Cities of Refuge
Numbers 35:6-34
Num.35.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- הערים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תתנו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- ללוים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,def
- את: PRT,acc
- שש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ערי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- המקלט: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תתנו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- לנס: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמה: ADV
- הרצח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ועליהם: CONJ+PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- תתנו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- ארבעים: NUM,m,pl
- ושתים: CONJ+NUM,card
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 35:2-8 (verbal): Immediate context that prescribes giving cities to the Levites, defining their number and suburbs — direct continuation and repetition of the same provision.
- Joshua 20:7-9 (structural): Records the appointment of the six cities of refuge (three on each side of the Jordan) and their function — parallels the specific designation of six refuge-cities given to the Levites.
- Joshua 21:41-42 (verbal): States that the Levites received forty‑eight cities in Israel (commonly counted as six cities of refuge plus forty‑two other Levitical towns), directly corresponding to the numbers in Numbers 35:6.
- Deuteronomy 4:41-43 (thematic): Commands the setting apart of three cities beyond the Jordan and three in Canaan as places of refuge — an earlier formulation of the six-city arrangement reflected in Numbers 35:6.
- Deuteronomy 19:1-13 (thematic): Lays out the law and purpose of the cities of refuge and the asylum procedure for manslaughter, providing the legal-theological background for the cities mentioned in Numbers 35:6.
Alternative generated candidates
- And of the cities that you give to the Levites—the six cities of refuge that you shall give for the one who flees there from the avenger of blood—of these you shall give forty-two cities.
- And of the cities that you give to the Levites, you shall give six cities of refuge to which the manslayer may flee; and to them you shall give forty-two cities.
Num.35.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כל: DET
- הערים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תתנו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- ללוים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,def
- ארבעים: NUM,m,pl
- ושמנה: CONJ+NUM,card
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אתהן: PART+PRON,3,f,pl
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשיהן: NOUN,m,pl,abs+SUF,3,f,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 35:6 (verbal): Immediate context: specifies that six of the Levitical cities are to be cities of refuge — part of the same set of instructions about giving cities and their suburbs to the Levites.
- Joshua 21:41 (structural): Fulfillment account: records the actual allotment of Levitical towns in the land and gives the same total of forty‑eight cities.
- Leviticus 25:32-34 (thematic): Legal/ritual background: discusses the provision of cities (and their redemption rules) given to the Levites and repeats the principle that the Levites have no tribal land inheritance.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54 (verbal): Historical summary: repeats the tradition that forty‑eight cities were assigned to the Levites, echoing the number and distribution found in Numbers and Joshua.
Alternative generated candidates
- All the cities that you give to the Levites shall be forty-eight cities, with their pasture-lands.
- All the cities that you give to the Levites shall be forty-eight cities with their suburbs.
Num.35.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והערים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תתנו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- מאחזת: NOUN,f,pl,cstr
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאת: PREP
- הרב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- תרבו: VERB,qal,imprf,2,m,pl
- ומאת: NUM,m,sg,abs
- המעט: NOUN,m,sg,def
- תמעיטו: VERB,qal,impf,2,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כפי: PREP
- נחלתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ינחלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- יתן: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- מעריו: NOUN,f,pl,abs,3,ms
- ללוים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Joshua 21:1-4; 21:41-42 (structural): Joshua records the actual allotment of cities to the Levites from the tribal inheritances, fulfilling and implementing the command in Numbers 35 to give cities from Israel's possession.
- Deuteronomy 10:9 (thematic): Declares that Levi has no portion or inheritance with his brothers and that the LORD is his inheritance — the principle underlying the giving of cities from others' tribal lands in Num 35:8.
- Numbers 18:20-24 (verbal): Explains that the Levites have no hereditary portion among the Israelites and that the LORD is their inheritance, language and legal rationale closely related to the instruction in Num 35:8 about granting cities rather than land inheritance.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54-81 (structural): Provides a list of Levitical cities and their tribal sources, paralleling Numbers 35:8 by showing how Israel apportioned cities to the Levites from the tribal inheritances.
Alternative generated candidates
- The cities that you give shall be taken from the possession of the people of Israel; from the larger you shall increase, and from the smaller you shall decrease—each according to the inheritance that he receives shall he give of his cities to the Levites.
- And the cities that you give from the possession of the people of Israel—of the many you shall take more, and of the few you shall take less; every one shall give of his cities according to the inheritance that he inherits to the Levites.
Num.35.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- Exod.6:2 (verbal): Same prophetic formula introducing divine speech to Moses — 'And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him,' used to introduce commandments or revelations.
- Lev.1:1 (verbal): Another frequent introduction — 'And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him' — same address/formula marking God’s instructions to Moses.
- Deut.19:1-13 (thematic): Restates and expands laws concerning cities of refuge and homicide procedure; thematically parallels the subject matter that Numbers 35 introduces.
- Josh.20:1-9 (thematic): Joshua’s enactment of the cities of refuge; a later, structural implementation of the commands first given in Numbers 35.
- Num.35:10-15 (structural): Immediate continuation of Num.35:9 — the very commands and specifications that follow the introductory formula in v.9 are given in these verses.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
- And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
Num.35.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואמרת: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אלהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- עברים: PART,qal,ptcp,act,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ארצה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כנען: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 1:2 (thematic): God commissions the people to cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan under new leadership—same basic movement and promise of entry into the land referred to in Num 35:10.
- Numbers 33:51-53 (verbal): Within the same narrative cycle these verses use similar language about coming into the land of Canaan and give instructions for conduct and possession upon entering the land.
- Deuteronomy 4:41 (structural): Moses designates three cities beyond the Jordan as cities of refuge—directly parallel in purpose and location to the instructions that follow Num 35:10.
- Deuteronomy 19:1-2 (thematic): Commands to set apart cities for asylum 'when the LORD your God cuts off the nations' and you enter the land echo Num 35:10’s framing of obligations tied to crossing the Jordan into Canaan.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them: When you cross over the Jordan into the land of Canaan,
- “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan,
Num.35.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והקריתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ערי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- מקלט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תהיינה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- ונס: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שמה: ADV
- רצח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- נפש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בשגגה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Deut.19:1-13 (verbal): Reiterates the law of designating cities of refuge for one who kills unintentionally, using similar wording and procedural detail (עיר מקלט, נס שמה רצח מכה־נפש בשגגה).
- Josh.20:1-9 (quotation): Narrative account of implementing the command: Joshua sets apart the cities of refuge in the land, repeating the statutory provisions for the manslayer's flight and protection.
- Num.35:9-15 (structural): Immediate legislative context within the same chapter that defines the purpose, designation, and boundaries of the cities of refuge and the protection afforded to unintentional manslayers.
- Deut.4:41-43 (thematic): Applies the cities-of-refuge institution to the trans-Jordan tribes, specifying three designated refuge cities east of the Jordan — an application of the same legal framework.
Alternative generated candidates
- you shall appoint for yourselves cities; they shall be cities of refuge—an asylum there for the slayer who strikes a person unintentionally.
- you shall appoint cities for yourselves—cities of refuge shall they be for you; and the manslayer who strikes unintentionally may flee there.
Num.35.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והיו: CONJ+VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- הערים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- למקלט: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מגאל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- ימות: VERB,qal,juss,3,m,sg
- הרצח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עד: PREP
- עמדו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- לפני: PREP
- העדה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- למשפט: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 19:1-13 (verbal): Repeats the law distinguishing accidental manslaughter from murder and prescribes cities of refuge where the manslayer may flee and stand trial before the congregation.
- Deuteronomy 4:41-43 (quotation): Explicitly commands the designation of three cities of refuge beyond the Jordan — a near‑verbatim instruction paralleling Numbers' mandate.
- Joshua 20:1-9 (structural): Narrative implementation of the command: Joshua sets apart the cities of refuge and explains the procedure for the manslayer to live there until trial.
- 1 Kings 2:28-34 (thematic): Story of Joab seeking sanctuary but being put to death anyway — thematically related to the limits and political tensions surrounding asylum and the protection of those who flee to sacred refuge.
Alternative generated candidates
- They shall be for you a refuge from the avenger; the slayer shall not die until he stands before the congregation to be adjudicated.
- And they shall be a refuge for you from the avenger of blood, and the manslayer shall not die until he stands before the congregation for judgment.
Num.35.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והערים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תתנו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- שש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ערי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- מקלט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תהיינה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 35:6 (verbal): Uses the same phrase and legal context about setting apart six cities as 'cities of refuge' and specifies their function and suburban limits.
- Deuteronomy 19:2-3 (thematic): Gives parallel legislation about appointing cities of refuge when Israel's borders expand; repeats the purpose and procedural intent of the refuge cities.
- Deuteronomy 4:41-43 (allusion): Earlier instruction to set aside three cities beyond Jordan for manslayers; relates to the broader Deuteronomic tradition of designating refuge cities.
- Joshua 20:1-9 (quotation): Records the actual designation of the six cities of refuge in Israel (fulfilling the command), repeating and applying the laws given in Numbers and Deuteronomy.
- Numbers 35:9-12 (structural): Immediate context that defines the purpose and legal procedures for the cities of refuge, explaining why six such cities must be provided.
Alternative generated candidates
- The cities that you give shall be six cities of refuge for you.
- The cities that you give shall be six cities of refuge for you.
Num.35.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- את: PRT,acc
- שלש: NUM,card,f,sg
- הערים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- תתנו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- מעבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לירדן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- שלש: NUM,card,f,sg
- הערים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- תתנו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- כנען: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ערי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- מקלט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תהיינה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 19:2-3 (verbal): Repeats the command to set apart cities of refuge (three beyond the Jordan and three in the land) with similar legal language specifying their purpose for manslayers.
- Joshua 20:7-9 (quotation): Joshua implements Moses’ law by designating the six cities (three east, three west) as cities of refuge and instructing the people about their use — a direct repetition/fulfillment of the provision.
- Deuteronomy 4:41-43 (allusion): An earlier narrative notice that the LORD set aside three cities beyond the Jordan as cities of refuge; an antecedent account of the same territorial arrangement.
- Numbers 35:11 (structural): A neighbouring verse in the same chapter that states the six cities shall be cities of refuge and elaborates the legal provisions — an internal restatement/expansion of verse 14.
Alternative generated candidates
- Three of the cities you shall give beyond the Jordan, and three of the cities you shall give in the land of Canaan; they shall be cities of refuge.
- Three of the cities you shall give beyond the Jordan, and three of the cities you shall give in the land of Canaan; they shall be cities of refuge.
Num.35.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לבני: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולגר: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולתושב: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בתוכם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- תהיינה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
- שש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הערים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- למקלט: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לנוס: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- שמה: ADV
- כל: DET
- מכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- נפש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בשגגה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 19:1-13 (thematic): Gives the same legal framework for cities of refuge (procedures for manslaughter, sanctuary, and protection from avenger of blood), closely paralleling Numbers 35’s law about where an inadvertent killer may flee.
- Joshua 20:1-9 (structural): Narrates the practical establishment and designation of the six cities of refuge in the land (naming locations and assigning them), implementing the law stated in Numbers 35:15.
- Exodus 21:12-13 (thematic): Distinguishes intentional murder from accidental killing and sets the principle that an unintentional killer is not to be put to death—the underlying legal rationale for flight to a city of refuge in Numbers 35:15.
- Deuteronomy 4:41-43 (allusion): An earlier mention of three cities east of the Jordan set aside for manslayers (Bezer, Ramoth, Golan), which corresponds to the broader system of refuge cities later described in Numbers 35 and Joshua 20.
Alternative generated candidates
- To the Israelites, and to the foreigner and to the resident alien within them, these six cities shall be refuge—for any slayer who flees there unintentionally.
- They shall be for the people of Israel and for the stranger and the sojourner among them; that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there.
Num.35.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואם: CONJ
- בכלי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ברזל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכהו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- וימת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- רצח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- מות: VERB,qal,infabs
- יומת: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
- הרצח: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Exodus 21:12 (verbal): Gives the same legal rule: 'He who strikes a man so that he dies shall be put to death'—a direct parallel statement of the death penalty for killing.
- Leviticus 24:17 (verbal): Declares that whoever kills a human being is to be put to death, reinforcing the Torah's general prohibition and penalty for homicide.
- Deuteronomy 19:11 (verbal): Describes a person who rises up against another and strikes him fatally; if found, he shall die—echoing Numbers' wording distinguishing deliberate murder.
- Joshua 20:3-6 (structural): Sets up the cities of refuge and distinguishes accidental manslaughter from premeditated murder, implementing the same remedial/penal structure laid out in Numbers 35.
Alternative generated candidates
- But if he strikes him with an iron implement and he dies, the slayer is a murderer; the murderer shall be put to death.
- If he strikes him with an iron instrument so that he dies, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death.
Num.35.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואם: CONJ
- באבן: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ימות: VERB,qal,juss,3,m,sg
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- הכהו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- וימת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- רצח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- מות: VERB,qal,infabs
- יומת: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
- הרצח: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Exodus 21:12 (verbal): Near-verbatim legal formula: 'He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death'—same prohibition against intentional killing.
- Leviticus 24:17 (verbal): Concise statutory statement: 'And he that killeth any man shall be put to death'—reiterates the capital penalty for killing.
- Deuteronomy 19:11-13 (structural): Distinguishes premeditated murder (liable to death at the hand of the avenger) from other killings and prescribes procedures for dealing with suspected murderers—parallels Numbers' concern with intent and the avenger of blood.
- Joshua 20:3-6 (thematic): Institutes the cities of refuge for manslayers as commanded earlier; connects Numbers 35's treatment of accidental versus intentional killing and the refuge/avenger system.
Alternative generated candidates
- Or if he strikes him with a handheld stone and he dies, the slayer is a murderer; the murderer shall be put to death.
- If he strikes him with a stone tool that he dies, and it is an apparent instrument of death, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death.
Num.35.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- או: CONJ
- בכלי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ימות: VERB,qal,juss,3,m,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- הכהו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg+PRON,3,m,sg
- וימת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- רצח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- מות: VERB,qal,infabs
- יומת: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
- הרצח: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Exod.21.12-14 (verbal): States the basic rule that one who strikes a person causing death shall be put to death and draws the same distinction between intentional killing and slaying without premeditation.
- Deut.19.4-13 (thematic): Develops the distinction between unintentional manslaughter and deliberate murder and prescribes procedures (including removal from the altar) and punishment for the murderer, paralleling Numbers' concern with intent and sanctuary.
- Josh.20.3-6 (structural): Prescribes the appointment and function of cities of refuge for manslayers who killed unintentionally, reflecting the institutional resolution to the manslaughter/murder distinction found in Numbers 35.
- Num.35.16-21 (verbal): Immediate context specifying weapons and circumstances (stone, timber, or with intent) that determine whether a killing is murder; directly parallels and clarifies v.18’s rule about death for intentional killing.
- Lev.24.17-18 (verbal): Presents the general law—'whoever kills a person shall be put to death'—echoing the capital penalty for unlawful killing that Numbers 35:18 applies to intentional homicide.
Alternative generated candidates
- Or if he strikes him with a wooden implement and he dies, the slayer is a murderer; the murderer shall be put to death.
- Or if he strikes him with any wooden weapon of hand that causes death, and he dies, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death.
Num.35.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- גאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs,def
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ימית: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הרצח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בפגעו: PREP+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ימיתנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 35:21-22 (structural): Immediate context in the same chapter expands the rule that the avenger of blood may kill the murderer when encountered; repeats and clarifies the procedure for inadvertent vs. intentional killing.
- Deuteronomy 19:11-13 (allusion): Gives the same legal principle for the avenger of blood pursuing and executing a murderer who met him deliberately — same law applied in a different setting.
- Exodus 21:12-14 (verbal): States that one who strikes a man so that he dies shall be put to death and distinguishes premeditated murder (punishable) from accidental killing, echoing the Numbers prohibition and sanction.
- Genesis 9:6 (thematic): Articulates the general principle that shedding human blood requires capital punishment ('by man shall his blood be shed'), providing the moral/theological basis behind the law about the avenger of blood.
- Leviticus 24:17 (thematic): Declares that whoever takes a human life shall be put to death, a parallel legal statement reinforcing the sanction against unlawful killing found in Numbers 35:19.
Alternative generated candidates
- The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death; the avenger himself shall put him to death when he meets him.
- The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death; when he meets him he shall put him to death.
Num.35.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואם: CONJ
- בשנאה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהדפנו: VERB,hif,impf,3,m,sg
- או: CONJ
- השליך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- בצדיה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- וימת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exod.21:13 (verbal): Uses virtually the same formulation distinguishing a person who 'pushed him suddenly without enmity' (or hurled something) from deliberate murder; legal parallel on accidental killing vs murder.
- Deut.19:4-5 (thematic): Contrasts intentional homicide with accidental killing and prescribes that the manslayer may flee to a city of refuge—same protective provision against the avenger of blood.
- Josh.20:3-6 (structural): Gives the practical enactment of cities of refuge to which one who killed unintentionally could flee and find asylum until adjudication or the death of the high priest.
- Num.35:21-23 (structural): Immediate context in the same chapter further explicates the distinction between premeditated murder and a sudden, accidental act and its different legal outcomes.
Alternative generated candidates
- But if he pushed him away in hatred, or hurled something at him with intent so that he died,
- But if he pushes him suddenly without enmity, or throws anything at him by chance, and it dies,
Num.35.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- או: CONJ
- באיבה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הכהו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בידו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- וימת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מות: VERB,qal,infabs
- יומת: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
- המכה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- רצח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- גאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs,def
- ימית: VERB,hiphil,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הרצח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בפגעו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exod.21:12-14 (verbal): Declares the death penalty for one who strikes and kills another, and distinguishes premeditated murder from accidental killing — close legal and verbal parallel to Numbers 35:21.
- Deut.19:11-13 (verbal): Speaks of a killer who 'hated' his victim and lay in wait, and prescribes that the avenger of blood shall put him to death — echoes the language and motive distinction in Num 35:21.
- Deut.19:4-6 (thematic): Sets out the city-of-refuge system and contrasts manslaughter (protected) with deliberate murder (pursued by the avenger), providing the broader legal framework behind Num 35:21.
- Josh.20:3-6 (structural): Implementation of the cities of refuge: distinguishes those who flee for accidental killing from those handed over for intentional murder — practical counterpart to the rule in Numbers 35.
- Lev.24:17 (verbal): States the basic principle 'whoever takes a human life shall surely be put to death,' mirroring the categorical punishment for intentional killing found in Num 35:21.
Alternative generated candidates
- or in enmity struck him with his hand and he died—then the slayer shall be put to death; the avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death when he meets him.
- or in enmity strikes him with his hand so that he dies—or in hatred he struck him and he died—the slayer is a murderer; the avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death when he meets him.
Num.35.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואם: CONJ
- בפתע: PREP
- בלא: PREP
- איבה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הדפו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- או: CONJ
- השליך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- כלי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- בלא: PREP
- צדיה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 21:13-14 (thematic): Distinguishes intentional murder from killing without premeditation and links non‑premeditated killings to a different legal outcome (place of refuge vs death).
- Deuteronomy 19:4-6 (verbal): Discusses cities of refuge and the manslayer who kills 'without enmity' or suddenly, using similar legal language and purpose as Numbers 35.22–24.
- Joshua 20:3-6 (structural): Describes the designation and function of the cities of refuge and the procedure for a manslayer to flee there, paralleling the institutional remedy in Numbers 35.
- Deuteronomy 19:11-13 (thematic): Contrasts cases of hatred, ambush, and murder (subject to the avenger of blood) with accidental killing, highlighting the legal distinction underlying Num 35.22.
Alternative generated candidates
- And if it was by chance, without enmity, that he pushed him or hurled any object at him without intent,
- And if he pushed him suddenly without intent, or threw at him by chance any object without enmity,
Num.35.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- או: CONJ
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ימות: VERB,qal,juss,3,m,sg
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- בלא: PREP
- ראות: VERB,qal,ptc,3,f,pl
- ויפל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- וימת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- אויב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- מבקש: VERB,qal,ptc,ms,sg
- רעתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 19:4-13 (thematic): Gives the law of the cities of refuge and distinguishes accidental killing from premeditated murder; provides the broader legal context for a death caused 'without enmity.'
- Joshua 20:3-6 (structural): Repeats the establishment and function of the cities of refuge and the procedure for an unintentional slayer to flee and be protected—close parallel to Numbers 35's provisions.
- Exodus 21:12-14 (thematic): Sets out the distinction between intentional homicide and accidental killing (and the differing penalties), which undergirds the sanctuary-city rules exemplified in Num 35:23.
- Deuteronomy 4:41-43 (verbal): Specifies the three cities beyond the Jordan designated as refuges (Bezer, Ramoth, Golan), echoing the same refuge scheme described in Numbers 35.
Alternative generated candidates
- or by any stone that struck and caused his death unexpectedly—if it fell upon him and he died, and he was not his enemy and did not seek his harm,
- or with any stone by which he could die, without having seen him and he falls on him and dies—though he was not his enemy and had no intent of harm—
Num.35.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושפטו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- העדה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- בין: PREP
- המכה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ובין: CONJ+PREP
- גאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs,def
- על: PREP
- המשפטים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 35:25 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same law — the congregation judges between the slayer and the avenger according to these statutes.
- Deuteronomy 19:6-13 (verbal): Repeats the cities-of-refuge procedure and the role of the community/judges in distinguishing accidental slaying from murder and protecting the fugitive from the avenger of blood.
- Joshua 20:4-6 (verbal): Application of the cities-of-refuge regulations in Israel's settlement — elders/priests judge and determine safety for the slayer from the avenger of blood.
- Exodus 21:13-14 (thematic): Distinguishes intentional murder from accidental killing, providing the legal rationale behind sending an unintentional slayer to a place of refuge and the community's involvement in adjudication.
Alternative generated candidates
- the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances.
- then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances.
Num.35.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והצילו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- העדה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- הרצח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מיד: PREP
- גאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs,def
- והשיבו: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- העדה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מקלטו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נס: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמה: ADV
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- עד: PREP
- מות: VERB,qal,infabs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הגדל: ADJ,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- משח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- בשמן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הקדש: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Deut.19:8-13 (verbal): Reiterates the cities-of-refuge procedure: the congregation delivers/returns the slayer to the city and protects him from the avenger, repeating the legal framework for asylum.
- Josh.20:4-6 (verbal): Joshua's enactment of the same ordinance: fugitives are brought to designated cities of refuge and must remain there until the death of the priest—close verbal and functional parallel.
- Num.35:27 (structural): Immediate parallel within the same chapter restating that the manslayer shall not be delivered to the avenger of blood until the death of the priest—same legal provision in a neighboring verse.
- Exod.21:12-14 (thematic): Distinguishes intentional murder from accidental killing and outlines different consequences; provides the broader legal context for why cities of refuge and protection from the 'avenger of blood' exist.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the congregation shall rescue the slayer from the hand of the avenger of blood and send him back to the city of refuge to which he fled; he shall remain there until the death of the high priest who was anointed with the holy oil.
- And the congregation shall deliver the slayer from the hand of the avenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to his city of refuge to which he had fled, and he shall dwell there until the death of the high priest who was anointed with the holy oil.
Num.35.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואם: CONJ
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הרצח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- גבול: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מקלטו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ינוס: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שמה: ADV
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 19:4-6 (verbal): Commands the fleeing manslayer to take refuge in designated cities and provides that he is protected there; if he leaves the city the protection is lost—language and legal consequence parallel to Num 35:26.
- Joshua 20:3-6 (structural): Joshua implements the cities of refuge and repeats the rule that the manslayer is safe within the city but may be slain by the avenger if he goes outside the city's border—closely parallels Numbers' provisions.
- Numbers 35:27 (verbal): Immediate parallel/continuation in the same chapter: explicitly states that the avenger of blood may kill the manslayer if he meets him outside the city of refuge, completing the legal disposition begun in v.26.
- Leviticus 24:17-22 (thematic): Sets forth the principle of lex talionis ('life for life') and equal retribution; provides the broader legal-theological background for the role of the avenger of blood and the cities-of-refuge system.
Alternative generated candidates
- But if the slayer at any time goes out beyond the border of the city of refuge to which he fled,
- But if the slayer goes out beyond the border of his city of refuge,
Num.35.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומצא: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- גאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs,def
- מחוץ: PREP
- לגבול: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מקלטו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss3,m,sg
- ורצח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- גאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs,def
- את: PRT,acc
- הרצח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אין: PART,neg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- דם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 19:12-13 (verbal): Gives the same legal provision: if the manslayer goes outside the city of refuge and the avenger finds him, the avenger may kill him and is not guilty of blood — near-verbal parallel to Num 35:27.
- Joshua 20:9 (verbal): Repeats the cities-of-refuge statute in the context of Joshua's settlement: if the avenger overtakes the slayer outside the city, killing him is not considered bloodguilt — closely parallels Num 35:27.
- Numbers 35:25 (structural): Immediate contextual parallel within the same chapter describing the manslayer's asylum in the city of refuge and the conditions (remaining until the high priest's death) that secure safety; Num 35:27 states the related exception.
- Deuteronomy 19:4-6 (thematic): Sets out the broader law and purpose of cities of refuge — that the accused may flee there to escape the avenger until proper adjudication — providing the legal and theological background for Num 35:27's exception.
Alternative generated candidates
- and the avenger of blood finds him outside the border of his city of refuge and kills the slayer, the avenger shall not be guilty.
- and the avenger of blood finds him outside the border of the city of refuge, and the avenger of blood kills the slayer, he shall not be guilty of blood.
Num.35.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- בעיר: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מקלטו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss:3ms
- ישב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עד: PREP
- מות: VERB,qal,infabs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הגדל: ADJ,m,sg,def
- ואחרי: CONJ
- מות: VERB,qal,infabs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הגדל: ADJ,m,sg,def
- ישוב: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,sg
- הרצח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אחזתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m
Parallels
- Joshua 20:6-9 (quotation): Reiterates the same ordinance almost verbatim: the manslayer must remain in the city of refuge 'until the death of the priest' and then may return to his possession.
- Deuteronomy 19:1-13 (thematic): Gives the earlier legal foundation for cities of refuge—who may flee there and their protection—providing the broader legislative context for Num 35:28 (though Deut. does not spell out the priest's death clause).
- Numbers 35:25 (verbal): Immediate legal parallel within the same chapter: prescribes the congregation’s judgment and repeats that the manslayer shall dwell in the city until the death of the priest, linking procedural judgment to the return-home provision in 35:28.
- Numbers 35:9-15 (structural): Sets up the establishment and boundaries of the cities of refuge and who is entitled to them; serves as the structural context for the later provision in 35:28 about remaining until the priest’s death.
Alternative generated candidates
- For the slayer must remain in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest; after the death of the high priest the slayer may return to the land of his possession.
- For the slayer shall dwell in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest; and after the death of the high priest the slayer shall return to the land of his possession.
Num.35.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והיו: CONJ+VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- לחקת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- משפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לדרתיכם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מושבתיכם: NOUN,f,pl,abs,2,mp
Parallels
- Num.15:16 (verbal): Uses the same idea and near-verbatim language about a single statute/ordinance applying 'throughout your generations' to all dwellings (Israelites and sojourners).
- Lev.18:4-5 (thematic): Commands obedience to God's statutes and judgments as enduring norms for Israel's life, linking observance of rites/judgments with identity and continuity.
- Deut.4:1-2,5 (verbal): Moses frames God's commands as statutes and judgments to be taught and kept across generations, warning against adding or taking away—echoing 'for your generations' language.
- Deut.17:11 (thematic): Affirms submission to judicial decisions ('according to the sentence') as binding practice—paralleling the enforcement of statutes and judgments throughout the community.
Alternative generated candidates
- These things shall be for you a statutory ordinance of judgment throughout your generations in all your settlements.
- And these things shall be a statute of judgment to you throughout your generations in all your dwellings.
Num.35.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כל: DET
- מכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- נפש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לפי: PREP
- עדים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ירצח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הרצח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- יענה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- בנפש: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- למות: VERB,qal,inf
Parallels
- Deut. 19:15 (verbal): Uses the nearly identical legal formula—'at the mouth of two witnesses or three'—and explicitly forbids capital conviction on the testimony of a single witness, paralleling Numbers 35:30's rule.
- Deut. 17:6 (verbal): Requires two or three witnesses for putting a person to death; closely parallels Numbers 35:30's requirement about witnesses in capital cases.
- Lev. 24:17-18 (thematic): States that whoever kills a person shall be put to death, connecting the substantive command to execute a killer with the procedural witness rule in Numbers 35:30.
- John 8:17 (quotation): Jesus appeals to 'your law' about testimony ('the testimony of two people is true'), invoking the same evidentiary principle behind Numbers 35:30.
- 1 Tim. 5:19 (thematic): New Testament injunction not to accept an accusation against an elder except before two or three witnesses echoes the biblical principle that a single witness is insufficient for serious charges (as in Num. 35:30).
Alternative generated candidates
- Whoever strikes any person mortally shall be put to death on the testimony of witnesses; a single witness shall not suffice to put a person to death.
- Whoever kills any person shall be put to death by the testimony of witnesses; a single witness shall not testify to put a person to death.
Num.35.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- תקחו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- כפר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לנפש: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רצח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- רשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למות: VERB,qal,inf
- כי: CONJ
- מות: VERB,qal,infabs
- יומת: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Gen.9:6 (thematic): States the same basic principle — one who sheds human blood must have his blood shed — grounding capital punishment for murder as a divine norm.
- Exod.21:12-14 (verbal): Prescribes death for a killer and distinguishes intentional murder from accidental killing, paralleling Numbers' rule that a murderer deserving death may have no ransom.
- Lev.24:17 (verbal): Declares 'He who kills any man shall surely be put to death,' a succinct restatement of the capital‑punishment rule echoed in Numbers 35:31.
- Deut.19:11-13 (structural): Gives procedural instructions for dealing with a deliberate murderer (removal from sanctuary and execution), closely related to the cities‑of‑refuge framework and the prohibition on accepting ransom for a guilty slayer.
Alternative generated candidates
- You shall not accept ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of death; he is to die and you shall not accept a ransom.
- You shall not accept ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of death; he is guilty and shall be put to death.
Num.35.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- תקחו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- כפר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לנוס: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- אל: NEG
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מקלטו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,pr,3,m,sg
- לשוב: VERB,qal,inf
- לשבת: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- עד: PREP
- מות: VERB,qal,infabs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Numbers 35:25-28 (structural): Immediate context in the same chapter — outlines the cities-of-refuge procedure and explicitly governs that a manslayer is not to be ransomed or removed from his refuge until the priest's death, closely tied to v.32's command.
- Deuteronomy 19:4-6 (verbal): Repeats the cities-of-refuge legislation and uses similar language about fleeing to the cities and not being handed over, echoing the rule about remaining until the priest dies.
- Deuteronomy 4:41-43 (thematic): Establishes the three cities of refuge east of the Jordan and the asylum for unintentional killers — the same legal institution that underlies Num 35:32.
- Joshua 20:4-6 (quotation): Joshua's formal assignment and restatement of the cities of refuge, including the instruction that the manslayer must live there until the death of the high priest, closely paralleling the wording and rule of Num 35:32.
Alternative generated candidates
- You shall not accept ransom for the one who flees to a city of refuge to return that he may settle in the land; he shall remain in his city until the death of the priest.
- You shall not accept a ransom to bring back one who has fled to his city of refuge to return and dwell in the land; he shall remain in his city until the death of the priest.
Num.35.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- תחניפו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- כי: CONJ
- הדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs,def
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- יחניף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ולארץ: CONJ+PREP
- לא: PART_NEG
- יכפר: VERB,pi'el,impf,3,m,sg
- לדם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- שפך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- כי: CONJ
- אם: CONJ
- בדם: PREP
- שפכו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Genesis 4:10 (thematic): Cain’s murder of Abel—'the voice of your brother’s blood cries to me from the ground'—connects the idea that shed blood taints the land and demands redress.
- Genesis 9:6 (thematic): God’s ordinance that whoever sheds human blood shall have his blood shed reflects the principle that bloodshed must be avenged to vindicate life and protect the land.
- Leviticus 17:11-12 (verbal): States that 'the life of the flesh is in the blood' and prohibits profaning blood; ties blood to life and to the sacred status of blood in cultic and legal regulation.
- Numbers 35:30-31 (structural): Immediate legal context: prohibition on accepting ransom for a murderer and the role of the avenger of blood—directly elaborates the verse’s claim that the land cannot be cleansed except by the blood of the one who shed it.
- Deuteronomy 19:11-13 (thematic): Rules about killing and the avenger of blood/cities of refuge reinforce the theme that unlawful bloodshed contaminates the community and requires legal/ritual resolution.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not defile the land in which you live, for blood defiles the land; and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed in it except by the blood of the one who shed it.
- Do not defile the land in which you live, for blood defiles the land, and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed in it, except by the blood of him who shed it.
Num.35.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- תטמא: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- ישבים: VERB,qal,ptcp,m,pl
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- שכן: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- בתוכה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,fs
- כי: CONJ
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- שכן: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- בתוך: PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Leviticus 18:24-28 (verbal): Warning not to 'defile the land' by sinful practices; land will 'vomit out' inhabitants—language and concern closely parallel the prohibition in Num 35:34.
- Deuteronomy 19:10-13 (structural): Laws concerning cities of refuge and preventing bloodguilt so that the land is not defiled; closely related legal/ritual purpose to Num 35:34.
- Exodus 29:45-46 (allusion): Declaration 'I will dwell among the Israelites' as the basis for holiness requirements—same motive for not defiling the land in Num 35:34.
- Ezekiel 37:27 (cf. Ezekiel 36:28) (thematic): Promise that God will 'dwell' with his people and make them holy; connects divine presence with the sanctity of the land and people, echoing Num 35:34.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not defile the land in which you dwell, in which I dwell; for I the LORD dwell among the people of Israel.”
- You shall not defile the land in which you dwell, in which I dwell; for I the LORD dwell among the people of Israel.”
And as for the cities that you give to the Levites: the six cities of refuge that you give for the manslayer to flee to—these shall be among them, and you shall give to them forty-two cities besides.
All the cities that you give to the Levites shall be forty-eight cities with their pasture-lands. And the cities that you give from the possession of the people of Israel—you shall give from the larger more and from the smaller less; each one according to the inheritance that he receives shall you give his cities to the Levites. And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
Speak to the people of Israel and say to them: When you pass over the Jordan into the land of Canaan,
you shall appoint for yourselves cities—cities of refuge shall be for you; to them the manslayer who struck a person unintentionally shall flee.
They shall be for you a refuge from the avenger of blood, and the manslayer shall not die until he stands before the congregation for judgment. And the cities that you give shall be six cities of refuge for you.
Three cities you shall give beyond the Jordan, and three cities you shall give in the land of Canaan; they shall be cities of refuge.
These six cities shall be a refuge for the Israelites and for the resident alien and for the sojourner among them; whoever strikes a person unintentionally may flee there.
If one strikes another with any iron implement so that he dies, the striker is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death.
If he strikes him with a stone in his hand by which he might die, and he dies—he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death.
Or if he strikes him with any wooden instrument in the hand by which he might die, and he dies—he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death.
The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death; when he meets him he shall put him to death. But if he pushed him away in hatred, or hurled something at him with intent to kill him, and it proved fatal,
or in enmity struck him with his hand so that he died—the slayer is a murderer; the avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death when he meets him. But if it happened suddenly, without enmity, when one pushed another without planning, or hurled at him any object without intent,
or by any stone that causes death without foresight and it fell upon him and he died—though he was not his enemy and had not sought to harm him,
then the congregation shall judge between the manslayer and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances. And the congregation shall deliver the manslayer from the hand of the avenger of blood and shall restore him to the city of refuge to which he had fled, and he shall dwell there until the death of the priest who is anointed with the holy oil. But if the manslayer goes out beyond the border of the city of refuge to which he fled,
and the avenger of blood finds him outside the border of the city of refuge and the avenger of blood kills the manslayer—then the avenger of blood shall not be guilty of blood.
For the manslayer shall dwell in his city of refuge until the death of the priest; afterward the manslayer shall return to the land of his possession.
These things shall be to you a statute of judgment throughout your generations in all your dwellings.
Whoever strikes a person so that he dies shall be put to death on the testimony of witnesses; a single witness shall not testify to put a man to death.
You shall not accept ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of death; he is guilty and shall surely be put to death.
You shall not accept ransom for one fleeing to his city of refuge to return and dwell in the land until the death of the priest.
Do not defile the land in which you dwell, for blood defiles the land; and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed in it except by the blood of the one who shed it.
Do not pollute the land in which you dwell, in which I dwell; for I the LORD dwell among the people of Israel.