Numbers 35:30

Numbers 35:30 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

If anyone kills a person, the murderer is to be put to death on the testimony of the witnesses. But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of a lone witness.

King James Version KJV

Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die.

American Standard Version ASV

Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be slain at the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person that he die.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Anyone causing the death of another is himself to be put to death on the word of witnesses: but the word of one witness is not enough.

Free Bible Version FBV

If anyone kills a person, the murderer is to be executed based on the evidence given by witnesses, plural. No one is to be executed based on the evidence given by a single witness.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Whosoeuer killeth any person, the Iudge shall slay the murtherer, through witnesses: but one witnesse shall not testifie against a person to cause him to die.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

whoso smiteth a person, by the mouth of witnesses doth [one] slay the murderer; and one witness doth not testify against a person — to die.

World English Bible WEB

“‘Whoever kills any person, the murderer shall be slain based on the testimony of witnesses; but one witness shall not testify alone against any person so that he dies.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Whoever killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

The murderer shall be punished by witnesses: none shall be condemned upon the evidence of one man.

Translation for Translators T4T

“If someone is accused of killing another person, the one who is accused may be executed only if there are people who saw him do it. There must be more than one witness; no one is permitted to be executed if there was only one ◄witness/person who saw him do it►.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 35:30

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 35:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB כָּל מַ֨כֵּה נֶ֔פֶשׁ לְ/פִ֣י עֵדִ֔ים יִרְצַ֖ח אֶת הָ/רֹצֵ֑חַ וְ/עֵ֣ד אֶחָ֔ד לֹא יַעֲנֶ֥ה בְ/נֶ֖פֶשׁ לָ/מֽוּת

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

מַ֨כֵּה nâkâh H5221 to smite V-Hiphil

נֶ֔פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 soul N-cs

לְ/פִ֣י peh H6310 lip Prep | N-ms

עֵדִ֔ים ʻêd H5707 witness N-mp

יִרְצַ֖ח râtsach H7523 to murder V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הָ/רֹצֵ֑חַ râtsach H7523 to murder Art | V-Qal

וְ/עֵ֣ד ʻêd H5707 witness Conj | N-ms

אֶחָ֔ד ʼechâd H259 one Adj

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

יַעֲנֶ֥ה ʻânâh H6030 to dwell V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

בְ/נֶ֖פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 soul Prep | N-cs

לָ/מֽוּת mûwth H4191 to die Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 35:30

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.

מַ֨כֵּה nâkâh H5221 "to smite" 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.

נֶ֔פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 "soul" N-cs

The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.

Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain

Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.

לְ/פִ֣י peh H6310 "lip" Prep | N-ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.

Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21

Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.

עֵדִ֔ים ʻêd H5707 "witness" N-mp

This Hebrew word means witness or testimony, describing someone who sees or experiences something. It's used in the Bible to talk about people who testify to what they've seen, like in Deuteronomy when describing legal witnesses.

Definition: 1) witness 1a) witness, testimony, evidence (of things) 1b) witness (of people)

Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: witness. See also: Genesis 31:44; Psalms 27:12; Psalms 35:11.

יִרְצַ֖ח râtsach H7523 "to murder" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

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.

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.

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.

וְ/עֵ֣ד ʻêd H5707 "witness" Conj | N-ms

Definition: 1) witness 1a) witness, testimony, evidence (of things) 1b) witness (of people)

Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: witness. See also: Genesis 31:44; Psalms 27:12; Psalms 35:11.

אֶחָ֔ד ʼechâd H259 "one" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.

Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)

Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.

לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" 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.

יַעֲנֶ֥ה ʻânâh H6030 "to dwell" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.

Definition: (Qal) to dwell

Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.

בְ/נֶ֖פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 "soul" Prep | N-cs

לָ/מֽוּת mûwth H4191 "to die" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.

Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely

Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.

Study Notes — Numbers 35:30

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 35:30 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 35:30
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 35:30
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 35:30
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 35:30
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 35:30
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 35:30
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 35:30
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 35:30
Sermons on Numbers 35:30

Context — Six Cities of Refuge

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. 29This will be a statutory ordinance for you for the generations to come, wherever you live.

30If anyone kills a person, the murderer is to be put to death on the testimony of the witnesses. But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of a lone witness.

31You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he must surely be put to death. 32Nor should you accept a ransom for the person who flees to a city of refuge and allow him to return and live on his own land before the death of the high priest.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Hebrews 10:28	Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
2	Deuteronomy 19:15	A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
3	Matthew 18:16	But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’
4	2 Corinthians 13:1	This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”
5	John 8:17–18	Even in your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. I am One who testifies about Myself, and the Father, who sent Me, also testifies about Me.”
6	1 Timothy 5:19	Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
7	Revelation 11:3	And I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”
8	Deuteronomy 17:6–7	On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but he shall not be executed on the testimony of a lone witness. The hands of the witnesses shall be the first in putting him to death, and after that, the hands of all the people. So you must purge the evil from among you.
9	Numbers 35:16	If, however, anyone strikes a person with an iron object and kills him, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death.
10	John 7:51	“Does our law convict a man without first hearing from him to determine what he has done?”

Numbers 35:30 Summary

This verse is saying that if someone kills another person, they should be punished with death, but only if there are multiple witnesses who can confirm what happened. This is to make sure that the person is really guilty and to protect them from being wrongly accused (as seen in Deuteronomy 19:15). It's also a reminder that human life is very valuable and should be protected. The Bible teaches us that we should respect and follow the laws that are in place to keep us safe and promote justice (Romans 13:1-4).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of requiring multiple witnesses in Numbers 35:30?

The requirement of multiple witnesses is to ensure a fair trial and prevent wrongful convictions, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:6 and Matthew 18:16, which also emphasize the importance of multiple witnesses in establishing the truth.

How does this verse relate to the concept of justice in the Bible?

This verse highlights the Bible's emphasis on justice and fairness, as also seen in Leviticus 24:22 and Deuteronomy 19:15, where the importance of following the law and protecting the innocent is stressed.

What is the purpose of the death penalty in this context?

The death penalty in Numbers 35:30 serves as a deterrent to murder and a means of upholding the value of human life, as also seen in Genesis 9:6, where God establishes the principle that human life is sacred and deserving of protection.

How does this verse apply to modern-day justice systems?

While the specific laws and punishments may differ, the principles of fairness, justice, and the importance of protecting human life remain relevant today, as seen in Romans 13:1-4, where the role of government in upholding justice is discussed.

Reflection Questions

What does this verse reveal about God's heart for justice and fairness?
How does the requirement of multiple witnesses challenge my own tendencies to jump to conclusions or make assumptions about others?
In what ways can I apply the principle of protecting human life in my own relationships and community?
What does this verse teach me about the importance of following established laws and procedures in order to ensure justice and fairness?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 35:30

Whoso killeth any person,.... Willingly, and through enmity and malice: the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of two witnesses; which is repeated partly to show, that this law concerning

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 35:30

So these things shall be for a statute of judgment unto you throughout your generations in all your dwellings. These things shall be for a statute of judgment.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 35:30

No judge shall condemn any man to death upon a single testimony.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 35:30

(30) By the mouth of witnesses.—The number of witnesses is not here specified. In Deuteronomy 17:6 it is ordained that the crime of idolatry should be punished with death “at the mouth of two witnesses, or of three witnesses;” and in Deuteronomy 19:15 it is ordained in general terms that “one witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 35:30

Verse 30. But one witness shall not testify against any] This was a just and necessary provision. One may be mistaken, or so violently prejudiced as to impose even on his own judgment, or so wicked as to endeavour through malice to compass the life of his neighbour: but it is not likely that two or more should be of this kind; and even were they, their separate examination would lead to a discovery of the truth, and to their conviction.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 35:30

30. one witness shall not testify &c.] This re-enforces the law of Deu 17:6. In Deuteronomy 19:15 three, or at least two, witnesses are required to substantiate any charge (cf. Matthew 18:16).

Barnes' Notes on Numbers 35:30

By the mouth of witnesses - i. e. two witnesses, at the least (compare the marginal references). The provisions of this and the following verses protect the enactments of this chapter from abuse.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 35:30

30. By the mouth of witnesses — It required two to convict of a capital crime, (Deuteronomy 17:6,) and two or three to convict of other crimes. Deuteronomy 19:15; 1 Timothy 5:19, notes.

Sermons on Numbers 35:30

	Sermon	Description
	Grumbling and Complaining - Part 1 by Keith Green	Keith Green addresses the dangers of grumbling and complaining, emphasizing how such attitudes anger God and burden spiritual leaders. He highlights the contrast between the Old an
	Loss and Recovery of Spiritual Power by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the current state of the church and the need for repentance and revival. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God's work and not being
	Do Not Sin Willfully by Richard Owen Roberts	In this sermon, the speaker addresses six warnings mentioned in the book of Hebrews. The first warning is about drifting away, the second is about hardening of hearts, the third is
	An Alarm to the Unconverted 3 of 5 by Joseph Alleine	The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of reading and understanding the word of God. It warns about the consequences of living in a state of sin and being unprepared for j
	Christian, Are You Refusing God? by Tim Conway	This sermon emphasizes the importance of not refusing God's voice, drawing parallels between the consequences faced by those who rejected God's warnings in the past and the greater
	Go to Church or Go to Hell by Conrad Murrell	Conrad Murrell delivers a powerful sermon emphasizing the importance of attending church for salvation, stating that those who do not go to church will go to hell. He explains that
	Homily 1 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches about the significance of Baptism and the need for believers to approach it with earnestness and preparation. He emphasizes the importance of not delaying