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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 35:30 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/35-30.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/04_Num_35_30.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 35:30 - Six Cities of Refuge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><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/35-30.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/35-30.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 30</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="/ad10.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/35-29.htm" title="Numbers 35:29">◄</a> Numbers 35:30 <a href="/numbers/35-31.htm" title="Numbers 35:31">►</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&#8217Anyone who kills a person is to be put to death as a murderer only on the testimony of witnesses. But no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/35.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“All murderers must be put to death, but only if evidence is presented by more than one witness. No one may be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/35.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“If anyone kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death on the evidence of witnesses. But no person shall be put to death on the testimony of one witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/35.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/35.htm">King James Bible</a></span><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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/35.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Whoever kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death on the testimony of witnesses; but one witness is not <i>sufficient</i> testimony against a person for the death <i>penalty.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/35.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />‘<i>If</i> anyone kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death on the testimony of witnesses, but no person shall be put to death on the testimony of <i>only</i> one witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/35.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8216If anyone kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death at the evidence of witnesses, but no person shall be put to death on the testimony of one witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/35.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />‘If anyone kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death at the evidence of witnesses, but no person shall be put to death on the testimony of one witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/35.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />‘If anyone strikes down a person, the murderer shall be put to death at the mouth of witnesses, but no person shall be put to death on the testimony of one witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/35.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />‘If anyone kills a person [intentionally], the murderer shall be put to death on the testimony of [two or more] witnesses; but no one shall be put to death on the testimony of [only] one witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/35.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“If anyone kills a person, the murderer is to be put to death based on the word of witnesses. But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of one witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/35.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If anyone kills a person, the murderer is to be put to death based on the word of witnesses. But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of one witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/35.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be slain at the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person that he die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/35.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Death is the penalty for murder. But no one accused of murder can be put to death unless there are at least two witnesses to the crime. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/35.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Whoso killeth any person, the manslayer shall be slain at the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person that he die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/35.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Whoever kills another person will be put to death as a murderer only on the testimony of more than one witness. No one can be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/35.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"Those accused of murder may be found guilty and put to death only on the evidence of two or more witnesses; the evidence of one witness is not sufficient to support an accusation of murder. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/35.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Every murderer of a human being is to be executed only according to testimony given by multiple witnesses. A single witness is not to result in a death sentence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/35.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/35.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"Whoever kills any person, the murderer must be put to death by the testimony of witnesses; but one witness cannot testify against any person to cause him to 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 />"'Whoever kills any person, the murderer shall be slain at the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person that he die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/35.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Whoever killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/35.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“‘Whoever kills any person, the murderer shall be slain based on the testimony of witnesses; but one witness shall not testify alone against any person so that he dies. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/35.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever strikes a person, by the mouth of witnesses [one] slays the murderer; and one witness does not testify against a person to cause [him] to die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/35.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> whoso smiteth a person, by the mouth of witnesses doth one slay the murderer; and one witness doth not testify against a person -- to die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/35.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Every one striking a soul by the mouth of witnesses, he shall slay the slayer: and one witness shall not testify against a soul to die.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/35.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The murderer shall be punished by witnesses: none shall be condemned upon the evidence of one man. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/35.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The punishment of a murderer shall be based upon testimony; but no one shall be condemned upon the testimony of only one person.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/35.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Whenever someone kills another, the evidence of witnesses is required to kill the murderer. A single witness does not suffice for putting a person to death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/35.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If anyone kills another, the murderer shall be put to death on the evidence of witnesses; but no one shall be put to death on the testimony of a single witness.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/35.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Whosoever kills any person, the murderer shall be put to death on the testimony of witnesses; but just one witness shall not testify against any person that he may 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 />Everyone who will kill a person, the murderer will be killed through the mouth of witnesses, and one witness shall not testify against a soul that he would be put to death.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/35.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be slain at the mouth of witnesses; but one witness shall not testify against any person that he die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/35.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Whoever kills a man, thou shalt slay the murderer on the testimony of witnesses; and one witness shall not testify against a soul that he should die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/35-30.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=10975" 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">29</span>This will be a statutory ordinance for you for the generations to come, wherever you live. <span class="reftext">30</span><span class="highl"><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.">If anyone</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: mak·kêh- (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-msc) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">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/7523.htm" title="7523: yir·ṣaḥ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To murder, slay. A primitive root; properly, to dash in pieces, i.e. Kill, especially to murder.">the murderer</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></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.">is to be put to death</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: lə·p̄î (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">on the testimony</a> <a href="/hebrew/5707.htm" title="5707: ‘ê·ḏîm (N-mp) -- A witness. Contracted from uwd; concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e. Prince.">of the witnesses.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">But no</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: ḇə·ne·p̄eš (Prep-b:: N-fs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">one</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.">is to be put to death</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: ya·‘ă·neh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To answer, respond.">based on the testimony</a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: ’e·ḥāḏ (Number-ms) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">of a lone</a> <a href="/hebrew/5707.htm" title="5707: wə·‘êḏ (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- A witness. Contracted from uwd; concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e. Prince.">witness.</a> </span><span class="reftext">31</span>You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he 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="/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Deuteronomy 17:6</a></span><br />On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but he shall not be executed on the testimony of a lone witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a></span><br />A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-16.htm">Matthew 18:16</a></span><br />But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/10-28.htm">Hebrews 10:28</a></span><br />Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-17.htm">John 8:17</a></span><br />Even in your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-19.htm">1 Timothy 5:19</a></span><br />Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-58.htm">Acts 7:58</a></span><br />They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/6-13.htm">Acts 6:13</a></span><br />where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/21-13.htm">1 Kings 21:13</a></span><br />And the two scoundrels came in and sat opposite Naboth, and these men testified against him before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king!” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death.<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="/1_samuel/14-45.htm">1 Samuel 14:45</a></span><br />But the people said to Saul, “Must Jonathan die—he who accomplished such a great deliverance for Israel? Never! As surely as the LORD lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for with God’s help he has accomplished this today.” So the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/1-16.htm">2 Samuel 1:16</a></span><br />For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/10-6.htm">2 Kings 10:6</a></span><br />Then Jehu wrote them a second letter and said: “If you are on my side, and if you will obey me, then bring the heads of your master’s sons to me at Jezreel by this time tomorrow.” Now the sons of the king, seventy in all, were being brought up by the leading men of the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/24-14.htm">Leviticus 24:14</a></span><br />“Take the blasphemer outside the camp, and have all who heard him lay their hands on his head; then have the whole assembly stone him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/21-12.htm">Exodus 21:12</a></span><br />Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Whoever kills any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Deuteronomy 17:6,7</a></b></br> At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; <i>but</i> at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a></b></br> One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/18-16.htm">Matthew 18:16</a></b></br> But if he will not hear <i>thee, then</i> take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/32-15.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/numbers/35-23.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/numbers/35-28.htm">Death</a> <a href="/numbers/35-23.htm">Die</a> <a href="/exodus/22-13.htm">Evidence</a> <a href="/numbers/35-15.htm">Killeth</a> <a href="/numbers/35-27.htm">Kills</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-21.htm">Mortally</a> <a href="/numbers/32-24.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/numbers/35-21.htm">Murderer</a> <a href="/numbers/35-27.htm">Slain</a> <a href="/numbers/35-27.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/numbers/35-21.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/numbers/24-8.htm">Smiteth</a> <a href="/leviticus/5-1.htm">Testify</a> <a href="/numbers/18-2.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/numbers/18-2.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/revelation/17-6.htm">Witnesses</a> <a href="/numbers/31-16.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/35-33.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-42.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/numbers/35-31.htm">Death</a> <a href="/numbers/35-31.htm">Die</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Evidence</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Killeth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-42.htm">Kills</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Mortally</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-26.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/numbers/35-31.htm">Murderer</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-4.htm">Slain</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/9-28.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-44.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Smiteth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/8-19.htm">Testify</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-20.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-26.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Witnesses</a> <a href="/numbers/36-5.htm">Word</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 anyone kills a person</b><br>This phrase establishes the context of the law concerning murder. In the ancient Israelite society, the sanctity of life was paramount, reflecting the belief that humans are made in the image of God (<a href="/genesis/1-27.htm">Genesis 1:27</a>). The act of taking a life was not only a crime against the individual but also an offense against God. This law underscores the seriousness of murder and the need for justice.<p><b>the murderer is to be put to death</b><br>Capital punishment for murder is prescribed here, reflecting the principle of "life for life" found in the Mosaic Law (<a href="/exodus/21-23.htm">Exodus 21:23</a>). This reflects the justice system of ancient Israel, where the death penalty served as a deterrent and a means of purging evil from the community (<a href="/deuteronomy/19-19.htm">Deuteronomy 19:19</a>). It also highlights the value placed on human life and the need for retribution in cases of intentional killing.<p><b>on the testimony of the witnesses</b><br>The requirement for witnesses is crucial in ensuring justice. In the ancient Near East, legal proceedings relied heavily on eyewitness testimony. <a href="/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Deuteronomy 17:6 and 19</a>:15 emphasize the necessity of multiple witnesses to establish a matter, preventing false accusations and ensuring a fair trial. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus and Paul refer to the need for two or three witnesses (<a href="/matthew/18-16.htm">Matthew 18:16</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/13.htm">2 Corinthians 13:1</a>).<p><b>But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of a lone witness</b><br>This provision protects against wrongful execution by requiring corroboration. It reflects God's justice and mercy, ensuring that the legal system is not abused. The need for multiple witnesses serves as a safeguard against false testimony, which is condemned in the Ten Commandments (<a href="/exodus/20-16.htm">Exodus 20:16</a>). This principle of requiring multiple witnesses is a recurring theme in biblical justice, emphasizing the importance of truth and fairness in legal matters.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/murderer.htm">Murderer</a></b><br>The individual who has unlawfully taken the life of another person. In the context of <a href="/bsb/numbers/35.htm">Numbers 35</a>, this refers to someone who has committed intentional homicide.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/w/witnesses.htm">Witnesses</a></b><br>Individuals who have seen or have direct knowledge of the murder. The requirement for multiple witnesses underscores the importance of reliable testimony in capital cases.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelite_community.htm">Israelite Community</a></b><br>The broader community to whom these laws were given, emphasizing the communal responsibility in upholding justice.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/c/cities_of_refuge.htm">Cities of Refuge</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they are part of the broader context of <a href="/bsb/numbers/35.htm">Numbers 35</a>, providing asylum for those accused of manslaughter until a fair trial could be conducted.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/mosaic_law.htm">Mosaic Law</a></b><br>The legal and moral code given to the Israelites through Moses, which includes the laws concerning murder and justice.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_sanctity_of_life.htm">The Sanctity of Life</a></b><br>The requirement for multiple witnesses underscores the value God places on human life and the need for careful deliberation before taking a life in judgment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/justice_and_fairness.htm">Justice and Fairness</a></b><br>The law protects against false accusations and wrongful executions, emphasizing the importance of justice and fairness in legal proceedings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a></b><br>The involvement of witnesses and the community in the judicial process highlights the collective responsibility to uphold justice and truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_testimony.htm">Integrity in Testimony</a></b><br>The necessity for multiple witnesses calls for integrity and honesty in giving testimony, reflecting the character of God who is just and true.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/biblical_principles_in_modern_justice.htm">Biblical Principles in Modern Justice</a></b><br>The principles of requiring corroborated evidence can be applied to modern justice systems, ensuring that decisions are made based on truth and fairness.<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/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/what_does_bloodguilt_mean.htm">What does bloodguilt mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_feasible_were_30,000_sacrifices.htm">How could 2 Chronicles 35:7's massive number of sacrificed animals (30,000 lambs and goats) be logistically and historically feasible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_the_avenger_system_fair_in_ancient_times.htm">How plausible is it that the avenger of blood system (Numbers 35:19) was enforced fairly in the context of ancient Near Eastern tribal justice?</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>(30) <span class= "bld">By the mouth of witnesses.--</span>The number of witnesses is not here specified. In <a href="/deuteronomy/17-6.htm" title="At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.">Deuteronomy 17:6</a> it is ordained that the crime of idolatry should be punished with death "at the mouth of two witnesses, or of three witnesses;" and in <a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm" title="One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sins: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.">Deuteronomy 19:15</a> it is ordained in general terms that "one witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/35.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 30.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">By the mouth of witnesses,</span> <span class="accented">i.e.,<span class="cmt_word"></span></span> of two at least (cf. <a href="/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Deuteronomy 17:6</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/35-30.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 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">kills</span><br /><span class="heb">מַ֨כֵּה־</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">נֶ֔פֶשׁ</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">the murderer</span><br /><span class="heb">יִרְצַ֖ח</span> <span class="translit">(yir·ṣaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person 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">is to be put to death</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרֹצֵ֑חַ</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">on the testimony</span><br /><span class="heb">לְפִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(lə·p̄î)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of [multiple] witnesses.</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵדִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·ḏîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5707.htm">Strong's 5707: </a> </span><span class="str2">A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince</span><br /><br /><span class="word">But no</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">one</span><br /><span class="heb">בְנֶ֖פֶשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·ne·p̄eš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | 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">is to be put to death</span><br /><span class="heb">לָמֽוּת׃</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">based on the testimony</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲנֶ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·neh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of a lone</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶחָ֔ד</span> <span class="translit">(’e·ḥāḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> </span><span class="str2">United, one, first</span><br /><br /><span class="word">witness.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעֵ֣ד</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘êḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5707.htm">Strong's 5707: </a> </span><span class="str2">A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/35-30.htm">Numbers 35:30 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/35-30.htm">Numbers 35:30 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/35-30.htm">Numbers 35:30 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/35-30.htm">Numbers 35:30 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/35-30.htm">Numbers 35:30 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/35-30.htm">Numbers 35:30 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/35-30.htm">Numbers 35:30 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/35-30.htm">Numbers 35:30 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/35-30.htm">Numbers 35:30 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/35-30.htm">Numbers 35:30 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/35-30.htm">OT Law: Numbers 35:30 Whoever kills any person the murderer shall (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/35-29.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 35:29"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 35:29" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/35-31.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 35:31"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 35:31" /></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>