers/35-16.htm" title="Numbers 35:16">►</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 />These six towns will be a place of refuge for Israelites and for foreigners residing among them, so that anyone who has killed another accidentally can flee there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/35.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />These cities are for the protection of Israelites, foreigners living among you, and traveling merchants. Anyone who accidentally kills someone may flee there for safety.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/35.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />These six cities shall be for refuge for the people of Israel, and for the stranger and for the sojourner among them, that anyone who kills any person without intent may flee there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/35.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/35.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />These six cities shall be a refuge, <i>both</i> for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/35.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />These six cities shall be for refuge for the children of Israel, for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them, that anyone who kills a person accidentally may flee there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/35.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />These six cities shall be a refuge for the sons of Israel, for the stranger, and for the foreign resident among them; so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/35.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8216These six cities shall be for refuge for the sons of Israel, and for the alien and for the sojourner among them; that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/35.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />‘These six cities shall be for refuge for the sons of Israel, and for the alien and for the sojourner among them; that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/35.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />These six cities shall be for refuge for the sons of Israel and for the sojourner and for the foreign resident among them; that anyone who strikes a person down unintentionally may flee there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/35.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />These six cities shall be a refuge for the Israelites and for the stranger and the resident alien among them; so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may escape there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/35.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />These six cities will serve as a refuge for the Israelites and for the alien or temporary resident among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/35.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />These six cities will serve as a refuge for the Israelites and for the foreigner or temporary resident among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/35.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For the children of Israel, and for the stranger and for the sojourner among them, shall these six cities be for refuge; that every one that killeth any person unwittingly may flee thither.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/35.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They will be places of protection for anyone who lives in Israel and accidentally kills someone. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/35.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For the children of Israel, and for the stranger and for the sojourner among them, shall these six cities be for refuge: that every one that killeth any person unwittingly may flee thither.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/35.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />These six cities will be places of refuge for Israelites, foreigners, and strangers among you. Anyone who unintentionally kills another person may flee to these cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/35.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />These will serve as cities of refuge for Israelites and for foreigners who are temporary or permanent residents. Anyone who kills someone accidentally can escape to one of them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/35.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />that is, places of refuge for the Israelis, the resident alien, and any travelers among them. Anyone who kills a person inadvertently may flee there."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/35.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/35.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />These six towns will be places of refuge for the Israelites, and for the foreigner, and for the settler among them, so that anyone who kills any person accidentally may flee there. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/35.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For the children of Israel, and for the stranger and for the foreigner living among them, shall these six cities be for refuge; that everyone who kills any person unwittingly may flee there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/35.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />These six cities shall be a refuge, both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/35.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />These six cities shall be refuge for the children of Israel, for the stranger, and for the foreigner living among them, that everyone who kills any person unwittingly may flee there. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/35.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For sons of Israel, and for a sojourner, and for a settler in their midst, are these six cities for a refuge, for the fleeing there of anyone striking a person through ignorance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/35.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> To sons of Israel, and to a sojourner, and to a settler in their midst, are these six cities for a refuge, for the fleeing thither of any one smiting a person unawares.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/35.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For the sons of Israel and for the stranger, and for the sojourner in the midst of you shall be six cities: these for refuge to flee there all smiting a soul in error.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/35.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />As well for the children of Israel as for strangers and sojourners, that he may flee to them, who hath shed blood against his will. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/35.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />as much for the sons of Israel as for newcomers and sojourners, so that anyone who has shed blood unwillingly may flee to these places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/35.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />These six cities will serve as places of asylum for the Israelites, and for the resident or transient aliens among them, so that anyone who has killed a person inadvertently may flee there. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/35.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />These six cities shall serve as refuge for the Israelites, for the resident or transient alien among them, so that anyone who kills a person without intent may flee there.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/35.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />These six cities shall be for refuge, both for the children of Israel and for the proselytes and for the sojourner among them; that every one who kills any person unawares may flee there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/35.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />For the children of Israel, and those who are converted to me and those who dwell among you and these six cities shall be a place of refuge for you, so that anyone who kills a soul by accident may escape to them.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/35.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For the children of Israel, and for the stranger and for the settler among them, shall these six cities be for refuge, that every one that killeth any person through error may flee thither.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/35.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />It shall be a place of refuge for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for him that sojourns among you; these cities shall be for a place of refuge, for every one to flee thither who has killed a man unintentionally.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/35-15.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=10829" 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">14</span>Select three cities across the Jordan and three in the land of Canaan as cities of refuge. <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/428.htm" title="428: hā·’êl·leh (Art:: Pro-cp) -- These. Prolonged from 'el; these or those.">These</a> <a href="/hebrew/8337.htm" title="8337: šêš- (Number-fsc) -- Masculine shishshah; a primitive number; six (see suws) beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ord. Sixth.">six</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.">cities</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: tih·ye·nāh (V-Qal-Imperf-3fp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">will serve</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/1121.htm" title="1121: liḇ·nê (Prep-l:: N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">for the Israelites</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1616.htm" title="1616: wə·lag·gêr (Conj-w, Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- A sojourner. Or geyr; from guwr; properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner.">and for the foreigner</a> <a href="/hebrew/8453.htm" title="8453: wə·lat·tō·wō·šāḇ (Conj-w, Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- A sojourner. ">or stranger</a> <a href="/hebrew/8432.htm" title="8432: bə·ṯō·w·ḵām (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 3mp) -- Midst. From an unused root meaning to sever; a bisection, i.e. the centre.">among them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">so that anyone</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: mak·kêh- (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-msc) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">who kills</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: ne·p̄eš (N-fs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">a person</a> <a href="/hebrew/7684.htm" title="7684: biš·ḡā·ḡāh (Prep-b:: N-fs) -- Sin of error or inadvertance. From shagag; a mistake or inadvertent transgression.">unintentionally</a> <a href="/hebrew/5127.htm" title="5127: lā·nūs (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To flee, escape. A primitive root; to flit, i.e. Vanish away.">may flee</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām·māh (Adv:: 3fs) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">there.</a> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>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.…<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="/acts/17-30.htm">Acts 17:30-31</a></span><br />Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent. / For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/24-17.htm">Leviticus 24:17-22</a></span><br />And if a man takes the life of anyone else, he must surely be put to death. / Whoever kills an animal must make restitution—life for life. / If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: ...<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="/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/3-23.htm">Romans 3:23-26</a></span><br />for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, / and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. / God presented Him as an atoning sacrifice in His blood through faith, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand. ...<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/25-4.htm">Isaiah 25:4</a></span><br />For You have been a refuge for the poor, a stronghold for the needy in distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like rain against a wall,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-9.htm">1 John 1:9</a></span><br />If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a></span><br />There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-11.htm">Colossians 3:11</a></span><br />Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-20.htm">Ezekiel 18:20</a></span><br />The soul who sins is the one who will die. A son will not bear the iniquity of his father, and a father will not bear the iniquity of his son. The righteousness of the righteous man will fall upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked man will fall upon him.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">These six cities shall be a refuge, both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that kills any person unawares may flee thither.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/15-16.htm">Numbers 15:16</a></b></br> One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/12-49.htm">Exodus 12:49</a></b></br> One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/24-22.htm">Leviticus 24:22</a></b></br> Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I <i>am</i> the LORD your God.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Accidentally</a> <a href="/numbers/19-10.htm">Alien</a> <a href="/numbers/15-26.htm">Aliens</a> <a href="/numbers/25-18.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/numbers/35-10.htm">Children</a> <a href="/numbers/35-14.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/numbers/32-33.htm">Country</a> <a href="/numbers/35-12.htm">Death</a> <a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Error</a> <a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Intent</a> <a href="/numbers/35-10.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/35-10.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Killeth</a> <a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Kills</a> <a href="/revelation/19-4.htm">Living</a> <a href="/numbers/35-14.htm">Places</a> <a href="/numbers/35-14.htm">Refuge</a> <a href="/numbers/35-14.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-47.htm">Settler</a> <a href="/numbers/35-13.htm">Six</a> <a href="/numbers/15-30.htm">Sojourner</a> <a href="/numbers/19-10.htm">Stranger</a> <a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Thither</a> <a href="/numbers/35-13.htm">Towns</a> <a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Unawares</a> <a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Unintentionally</a> <a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Unwittingly</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Accidentally</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-16.htm">Alien</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/10-19.htm">Aliens</a> <a href="/numbers/35-16.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/numbers/35-34.htm">Children</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-22.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-7.htm">Country</a> <a href="/numbers/35-16.htm">Death</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-42.htm">Error</a> <a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Intent</a> <a href="/numbers/35-34.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/35-34.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-42.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/numbers/35-30.htm">Killeth</a> <a href="/numbers/35-27.htm">Kills</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-8.htm">Living</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-7.htm">Places</a> <a href="/numbers/35-25.htm">Refuge</a> <a href="/numbers/35-26.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/genesis/23-4.htm">Settler</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-13.htm">Six</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-16.htm">Sojourner</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-16.htm">Stranger</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-37.htm">Thither</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-23.htm">Towns</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-42.htm">Unawares</a> <a href="/numbers/35-22.htm">Unintentionally</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Unwittingly</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>These six cities will serve as a refuge</b><br>The concept of cities of refuge is introduced in the Mosaic Law as a merciful provision for those who commit manslaughter unintentionally. These cities were strategically located throughout the land of Israel to be accessible to all. The number six is significant, often representing completeness in biblical numerology. The cities of refuge symbolize God's justice and mercy, providing protection from the avenger of blood, a family member seeking retribution for the death. This system underscores the value of human life and the importance of due process.<p><b>for the Israelites</b><br>The Israelites, as God's chosen people, were given specific laws to govern their society. The cities of refuge were part of the legal system that distinguished between murder and manslaughter, reflecting the sanctity of life. This provision ensured that justice was tempered with mercy, aligning with the character of God as both just and compassionate. The cities served as a reminder of God's covenant with Israel and His desire for them to live in a society marked by righteousness and fairness.<p><b>and for the foreigner or stranger among them</b><br>The inclusion of foreigners or strangers highlights the universality of God's justice and mercy. It reflects the biblical principle that God's laws and provisions were not only for the Israelites but also for those who lived among them. This inclusivity points to the broader biblical theme of God's concern for all humanity, foreshadowing the New Testament message of salvation available to all through Jesus Christ. It also emphasizes the importance of treating foreigners with fairness and compassion, as seen in other parts of the Mosaic Law.<p><b>so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally</b><br>The distinction between intentional and unintentional killing is crucial in biblical law. Unintentional killing, or manslaughter, did not carry the same moral culpability as murder. The cities of refuge provided a place for the accused to seek asylum and await a fair trial, preventing blood vengeance. This legal provision reflects the biblical principle of justice, ensuring that punishment is proportionate to the crime and that innocent blood is not shed.<p><b>may flee there</b><br>The act of fleeing to a city of refuge symbolizes seeking God's protection and justice. It required the individual to take immediate action to preserve their life, demonstrating the seriousness of the situation. This provision also points to the need for a mediator or place of safety, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who provides refuge for sinners seeking forgiveness and protection from the consequences of sin. The cities of refuge serve as a type of Christ, who is our ultimate refuge and advocate before God.<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 revenge from the victim's family.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, to whom the laws and statutes, including the cities of refuge, were given.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_levites.htm">The Levites</a></b><br>The tribe responsible for maintaining the cities of refuge and ensuring justice was served according to God's law.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_manslayer.htm">The Manslayer</a></b><br>An individual who accidentally kills another person and seeks refuge to avoid the avenger of blood.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_avenger_of_blood.htm">The Avenger of Blood</a></b><br>A family member of the deceased who seeks justice or revenge for the killing.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_justice_and_mercy.htm">God's Justice and Mercy</a></b><br>The cities of refuge illustrate God's balance of justice and mercy, providing protection for those who commit unintentional sins while ensuring justice is served.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_sanctity_of_life.htm">The Sanctity of Life</a></b><br>This statute underscores the value God places on human life and the importance of distinguishing between intentional and unintentional harm.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/christ_as_our_refuge.htm">Christ as Our Refuge</a></b><br>Just as the cities provided safety for the manslayer, Christ offers refuge and salvation for sinners seeking forgiveness and protection from the consequences of sin.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a></b><br>The establishment of these cities highlights the community's role in upholding justice and mercy, ensuring that both the victim's family and the accused are treated fairly.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/generational_statutes.htm">Generational Statutes</a></b><br>The command for these laws to be observed "throughout your generations" emphasizes the enduring nature of God's principles and the importance of teaching them to future generations.<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/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/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/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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/35.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) <span class= "bld">For the stranger, and for the sojourner . . . --</span>The word <span class= "ital">ger, </span>"stranger," properly denotes a foreigner who took up a temporary abode amongst the Israelites; whereas <span class= "ital">toshab, </span>"sojourner," denotes one who was settled in Israel. Sometimes, however, the words <span class= "ital">ger </span>and <span class= "ital">toshab </span>appear to be used as a compound term, as in <a href="/leviticus/25-47.htm" title="And if a sojourner or stranger wax rich by you, and your brother that dwells by him wax poor, and sell himself to the stranger or sojourner by you, or to the stock of the stranger's family:">Leviticus 25:47</a>, where they occur with the conjunctive (or disjunctive) particle in the former part of the verse, and without it in the latter. "The cities of refuge," says Dr. Gill, "were of God's appointing: so Christ, as a Saviour and rock of refuge to His people, is appointed and foreordained of God; they were well known for refuges, as the Lord is in the palaces of Zion; they were open for all at all times, as Christ is for all sinners, even the chief of sinners--Jews or Gentiles; they are all one in Christ--the Israelites, and the stranger and sojourner; all impediments were removed out of the way of them, and plain directions given, as are in the Gospel, and by the ministers of it; and there is always room in Christ for such that flee to Him, as there was in those cities; and being in Him, they are safe from the curse and condemnation of the law, from wrath to come, and from the second death; and their redemption and atonement, peace and reconciliation, liberty, life and salvation, are owing to the death of Christ, their High Priest." (Comp. <a href="/numbers/15-29.htm" title="You shall have one law for him that sins through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojournes among them.">Numbers 15:29</a>.)<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/35-15.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">These</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֵ֖לֶּה</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’êl·leh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_428.htm">Strong's 428: </a> </span><span class="str2">These, those</span><br /><br /><span class="word">six</span><br /><span class="heb">שֵׁשׁ־</span> <span class="translit">(šêš-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8337.htm">Strong's 8337: </a> </span><span class="str2">Six (a cardinal number)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">cities</span><br /><span class="heb">הֶעָרִ֥ים</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">will serve</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּהְיֶ֛ינָה</span> <span class="translit">(tih·ye·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine 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">as a refuge</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמִקְלָ֑ט</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">for the Israelites</span><br /><span class="heb">לִבְנֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(liḇ·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and for the foreigner</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלַגֵּ֤ר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lag·gêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1616.htm">Strong's 1616: </a> </span><span class="str2">A guest, a foreigner</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or sojourner</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלַתּוֹשָׁב֙</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lat·tō·wō·šāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8453.htm">Strong's 8453: </a> </span><span class="str2">Resident alien</span><br /><br /><span class="word">among them,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּתוֹכָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ṯō·w·ḵām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8432.htm">Strong's 8432: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bisection, the centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so that anyone</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who kills</span><br /><span class="heb">מַכֵּה־</span> <span class="translit">(mak·kêh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular construct<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</span><br /><span class="heb">נֶ֖פֶשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(ne·p̄eš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion </span><br /><br /><span class="word">unintentionally</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּשְׁגָגָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(biš·ḡā·ḡāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7684.htm">Strong's 7684: </a> </span><span class="str2">A mistake, inadvertent transgression</span><br /><br /><span class="word">may flee</span><br /><span class="heb">לָנ֣וּס</span> <span class="translit">(lā·nūs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5127.htm">Strong's 5127: </a> </span><span class="str2">To flit, vanish away</span><br /><br /><span class="word">there.</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁ֔מָּה</span> <span class="translit">(šām·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> </span><span class="str2">There, then, thither</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/35-15.htm">Numbers 35:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/35-15.htm">Numbers 35:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/35-15.htm">Numbers 35:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/35-15.htm">Numbers 35:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/35-15.htm">Numbers 35:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/35-15.htm">Numbers 35:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/35-15.htm">Numbers 35:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/35-15.htm">Numbers 35:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/35-15.htm">Numbers 35:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/35-15.htm">Numbers 35:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/35-15.htm">OT Law: Numbers 35:15 For the children of Israel and (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/35-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 35:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 35:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/35-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 35:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 35:16" /></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>