King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
But if he thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die;
Complete Jewish Bible:
Likewise, if he shoves him out of hatred; or intentionally throws something at him, causing his death;
Berean Standard Bible:
Likewise, if anyone maliciously pushes another or intentionally throws an object at him and kills him,
American Standard Version:
And if he thrust him of hatred, or hurled at him, lying in wait, so that he died,
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
But if he thrust{H1920} him of hatred{H8135}, or hurl{H7993} at him by laying of wait{H6660}, that he die{H4191};
Cross-References (KJV):
Exodus 21:14
- But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.
Deuteronomy 19:11
- But if any man hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth into one of these cities:
2 Samuel 20:10
- But Amasa took no heed to the sword that [was] in Joab's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth [rib], and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.
Genesis 4:8
- ¶ And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
2 Samuel 3:27
- And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth [rib], that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.
Psalms 35:7
- For without cause have they hid for me their net [in] a pit, [which] without cause they have digged for my soul.
Psalms 35:8
- Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Numbers 35:20
**Themes:**
Numbers 35:20 is part of a larger passage that deals with the establishment of cities of refuge and the distinctions between manslaughter and premeditated murder. The verse specifically addresses the case of someone who kills another out of hatred or through a premeditated act. The themes include:
1. **Justice and Law:** The importance of fair legal proceedings and the establishment of a legal system to distinguish between intentional and unintentional killing.
2. **Sanctity of Life:** The recognition that human life is valuable, and the corresponding need for proportionate consequences for taking a life.
3. **Protection and Refuge:** Provision for unintentional manslayers to find sanctuary from avengers of blood, illustrating a form of asylum and legal protection.
**Historical Context:**
The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Pentateuch, traditionally ascribed to Moses, and it describes the Israelites' journey from Mount Sinai to the plains of Moab, on the border of the Promised Land. Numbers 35 is set during the final stages of this journey, as the Israelites are preparing to enter and possess the land of Canaan.
During this time, God instructs Moses to assign cities of refuge to the Levites, to which individuals who unintentionally caused the death of another could flee to avoid retribution from the victim's relatives. Numbers 35:20, in particular, outlines the criteria for determining if a death was caused by malice or premeditation, which would disqualify the perpetrator from seeking refuge in these cities.
This legislation was revolutionary for its time, as it provided a legal framework for dealing with homicide, emphasizing the need for evidence and intent in determining guilt and punishment. It also limited personal revenge and established a system of due process, reflecting the broader legal and moral principles found throughout the Pentateuch.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H1920
There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: הָדַף
Transliteration: hâdaph
Pronunciation: haw-daf'
Description: a primitive root; to push away or down; cast away (out), drive, expel, thrust (away). - Strong's Number: H8135
There are 16 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שִׂנְאָה
Transliteration: sinʼâh
Pronunciation: sin-aw'
Description: from שָׂנֵא; hate; [phrase] exceedingly, hate(-ful, -red). - Strong's Number: H7993
There are 121 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁלַךְ
Transliteration: shâlak
Pronunciation: shaw-lak
Description: a primitive root; to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively); adventure, cast (away, down, forth, off, out), hurl, pluck, throw. - Strong's Number: H6660
There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: צְדִיָּה
Transliteration: tsᵉdîyâh
Pronunciation: tsed-ee-yaw'
Description: from צָדָה; (compare צְדָא); design; lying in wait. - Strong's Number: H4191
There are 694 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מוּת
Transliteration: mûwth
Pronunciation: mooth
Description: a primitive root; to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill; [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.