Numbers 35:26
Numbers 35:26 in Multiple Translations
But if the manslayer ever goes outside the limits of the city of refuge to which he fled
But if the slayer shall at any time come without the border of the city of his refuge, whither he was fled;
But if the manslayer shall at any time go beyond the border of his city of refuge, whither he fleeth,
But if ever he goes outside the walls of the safe town where he had gone in flight,
But if the killer ever leaves the limits of the sanctuary town where he ran to,
But if the slayer come without the borders of the citie of his refuge, whither he was fled,
'And if the man-slayer at all go out [from] the border of the city of his refuge whither he fleeth,
“‘But if the man slayer shall at any time go beyond the border of his city of refuge where he flees,
But if the slayer shall at any time come without the border of the city of his refuge, whither he had fled;
If the murderer be found without the limits of the cities that are appointed for the banished,
“But while the Supreme Priest is still living, the person who is in that safe city must not leave that city.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 35:26
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 35:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִם
יָצֹ֥א
יֵצֵ֖א
הָ/רֹצֵ֑חַ
אֶת
גְּבוּל֙
עִ֣יר
מִקְלָט֔/וֹ
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
יָנ֖וּס
שָֽׁמָּ/ה
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
יָצֹ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Ptc
יֵצֵ֖א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
הָ/רֹצֵ֑חַ
râtsach
H7523
to murder
Art | V-Qal
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
גְּבוּל֙
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
N-ms
עִ֣יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fs
מִקְלָט֔/וֹ
miqlâṭ
H4733
refuge
N-ms | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יָנ֖וּס
nûwç
H5127
to flee
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
שָֽׁמָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
there
Adv | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 35:26
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.
יָצֹ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Ptc
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
יֵצֵ֖א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
הָ/רֹצֵ֑חַ
râtsach
H7523
"to murder"
Art | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to murder or kill someone, like Cain killing Abel in Genesis. It emphasizes the intentional act of taking a human life. This word is about premeditated killing.
Definition: 1) to murder, slay, kill 1a)(Qal) to murder, slay 1a1) premeditated 1a2) accidental 1a3) as avenger 1a4) slayer (intentional) (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be slain 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to murder, assassinate 1c2) murderer, assassin (participle) (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be killed
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: put to death, kill, (man-) slay(-er), murder(-er). See also: Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 22:26; Psalms 62:4.
אֶת
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.
גְּבוּל֙
gᵉbûwl
H1366
"border"
N-ms
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.
עִ֣יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fs
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.
מִקְלָט֔/וֹ
miqlâṭ
H4733
"refuge"
N-ms | Suff
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.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יָנ֖וּס
nûwç
H5127
"to flee"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.
Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.
שָֽׁמָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv | Suff
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
Study Notes — Numbers 35:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Six Cities of Refuge
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 fled
27and the avenger of blood finds him outside of his city of refuge and kills him, then the avenger will not be guilty of bloodshed, 28because the manslayer must remain in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest. Only after the death of the high priest may he return to the land he owns.Numbers 35:26 Summary
This verse is talking about what happens if someone who has killed another person by accident leaves the special city where they were sent to be safe. If they leave the city before the high priest dies, they will be in danger, as seen in Numbers 35:26-27. This is a reminder that we all need a safe place to run to when we have made mistakes, and for believers, that safe place is Jesus, as seen in Hebrews 6:18 and supported by Psalm 46:1. Just like the manslayer had to wait for the high priest to die before they could be free, we can be free from our sins because Jesus died for us, as seen in Romans 5:8 and supported by Colossians 1:14.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the manslayer leaves the city of refuge before the death of the high priest?
If the manslayer leaves the city of refuge before the death of the high priest, he will be in danger of being killed by the avenger of blood, as stated in Numbers 35:26-27, and the avenger will not be guilty of bloodshed, as seen in Numbers 35:27.
Why was the manslayer required to stay in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest?
The manslayer was required to stay in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil, as a symbol of the manslayer's dependence on God's mercy and provision, as seen in Numbers 35:25, and also as a reminder of the high priest's role in atoning for the sins of the people, as mentioned in Leviticus 4:3-12 and Hebrews 9:7.
Can the manslayer ever return to his normal life after killing someone?
Yes, the manslayer can return to his normal life after the death of the high priest, as stated in Numbers 35:28, at which point he is no longer in danger of being killed by the avenger of blood, and he can return to the land he owns, as seen in Numbers 35:28 and supported by Deuteronomy 19:6.
What is the significance of the city of refuge in relation to the manslayer's situation?
The city of refuge served as a safe haven for the manslayer, protecting him from the avenger of blood, as stated in Numbers 35:25, and it also served as a reminder of the manslayer's need for mercy and forgiveness, as seen in Exodus 21:13 and supported by Psalm 32:7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply the concept of seeking refuge in God, just like the manslayer sought refuge in the city, to my own life and challenges?
- How can I balance my desire for justice with my need to show mercy and forgiveness to others, as seen in the laws regarding the manslayer and the avenger of blood?
- What are some ways that I can remember to depend on God's mercy and provision in my own life, just like the manslayer was required to depend on the death of the high priest for his freedom?
- How can I use the story of the manslayer and the city of refuge to share the gospel with others and point them to Jesus as their ultimate refuge and source of forgiveness?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 35:26
But if the slayer shall at any time come without the border of the city of his refuge,.... Which seems to be the three thousand cubits assigned to every city of the Levites, and so to the cities of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 35:26
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
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 35:26
(26) But if the slayer shall at any time come without the border of the city . . . —As the bodily safety of the Israelite who had slain a man depended upon his strict observance of the law which required him to remain within the city of refuge until the death of the high priest, so in the same way the spiritual safety of the believer depends upon his exclusive reliance upon the merits and efficacy of the atoning death and righteousness of Christ, seeing that “there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we may be saved; neither is there salvation in any other” (Acts 4:12).
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 35:26
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 35:26
THE , Numbers 35:22-28.Human life is so sacred that it must be hedged about by all possible safeguards.