Numbers 35:22
Numbers 35:22 in Multiple Translations
But if anyone pushes a person suddenly, without hostility, or throws an object at him unintentionally,
But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or have cast upon him any thing without laying of wait,
But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or hurled upon him anything without lying in wait,
But if a man has given a wound to another suddenly and not in hate, or without design has sent something against him,
But if anyone knocks someone else down without meaning to and without hating them, or throws something at them not meaning to hurt them,
But if he pusshed him vnaduisedly, and not of hatred, or cast vpon him any thing, without laying of waite,
'And if, in an instant, without enmity, he hath thrust him through, or hath cast at him any instrument, without lying in wait;
“‘But if he shoved him suddenly without hostility, or hurled on him anything without lying in wait,
But if he shall thrust him suddenly without enmity, or shall have cast upon him any thing without laying in wait,
But if by chance medley, and without hatred,
“But someone might accidentally shove someone else, or accidentally throw something at another person and hit him, not because he hates that person.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 35:22
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 35:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִם
בְּ/פֶ֥תַע
בְּ/לֹא
אֵיבָ֖ה
הֲדָפ֑/וֹ
אוֹ
הִשְׁלִ֥יךְ
עָלָ֛י/ו
כָּל
כְּלִ֖י
בְּ/לֹ֥א
צְדִיָּֽה
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
בְּ/פֶ֥תַע
pethaʻ
H6621
suddenness
Prep | N-ms
בְּ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Prep | Part
אֵיבָ֖ה
ʼêybâh
H342
enmity
N-fs
הֲדָפ֑/וֹ
Hâdaph
H1920
to thrust
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
אוֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
הִשְׁלִ֥יךְ
shâlak
H7993
to throw
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
עָלָ֛י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
כְּלִ֖י
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
N-ms
בְּ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Prep | Part
צְדִיָּֽה
tsᵉdîyâh
H6660
ambush
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 35:22
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
בְּ/פֶ֥תַע
pethaʻ
H6621
"suddenness"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means suddenness or quickness, often used to describe something happening in an instant. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of urgency or surprise. In the KJV, it is translated as 'at an instant' or 'suddenly'.
Definition: suddenness, in an instant
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: at an instant, suddenly, [idiom] very. See also: Numbers 6:9; Proverbs 29:1; Proverbs 6:15.
בְּ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Prep | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֵיבָ֖ה
ʼêybâh
H342
"enmity"
N-fs
This Hebrew word represents hostility or hatred between people or groups, like the enmity between God and those who disobey Him. It is mentioned in Genesis and Ezekiel, describing the consequences of sin.
Definition: enmity, hatred
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: emnity, hatred. See also: Genesis 3:15; Numbers 35:22; Ezekiel 35:5.
הֲדָפ֑/וֹ
Hâdaph
H1920
"to thrust"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
To thrust means to push away or down, as seen in the Bible when driving out or expelling someone, like in the book of Leviticus.
Definition: 1) to thrust, push, drive, cast away, cast out, expel, thrust away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to thrust, push 1a2) to drive out, thrust out 1a3) to depose
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: cast away (out), drive, expel, thrust (away). See also: Numbers 35:20; 2 Kings 4:27; Proverbs 10:3.
אוֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
הִשְׁלִ֥יךְ
shâlak
H7993
"to throw"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To throw or cast away is the meaning of this Hebrew verb. It is used in various contexts, including throwing lots or casting out something unwanted. The word appears in stories like Jonah being thrown into the sea.
Definition: 1) to throw, cast, hurl, fling 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to throw, cast, throw away, cast off, shed, cast down 1a2) to cast (lots) (fig) 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be thrown, be cast 1b2) to be cast forth or out 1b3) to be cast down 1b4) to be cast (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: adventure, cast (away, down, forth, off, out), hurl, pluck, throw. See also: Genesis 21:15; Nehemiah 9:11; Psalms 2:3.
עָלָ֛י/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
כְּלִ֖י
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
בְּ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Prep | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
צְדִיָּֽה
tsᵉdîyâh
H6660
"ambush"
N-fs
This word means to lie in wait or ambush, often with a sense of design or planning. It is used in the Bible to describe situations where someone is setting a trap for others. It appears in passages like Psalm 10:9.
Definition: lying in wait, ambushing
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: lying in wait. See also: Numbers 35:20; Numbers 35:22.
Study Notes — Numbers 35:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 35:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 35:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 35:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 35:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 35:22
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 35:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 35:22
- Sermons on Numbers 35:22
Context — Six Cities of Refuge
20Likewise, if anyone maliciously pushes another or intentionally throws an object at him and kills him,
21or if in hostility he strikes him with his hand and he dies, the one who struck him must surely be put to death; he is a murderer. When the avenger of blood finds the murderer, he is to kill him.
22But if anyone pushes a person suddenly, without hostility, or throws an object at him unintentionally,
23or without looking drops a heavy stone that kills him, but he was not an enemy and did not intend to harm him, 24then the congregation must judge between the slayer and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 35:11 | designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. |
| 2 | Exodus 21:13 | If, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee. |
| 3 | Joshua 20:3 | so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 19:5 | If he goes into the forest with his neighbor to cut timber and swings his axe to chop down a tree, but the blade flies off the handle and strikes and kills his neighbor, he may flee to one of these cities to save his life. |
| 5 | Joshua 20:5 | 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. |
Numbers 35:22 Summary
This verse teaches us that not all actions that cause harm are done on purpose. Sometimes, accidents can happen without anyone meaning to hurt someone. The Bible wants us to understand the difference between hurting someone on purpose and hurting someone by accident, as seen in the examples given in Numbers 35:20-21. By considering the intentions behind our actions, we can learn to be more careful and thoughtful in our interactions with others, just like Jesus teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between murder and accidental killing in the Bible?
According to Numbers 35:22, if someone pushes a person suddenly without hostility or throws an object at him unintentionally, it is considered an accidental killing, not murder, as seen in the distinction made in Numbers 35:20-21 and supported by Deuteronomy 19:4-5
How does the Bible distinguish between intentional and unintentional actions?
The Bible teaches that God looks at the heart and intentions of a person, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7, and in Numbers 35:22, it highlights the importance of understanding the intentions behind an action to determine guilt or innocence
What is the role of the congregation in judging cases like the one described in Numbers 35:22?
According to Numbers 35:24, the congregation must judge between the slayer and the avenger of blood according to the ordinances given, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in seeking justice and truth, as also seen in Deuteronomy 21:1-9
How does this verse relate to the concept of forgiveness and mercy in the Bible?
The distinction made in Numbers 35:22 between intentional and unintentional actions can inform our understanding of when forgiveness and mercy are appropriate, as seen in Jesus' teachings on forgiveness in Matthew 6:14-15 and the importance of showing mercy in Micah 6:8
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I may have acted without hostility but still caused harm, and how can I make amends?
- How can I cultivate a sense of awareness and intentionality in my daily interactions to avoid causing harm to others?
- In what ways can I seek to understand the intentions behind someone's actions, rather than just reacting to the action itself?
- How can I balance the need for justice with the need for mercy and forgiveness in my relationships and community?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 35:22
But if he thrust him suddenly, without enmity,.... Push him from a precipice, before he is aware, without any malicious design against his life, but merely through accident: or have cast upon him
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 35:22
But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or have cast upon him any thing without laying of wait, But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity ... Under the excitement of a sudden provocation or
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 35:22
Suddenly; through sudden passion or provocation. Or, by chance, or unawares.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 35:22
(22, 23) But if he thrust him suddenly . . . —See Deuteronomy 19:4-5, where the meaning of the law is illustrated.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 35:22
9–34. The ‘Cities of Refuge,’ and the Law relating to homicide In Numbers 35:9-15 the appointment of the six cities and their purpose are prescribed; Numbers 35:16-23 contain specimen cases distinguishing deliberate murder from accidental homicide; Numbers 35:24-28 provide the legal procedure; Numbers 35:29-34 form a conclusion. The section presents the latest development in the O.T. of the Law of Asylum. In early days an appointed place was provided, to which the manslayer might flee, i.e. an altar, which would be within easy reach of every town; cf. 1 Kings 1:50; 1 Kings 2:28. In D (Deuteronomy 19:1-10), when only one altar was permitted, at the national sanctuary at Jerusalem, which would be practically useless for purposes of asylum, special cities were substituted for the local altars. Three cities were specified, and, if Jehovah enlarged the Israelites’ borders, three more were to be added1 [Note: Three have previously been mentioned in Deuteronomy 4:41-43; but it is unlikely that the writer of Deuteronomy 19. understood nine cities to be intended. See Driver, Deut. p. 233. . If the manslayer be guilty of deliberate murder, the elders of his own city shall send to the city whither he has fled for asylum, and shall deliver him up to the gτ’ηl or ‘avenger of blood’; but if the homicide was accidental, he may stay in safety in the city whither he has fled. In the present passage the regulations are fuller. Of the six cities three are to be on each side of the Jordan (the fulfilment of the command, with the name of the cities, is related in Joshua 20).
They receive, for the first time, the title ‘cities of refuge’ (see on Numbers 35:11). When a manslayer flees to one of these cities, ‘the congregation’ (see on Numbers 35:12) judges between him and the gτ’ηl, to discover whether the manslaughter had been deliberate or accidental. If it is proved to be accidental, the man must be taken back to the city of refuge, where he must remain until the death of the high priest. If he ventures out before that time, the gτ’ηl may kill him. If, on the other hand, he is found guilty of deliberate murder, the gτ’ηl must kill him. Gray (Numb. p. 471) points out that this modifies the ancient custom in three respects: (1) Ancient custom made no distinction between accidental and deliberate manslaughter; the gτ’ηl must see that the loss of life suffered by one family is compensated for. (2) In ancient custom the loss could be compensated for by the death of any member of the manslayer’s family. Here the law tacitly insists that the murderer only is to forfeit his life. (3) The present law forbids the forfeited life of the murderer to be redeemed by a money payment. Such redemption was widely prevalent, but except in certain cases—not wilful murder—(cf.
Exodus 21:29 f.) it seems to have been prohibited at an early period in Israel, though the present law contains the earliest explicit prohibition.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 35:22
THE , Numbers 35:22-28.Human life is so sacred that it must be hedged about by all possible safeguards.
Sermons on Numbers 35:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Numbers 35:11 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of the Cities of Refuge as a foreshadowing of Christ, illustrating how these cities provided safety for those who accidentally killed someon |