Numbers 35:15
Numbers 35:15 in Multiple Translations
These six cities will serve as a refuge for the Israelites and for the foreigner or stranger among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there.
These six cities shall be a refuge, both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither.
For the children of Israel, and for the stranger and for the sojourner among them, shall these six cities be for refuge; that every one that killeth any person unwittingly may flee thither.
For the children of Israel and for the man from another country who is living among them, these six towns are to be safe places, where anyone causing the death of another through error may go in flight.
These six cities will be places of sanctuary for the Israelites and for foreigners or settlers among them, so that anyone who kills a person by mistake may run there.
These six cities shalbe a refuge for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for him that dwelleth among you, that euery one which killeth any person vnwares, may flee thither.
To sons of Israel, and to a sojourner, and to a settler in their midst, are these six cities for a refuge, for the fleeing thither of any one smiting a person unawares.
These six cities shall be refuge for the children of Israel, for the stranger, and for the foreigner living among them, that everyone who kills any person unwittingly may flee there.
These six cities shall be a refuge, both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither.
As well for the children of Israel as for strangers and sojourners, that he may flee to them, who hath shed blood against his will.
Those six cities will be cities where Israeli people may run to and be safe, and where foreigners and other people who are living among you can also run to and be safe. Any of those people who accidentally kills someone may run to one of those cities and be safe/protected there.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 35:15
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 35:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 35:15
Study Notes — Numbers 35:15
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 35:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 35:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 35:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 35:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 35:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 35:15
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 35:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 35:15
- Sermons on Numbers 35:15
Context — Six 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. 17Or if anyone has in his hand a stone of deadly size, and he strikes and kills another, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 15:16 | The same law and the same ordinance will apply both to you and to the foreigner residing with you.” |
| 2 | Galatians 3:28 | There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. |
| 3 | Romans 3:29 | Is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, |
| 4 | Leviticus 24:22 | You are to have the same standard of law for the foreign resident and the native; for I am the LORD your God.’” |
| 5 | Exodus 12:49 | The same law shall apply to both the native and the foreigner who resides among you.” |
Numbers 35:15 Summary
This verse, Numbers 35:15, tells us about special cities where people could go if they accidentally hurt someone. These cities were like safe places where they could stay until things got sorted out, similar to how God provides a safe place for us in Jesus Christ, as mentioned in Hebrews 6:18. It shows that God cares about everyone, no matter where they come from, and wants to protect them, which is also seen in Psalms 27:1. The idea of having a safe place to go when we've made a mistake is still important for us today, reminding us of God's mercy and love, as discussed in Matthew 11:28-30.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the six cities of refuge in the Bible?
The six cities of refuge, as mentioned in Numbers 35:15, were designated to provide a safe haven for individuals who unintentionally killed someone, allowing them to flee from avengers until a fair trial could be held, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:1-10 and Joshua 20:1-9.
Who was eligible to seek refuge in these cities?
According to Numbers 35:15, these cities were open not only to the Israelites but also to foreigners and strangers living among them, demonstrating God's care for all people, as also seen in Leviticus 19:34 and Deuteronomy 10:19.
What distinction is made between unintentional and intentional killing in the context of the cities of refuge?
The Bible makes a clear distinction between unintentional and intentional killing, with unintentional killers being allowed to flee to the cities of refuge, while intentional killers, like those mentioned in Numbers 35:16-17, were to be put to death, highlighting the importance of motive and intent in God's justice, as also discussed in Exodus 21:12-14.
How do the cities of refuge relate to the concept of justice and mercy in the Bible?
The cities of refuge demonstrate a balance between justice and mercy, where those who had unintentionally sinned could find refuge and protection, while still acknowledging the seriousness of taking a life, reflecting the broader biblical theme of God's justice and mercy, as seen in Psalms 89:14 and Micah 6:8.
Reflection Questions
- What does the provision of cities of refuge reveal about God's heart towards those who have made mistakes, and how can this impact our own response to failure and sin?
- In what ways can we, as believers, provide a 'refuge' or a safe and supportive community for those around us who are struggling or have made mistakes?
- How does the distinction between unintentional and intentional actions challenge us to consider our own motivations and the consequences of our choices?
- What does the inclusion of foreigners and strangers among those eligible for refuge say about God's desire for His people to be a blessing to all nations, and how can we apply this principle in our own lives?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 35:15
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 35:15
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 35:15
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 35:15
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 35:15
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 35:15
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 35:15
Sermons on Numbers 35:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Be Rich: I Know a Secret by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the mystery in the teachings of the apostle Paul. The mystery refers to the fact that when a person is saved, whether they |
|
(How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): It's Imperative to Get Out of the Rut Now! by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being wholehearted Christians and not settling for a half-hearted faith. He urges the congregation to take their faith ser |
|
Saints Alive by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the three basic wars that every human being faces: the war within oneself, the war with others, and the war with God. The speaker references J |
|
The Logic of Law by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that as believers in Jesus Christ, we are all united through the Holy Spirit. He highlights the difference between living by threats and liv |
|
The Local Church 1 - Part 2 by William MacDonald | This sermon delves into the distinction between Israel and the church, emphasizing that they are not a continuum but rather distinct entities in God's plan. It highlights how Israe |
|
Genesis and the Origin of Races by Ken Ham | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of recognizing that all humans are descendants of one man and one woman, going back to Noah and Adam. He challenges the secular |
|
Colossians - New Life in Christ by Mariano Di Gangi | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of our actions and words in influencing the body of Christ and the world. He highlights that sin not only dishonors God and d |





