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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 35:31 You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he must surely be put to death.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/35-31.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/04_Num_35_31.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 35:31 - Six Cities of Refuge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he 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/35-31.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/35-31.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 31</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="/ad11.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/35-30.htm" title="Numbers 35:30">◄</a> Numbers 35:31 <a href="/numbers/35-32.htm" title="Numbers 35:32">►</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&#8217Do not accept a ransom for the life of a murderer, who deserves to die. They are 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 />Also, you must never accept a ransom payment for the life of someone judged guilty of murder and subject to execution; murderers must always be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/35.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Moreover, you shall accept no ransom for the life of a murderer, who is guilty of death, but he 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 />You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he 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 />Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which <i>is</i> guilty of death: but he shall be surely 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 />Moreover you shall take no ransom for the life of a murderer who <i>is</i> guilty of death, but he 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 />Moreover, you shall not accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who is condemned to death, but he 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 />&#8216Moreover, you shall not take ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of death, but he 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 />‘Moreover, you shall not take ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of death, but he 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 />Moreover, you shall not take ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of death, but he 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 />Moreover, you shall not accept a ransom [in exchange] for the life of a murderer guilty <i>and sentenced</i> to death; but he 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 />You are not to accept a ransom for the life of someone who is guilty of murder; he 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 />You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of killing someone; he 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 />Moreover ye shall take no ransom for the life of a murderer, that is guilty of death; but he shall surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/35.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You cannot give someone money to escape the death penalty; you must pay with your own life! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/35.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Moreover ye shall take no ransom for the life of a manslayer, which is guilty of death: but he 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 />"Never accept a cash payment in exchange for the life of a convicted murderer who has been given the death penalty. Murderers must be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/35.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Murderers must be put to death. They cannot escape this penalty by the payment of money. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/35.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />You are to receive no ransom for the life of a killer who is guilty of murder; instead, he is to die. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/35.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he 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 />Moreover, you must not accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of death; he 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 />"'Moreover you shall take no ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of death; but he 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 />Moreover, ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, who is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/35.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“‘Moreover you shall take no ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of death. He 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 you take no atonement for the life of a murderer who [is] condemned to die, for he 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 ye take no atonement for the life of a murderer who is condemned -- to die, for he 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 />Ye shall not take expiation for the soul of a slayer, he who was guilty to die, for dying, he 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 />31You shall not take money of him that is guilty of blood, but he shall die forthwith. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/35.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />You shall not accept money from him who is guilty of blood, and he shall be put to death promptly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/35.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You will not accept compensation in place of the life of a murderer who deserves to die, but that person 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 />Moreover you shall accept no ransom for the life of a murderer who is subject to the death penalty; a murderer must 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 />Moreover you shall not accept a bribe for the life of a slayer, who is guilty of death; but he shall be surely 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 you shall not receive a bribe for the person of a killer who is condemned to death, but he shall certainly 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 />Moreover ye shall take no ransom for the life of a murderer, that is guilty of death; but he 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 ye shall not accept ransoms for life from a murderer who is worthy of death, for he shall be surely put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/35-31.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=10987" 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">30</span>If anyone kills a person, the murderer is to be put to death on the testimony of the witnesses. But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of a lone witness. <span class="reftext">31</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">You are not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: ṯiq·ḥū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">to accept</a> <a href="/hebrew/3724.htm" title="3724: ḵō·p̄er (N-ms) -- From kaphar; properly, a cover, i.e. a village; bitumen, and the henna plant; figuratively, a redemption-price.">a ransom</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: lə·ne·p̄eš (Prep-l:: N-fs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">for the life</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.">of a murderer</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: rā·šā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">deserves</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: lā·mūṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">to die;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: mō·wṯ (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">he must surely be put to death.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: yū·māṯ (V-Hofal-Imperf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill."></a> </span><span class="reftext">32</span>Nor should you accept a ransom for the person who flees to a city of refuge and allow him to return and live on his own land before the death of the high priest.…<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="/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="/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="/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/19-11.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="/deuteronomy/19-21.htm">Deuteronomy 19:21</a></span><br />You must show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/12-13.htm">2 Samuel 12:13-14</a></span><br />Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” “The LORD has taken away your sin,” Nathan replied. “You will not die. / Nevertheless, because by this deed you have shown utter contempt for the word of the LORD, the son born to you will surely die.”<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="/2_kings/24-4.htm">2 Kings 24:4</a></span><br />and also for the innocent blood he had shed. For he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, and the LORD was unwilling to forgive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/106-38.htm">Psalm 106:38</a></span><br />They shed innocent blood—the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-17.htm">Proverbs 28:17</a></span><br />A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-21.htm">Isaiah 1:21</a></span><br />See how the faithful city has become a harlot! She once was full of justice; righteousness resided within her, but now only murderers!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/7-23.htm">Ezekiel 7:23</a></span><br />Forge the chain, for the land is full of crimes of bloodshed, and the city is full of violence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-10.htm">Ezekiel 18:10-13</a></span><br />Now suppose that man has a violent son, who sheds blood or does any of these things, / though the father has done none of them: Indeed, the son eats at the mountain and defiles his neighbor’s wife. / He oppresses the poor and needy; he commits robbery and does not restore a pledge. He lifts his eyes to idols; he commits abominations. ...<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="/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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Moreover you shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death.</p><p class="hdg">moreover</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/21-14.htm">Exodus 21:14</a></b></br> But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.</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">guilty of death.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/32-30.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/numbers/31-50.htm">Atonement</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-6.htm">Condemned</a> <a href="/numbers/35-30.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-18.htm">Deserves</a> <a href="/numbers/35-30.htm">Die</a> <a href="/numbers/35-28.htm">Life</a> <a href="/numbers/35-30.htm">Murderer</a> <a href="/numbers/20-19.htm">Price</a> <a href="/numbers/18-16.htm">Ransom</a> <a href="/numbers/32-23.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/numbers/35-29.htm">Right</a> <a href="/exodus/21-30.htm">Satisfaction</a> <a href="/numbers/35-21.htm">Surely</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/35-32.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/numbers/35-32.htm">Atonement</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-17.htm">Condemned</a> <a href="/numbers/35-32.htm">Death</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-2.htm">Deserves</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-22.htm">Die</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/6-2.htm">Life</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-32.htm">Murderer</a> <a href="/numbers/35-32.htm">Price</a> <a href="/numbers/35-32.htm">Ransom</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/9-6.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/numbers/36-5.htm">Right</a> <a href="/numbers/35-32.htm">Satisfaction</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-35.htm">Surely</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 35</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/35-1.htm">Forty-eight cities for the Levites, with their suburbs, and measure thereof</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/35-6.htm">Six of them are to be cities of refuge</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/35-9.htm">The laws of murder and manslaughter</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/35-31.htm">No satisfaction for murder</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/35.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/35.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer</b><br>In ancient Israel, the concept of justice was deeply rooted in the law given by God. The prohibition against accepting a ransom for a murderer underscores the sanctity of life and the seriousness of taking it unlawfully. This reflects the principle of "an eye for an eye" found in <a href="/exodus/21-23.htm">Exodus 21:23-25</a>, emphasizing that justice should be proportional and not subject to financial manipulation. The idea of a ransom, or a payment to avoid punishment, was common in other ancient Near Eastern cultures, but Israel was called to a higher standard of justice that did not allow for the wealthy to escape the consequences of their actions.<p><b>who deserves to die;</b><br>The phrase "who deserves to die" indicates a legal determination made according to the law. In the Mosaic Law, certain crimes, such as premeditated murder, were considered capital offenses. This reflects the belief that life is sacred because humans are made in the image of God (<a href="/genesis/9-6.htm">Genesis 9:6</a>). The determination of guilt and the deserving of death would have been made by the community leaders or judges, ensuring that the punishment was just and not arbitrary.<p><b>he must surely be put to death.</b><br>The certainty of the punishment ("must surely be put to death") reinforces the seriousness with which God views the crime of murder. This commandment served as a deterrent to potential murderers and maintained the moral and social order within the community. It also points to the ultimate justice of God, who will not allow sin to go unpunished. In the New Testament, while the emphasis shifts to forgiveness and redemption through Christ, the seriousness of sin and the need for justice remain central themes. Jesus' sacrifice is seen as fulfilling the law's demands for justice, offering a way for sinners to be reconciled to God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites who received and communicated God's laws, including those concerning justice and the cities of refuge.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people to whom the laws were given, living in the wilderness at the time of this instruction.<br><br>3. <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 until a fair trial.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/murderer.htm">Murderer</a></b><br>An individual who intentionally takes another person's life, subject to the death penalty according to the law.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/r/ransom.htm">Ransom</a></b><br>A payment or offering that could be used in other contexts to redeem or save a life, but explicitly prohibited here for murderers.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_sanctity_of_life.htm">The Sanctity of Life</a></b><br>The command underscores the value God places on human life. Murder is a grave sin because it destroys a life made in God's image.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/justice_and_mercy.htm">Justice and Mercy</a></b><br>While God is merciful, His justice requires that certain sins, like murder, have serious consequences. This balance is crucial in understanding God's character.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_law.htm">The Role of the Law</a></b><br>The law served to maintain order and justice among the Israelites, pointing to the need for a Savior who fulfills the law perfectly.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_inviolability_of_justice.htm">The Inviolability of Justice</a></b><br>Accepting a ransom for a murderer would undermine justice. This principle teaches us the importance of upholding justice in our communities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_heart_of_the_law.htm">The Heart of the Law</a></b><br>While the law addresses external actions, Jesus teaches us to examine our hearts, where sin begins. We must guard against anger and hatred.<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/does_stoning_a_son_conflict_with_'do_not_murder'.htm">Deuteronomy 21:18–21: Does the mandate to stone a rebellious son conflict with the commandment against murder (Exodus 20:13)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_capital_punishment_contradict_mercy.htm">Does the capital punishment requirement for murderers (Numbers 35:30–31) contradict other biblical teachings about mercy and forgiveness? </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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/35.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(31, 32) <span class= "bld">Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer . . . --</span>The Israelites were not allowed to make terms with the relatives of the man who had been slain, as is not unfrequently the case at the present time; nor were they permitted to allow the man who had slain any one unintentionally to return home from the city of refuge before the death of the high priest, on the payment of a sum of money by way of compensation.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/35.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 31.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer.</span> The passion for vengeance is both bad and good, and is therefore to be carefully purified and restrained; but when the desire for vengeance can be appeased by a money payment, it has become wholly bad, and is only a despicable form of covetousness which insults the justice it pretends to invoke. Such payments or "ransoms" are permitted by the Koran, and have been common among most semi-civilized peoples, notably amongst our old English ancestors. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/35-31.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">You are not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to accept</span><br /><span class="heb">תִקְח֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(ṯiq·ḥū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a ransom</span><br /><span class="heb">כֹ֙פֶר֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḵō·p̄er)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3724.htm">Strong's 3724: </a> </span><span class="str2">A cover, a village, bitumen, the henna plant, a redemption-price</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for the life</span><br /><span class="heb">לְנֶ֣פֶשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ne·p̄eš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | 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">of a murderer</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹצֵ֔חַ</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">who</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁר־</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">deserves</span><br /><span class="heb">רָשָׁ֖ע</span> <span class="translit">(rā·šā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7563.htm">Strong's 7563: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wrong, an, bad person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to die;</span><br /><span class="heb">לָמ֑וּת</span> <span class="translit">(lā·mūṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<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 must surely be put to death.</span><br /><span class="heb">מ֖וֹת</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/35-31.htm">Numbers 35:31 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/35-31.htm">Numbers 35:31 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/35-31.htm">Numbers 35:31 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/35-31.htm">Numbers 35:31 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/35-31.htm">Numbers 35:31 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/35-31.htm">Numbers 35:31 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/35-31.htm">Numbers 35:31 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/35-31.htm">Numbers 35:31 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/35-31.htm">Numbers 35:31 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/35-31.htm">Numbers 35:31 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/35-31.htm">OT Law: Numbers 35:31 Moreover you shall take no ransom (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/35-30.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 35:30"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 35:30" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/35-32.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 35:32"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 35:32" /></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>