Numbers 35:24
Numbers 35:24 in Multiple Translations
then the congregation must judge between the slayer and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances.
Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood according to these judgments:
then the congregation shall judge between the smiter and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances;
Then let the meeting of the people be judge between the man responsible for the death and him who has the right of punishment for blood, acting by these rules:
then the community must judge between the killer and the avenger following these regulations.
Then the Congregation shall iudge betweene the slayer and the auenger of blood according to these lawes.
then have the company judged between the smiter and the redeemer of blood, by these judgments.
then the congregation shall judge between the striker 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 judgments:
And this be proved in the hearing of the people, and the cause be debated between him that struck, and the next of kin:
the people of that city must decide whether the relative of the dead person has the right to get revenge, or whether the one who killed the other person truly did it ◄accidentally/without planning to do it►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 35:24
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 35:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שָֽׁפְטוּ֙
הָֽ/עֵדָ֔ה
בֵּ֚ין
הַ/מַּכֶּ֔ה
וּ/בֵ֖ין
גֹּאֵ֣ל
הַ/דָּ֑ם
עַ֥ל
הַ/מִּשְׁפָּטִ֖ים
הָ/אֵֽלֶּה
וְ/שָֽׁפְטוּ֙
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
הָֽ/עֵדָ֔ה
ʻêdâh
H5712
congregation
Art | N-fs
בֵּ֚ין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep
הַ/מַּכֶּ֔ה
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Art | V-Hiphil
וּ/בֵ֖ין
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep
גֹּאֵ֣ל
gâʼal
H1350
to redeem
V-Qal
הַ/דָּ֑ם
dâm
H1818
blood
Art | N-ms
עַ֥ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/מִּשְׁפָּטִ֖ים
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
Art | N-mp
הָ/אֵֽלֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 35:24
וְ/שָֽׁפְטוּ֙
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
הָֽ/עֵדָ֔ה
ʻêdâh
H5712
"congregation"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gathering of people, like a congregation or crowd, often referring to a group of Israelites. It is used in various books, including Exodus and Psalms. The word is about people coming together.
Definition: congregation, gathering
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people, swarm. Compare H5713 (עֵדָה). See also: Exodus 12:3; Numbers 20:1; Psalms 1:5.
בֵּ֚ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
הַ/מַּכֶּ֔ה
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Art | V-Hiphil
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
וּ/בֵ֖ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
גֹּאֵ֣ל
gâʼal
H1350
"to redeem"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means redemption, describing the act of a kinsman buying back a relative's property or marrying their widow, as seen in the story of Boaz in Ruth.
Definition: : redeem 1) to redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer, avenge, revenge, ransom, do the part of a kinsman 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as kinsman, do the part of next of kin, act as kinsman-redeemer 1a1a) by marrying brother's widow to beget a child for him, to redeem from slavery, to redeem land, to exact vengeance 1a2) to redeem (by payment) 1a3) to redeem (with God as subject) 1a3a) individuals from death 1a3b) Israel from Egyptian bondage 1a3c) Israel from exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to redeem oneself 1b2) to be redeemed
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in any wise, [idiom] at all, avenger, deliver, (do, perform the part of near, next) kinsfolk(-man), purchase, ransom, redeem(-er), revenger. See also: Genesis 48:16; Job 3:5; Psalms 19:15.
הַ/דָּ֑ם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
Art | N-ms
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
עַ֥ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
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.
הַ/מִּשְׁפָּטִ֖ים
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
Art | N-mp
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
הָ/אֵֽלֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
Study Notes — Numbers 35:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Six Cities of Refuge
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.
25The assembly is to protect the manslayer from the hand of the avenger of blood. Then the assembly will return him to the city of refuge to which he fled, and he must live there until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil. 26But if the manslayer ever goes outside the limits of the city of refuge to which he fledCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 20:6 | He is to stay in that city until he stands trial before the assembly and until the death of the high priest serving at that time. Then the manslayer may return to his own home in the city from which he fled.” |
| 2 | Numbers 35:12 | You 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. |
Numbers 35:24 Summary
In Numbers 35:24, we see that when someone is killed accidentally, the community must come together to figure out what to do next, according to God's rules, as seen in Numbers 35:10-34. This is important because it helps to make sure that the person who did the killing is protected from the family of the person who died, who might want to hurt them, as mentioned in Numbers 35:19. This shows us that God cares about justice and fairness, and wants us to work together to make sure everyone is safe and treated fairly, as seen in Micah 6:8. By following God's rules, we can create a community that is fair and just, and where everyone can feel safe and loved, as explained in Leviticus 19:18.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the congregation in Numbers 35:24?
The congregation is responsible for judging between the slayer and the avenger of blood, according to the ordinances given by God, as seen in Numbers 35:24, similar to the principle of community involvement in justice found in Deuteronomy 21:7.
Who is the avenger of blood in Numbers 35:24?
The avenger of blood is the family member of the person who was killed, as mentioned in Numbers 35:19, who has the right to avenge the death, but must do so according to God's ordinances, as explained in Leviticus 24:17.
What is the significance of the ordinances in Numbers 35:24?
The ordinances in Numbers 35:24 refer to the rules and regulations given by God to the Israelites regarding the treatment of those who commit manslaughter, as seen in Numbers 35:10-34, and are meant to provide a fair and just system for dealing with such cases, similar to the principles of justice found in Exodus 21:12-14.
How does Numbers 35:24 relate to the concept of justice in the Bible?
Numbers 35:24 demonstrates the importance of community involvement in justice, as well as the need for fairness and mercy, as seen in Micah 6:8, and highlights the balance between punishment and protection, as explained in Romans 13:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's heart for justice and fairness, and how can I apply this to my own life?
- In what ways can I, as a member of a community, help to promote justice and protect the vulnerable, as seen in Numbers 35:24?
- How does the concept of the avenger of blood relate to the idea of vengeance and revenge, and what does this say about God's character, as seen in Romans 12:19?
- What role does the congregation play in holding people accountable for their actions, and how can this be applied to our own churches and communities, as seen in Matthew 18:15-17?
- How does this verse speak to the importance of following God's ordinances and rules, and what are the consequences of not doing so, as seen in Numbers 35:31-34?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 35:24
Then the congregation,.... That is, the court of judicature, assembled together to hear and try this cause: shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood; shall hear what both have to say,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 35:24
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 35:24
If the man-slayer flee to the city of refuge.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 35:24
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 35:24
24. These judgments — The provisions of this statute.