Numbers 35:14
Numbers 35:14 in Multiple Translations
Select three cities across the Jordan and three in the land of Canaan as cities of refuge.
Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge.
Ye shall give three cities beyond the Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan; they shall be cities of refuge.
Three on the other side of Jordan and three in the land of Canaan, to be safe places for flight.
Choose three cities on the other side of the Jordan and three in Canaan as cities of refuge.
Ye shall appoint three on this side Iorden, and ye shall appoint three cities in the lande of Canaan which shalbe cities of refuge.
the three of the cities ye give beyond the Jordan, and the three of the cities ye give in the land of Canaan; cities of refuge they are.
You shall give three cities beyond the Jordan, and you shall give three cities in the land of Canaan. They shall be cities of refuge.
Ye shall give three cities on this side of Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge.
Three shall be beyond the Jordan, and three in the land of Chanaan,
There must be three of those cities on the east side of the Jordan River and three that will be on the west side, in the Canaan region.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 35:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 35:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֵ֣ת
שְׁלֹ֣שׁ
הֶ/עָרִ֗ים
תִּתְּנוּ֙
מֵ/עֵ֣בֶר
לַ/יַּרְדֵּ֔ן
וְ/אֵת֙
שְׁלֹ֣שׁ
הֶֽ/עָרִ֔ים
תִּתְּנ֖וּ
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
כְּנָ֑עַן
עָרֵ֥י
מִקְלָ֖ט
תִּהְיֶֽינָה
אֵ֣ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שְׁלֹ֣שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Adj
הֶ/עָרִ֗ים
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fp
תִּתְּנוּ֙
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
מֵ/עֵ֣בֶר
ʻêber
H5676
side
Prep | N-ms
לַ/יַּרְדֵּ֔ן
Yardên
H3383
Jordan
Prep | N-proper
וְ/אֵת֙
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
שְׁלֹ֣שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Adj
הֶֽ/עָרִ֔ים
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fp
תִּתְּנ֖וּ
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
כְּנָ֑עַן
Kᵉnaʻan
H3667
Canaan
N-proper
עָרֵ֥י
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fp
מִקְלָ֖ט
miqlâṭ
H4733
refuge
N-ms
תִּהְיֶֽינָה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 35:14
אֵ֣ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שְׁלֹ֣שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
הֶ/עָרִ֗ים
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
תִּתְּנוּ֙
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
מֵ/עֵ֣בֶר
ʻêber
H5676
"side"
Prep | N-ms
This word describes a region or side, often referring to the area beyond or across a river, and can be used to describe a location, direction, or perspective.
Definition: : ahead/beyond 1) region beyond or across, side 1a) region across or beyond 1b) side, opposite side
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against, beyond, by, [idiom] from, over, passage, quarter, (other, this) side, straight. See also: Genesis 50:10; Joshua 22:11; Isaiah 7:20.
לַ/יַּרְדֵּ֔ן
Yardên
H3383
"Jordan"
Prep | N-proper
The Jordan River, which runs from Lebanon to the Dead Sea, is a key location in the Bible, including in the stories of Jesus and the Israelites.
Definition: Jordan = "descender" the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approx 200 miles (320 km) Also named: Iordanēs (Ἰορδάνης "Jordan" G2446)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Jordan. See also: Genesis 13:10; Joshua 12:1; Psalms 42:7.
וְ/אֵת֙
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שְׁלֹ֣שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
הֶֽ/עָרִ֔ים
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
תִּתְּנ֖וּ
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
כְּנָ֑עַן
Kᵉnaʻan
H3667
"Canaan"
N-proper
Canaan was a son of Ham and the name of the country where he lived, which is now modern-day Israel. The Canaanites were known for being merchants and traders, as seen in Genesis and other books.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.9.18; son of: Ham (H2526); brother of: Cush (H3568), Egypt (H4714) and Put (H6316); father of: Sidon (H6721), Heth (H2845), Jebusite (H2983), Amorite (H0567), Girgashite (H1622), Hivite (H2340), Arkite (H6208), Sinite (H5513), Arvadite (H0721), Zemarite (H6786) and Hamathite (H2577) § merchant, trader
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: Canaan, merchant, traffick. See also: Genesis 9:18; Exodus 6:4; Psalms 105:11.
עָרֵ֥י
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
מִקְלָ֖ט
miqlâṭ
H4733
"refuge"
N-ms
A refuge or asylum is a safe place to go for protection, like a shelter from harm. In the Bible, God is often called a refuge, as seen in Psalm 46. It is a place of safety and security.
Definition: refuge, asylum
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: refuge. See also: Numbers 35:6; Numbers 35:32; 1 Chronicles 6:52.
תִּהְיֶֽינָה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
Study Notes — Numbers 35:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 35:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 35:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 35:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 35:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 35:14
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 35:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 35:14
- Sermons on Numbers 35:14
Context — Six Cities of Refuge
12You are to have these cities as a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly.
13The cities you select will be your six cities of refuge.
14Select three cities across the Jordan and three in the land of Canaan as cities of refuge.
15These six cities will serve as a refuge for the Israelites and for the foreigner or stranger among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there. 16If, however, anyone strikes a person with an iron object and kills him, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 19:8–10 | And if the LORD your God enlarges your territory, as He swore to your fathers, and gives you all the land He promised them, and if you carefully keep all these commandments I am giving you today, loving the LORD your God and walking in His ways at all times, then you are to add three more cities to these three. Thus innocent blood will not be shed in the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that you will not be guilty of bloodshed. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 4:41–43 | Then Moses set aside three cities across the Jordan to the east to which a manslayer could flee after killing his neighbor unintentionally without prior malice. To save one’s own life, he could flee to one of these cities: Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau belonging to the Reubenites, Ramoth in Gilead belonging to the Gadites, or Golan in Bashan belonging to the Manassites. |
| 3 | Joshua 20:7–9 | So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah. And beyond the Jordan, east of Jericho, they designated Bezer on the wilderness plateau from the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh. These are the cities appointed for all the Israelites and foreigners among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood prior to standing trial before the assembly. |
Numbers 35:14 Summary
This verse, Numbers 35:14, tells us that God instructed the Israelites to choose three cities on each side of the Jordan River as cities of refuge. These cities were special places where people who had accidentally killed someone could run to for safety until they could have a fair trial, as mentioned in Numbers 35:12. This shows us that God cares about justice and fairness, and wants to protect people from harm, just like He promises to be our refuge and strength in times of trouble, as we read in Psalms 46:1 and Psalms 91:2. By providing these cities, God was demonstrating His love and compassion for His people, and reminding us that He is always available to us as a place of safety and refuge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of designating cities of refuge in the land of Canaan?
The purpose was to provide a safe haven for those who had unintentionally killed someone, allowing them to flee from the avenger until they could stand trial before the assembly, as seen in Numbers 35:12 and Deuteronomy 19:2-3.
Why were three cities chosen from each side of the Jordan River?
This ensured that there were cities of refuge accessible to all Israelites, regardless of where they lived, as the Jordan River divided the land, and having three cities on each side provided equal opportunity for refuge, in line with God's desire for fairness and justice, as seen in Leviticus 19:15.
Were these cities of refuge only for the Israelites, or could others also seek refuge?
According to Numbers 35:15, these cities were not only for the Israelites but also for the foreigner or stranger among them, demonstrating God's compassion and care for all people, as also reflected in Exodus 22:21 and Leviticus 19:34.
How did the system of cities of refuge reflect God's character?
The system of cities of refuge reflects God's character as a God of justice, mercy, and compassion, as seen in Psalms 103:8, where it says, 'The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.'
Reflection Questions
- What does the concept of cities of refuge teach us about God's heart for justice and mercy?
- In what ways can we, as believers, provide a 'city of refuge' for those around us who are hurting or struggling?
- How does the idea of a safe haven relate to our own need for spiritual refuge in God, as described in Psalms 46:1 and 61:3?
- What can we learn from the geographical distribution of the cities of refuge about God's desire for accessibility and equality?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 35:14
Ye shall give three cites on this side Jordan,.... Which were Bezer in the wilderness, out of the tribe of Reuben; and Ramoth in Gilead, out of the tribe of Gad; and Golan in Bashan, out of the tribe
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 35:14
And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 35:14
On this side Jordan; because that land was as long as Canaan, though not so broad, and besides these might be convenient for many of them that lived in Canaan.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 35:14
(14) Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan.—The meaning of the Hebrew word which is here rendered “on this side” is determined by the words “in the land of Canaan,” which describe the position of the three cities on the west of the Jordan. Otherwise the Hebrew word is applicable equally to the cities on the east and to those on the west of the Jordan. Moses himself appointed the three cities on the east of the Jordan—viz., Bezer, in the country of the Reubenites; Ramoth in Gilead, in the country of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, in the country of the Manassites (Deuteronomy 4:43). The three cities on the west of the Jordan were not appointed until the land had been allotted amongst the nine tribes and a half (Joshua 20:7), when the original appointment of Moses in regard to the three cities on the east of the Jordan was confirmed (Joshua 20:8). It is supposed that the six cities were so selected that no one should be above thirty miles from the nearest city of refuge.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 35:14
14. In Joshua 20 the cities were selected as follows: on the E . of Jordan, Bezer in the south, Ramoth in Gilead, and Golan in Bashan; on the W. of Jordan, Kiriath-arba (= Hebron) in the south of Judah, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kedesh in Naphtali. Thus the south, centre and north on both sides of the river were provided for.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 35:14
14. Three cities on this side Jordan — The cities of refuge east of the Jordan were Bezer in the south, Ramoth in Gilead, and Golan in Bashan. Joshua 20:8, note.
Sermons on Numbers 35:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Cities of Refuge by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a witness for Christ and leading others to salvation. He compares believers to markers and witnesses, pointing people |