Numbers 35:18

KJV

Or [if] he smite him with an hand weapon of wood, wherewith he may die, and he die, he [is] a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.

KJV (with Strong's)

Or if he smite {H5221} him with an hand {H3027} weapon {H3627} of wood {H6086}, wherewith he may die {H4191}, and he die {H4191}, he is a murderer {H7523}: the murderer {H7523} shall surely {H4191} be put to death {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Or if he hits him with a wood utensil in his hand capable of killing someone, and he dies, he is a murderer; the murderer must be put to death.

Berean Standard Bible

If anyone has in his hand a deadly object of wood, and he strikes and kills another, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death.

American Standard Version

Or if he smote him with a weapon of wood in the hand, whereby a man may die, and he died, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 35:18 precisely defines a scenario of intentional homicide within the Mosaic Law, underscoring the profound gravity of taking a human life through a deliberate act. This verse, an integral part of the broader legal framework concerning capital offenses and the establishment of cities of refuge, unequivocally clarifies that striking someone with a wooden instrument in a manner capable of causing death, when resulting in death, constitutes murder. It mandates the death penalty for such an act, thereby emphasizing God's absolute regard for human life and the stringent demands of divine justice within the covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 35:18 is situated within a detailed legal discourse (Numbers 35:9-34) concerning the administration of justice for homicide in ancient Israel. This chapter primarily outlines the establishment and function of the cities of refuge, designed to protect those who commit unintentional manslaughter from the "avenger of blood" while ensuring that intentional murderers face the full penalty of the law. Verses 16-21 specifically delineate various scenarios of intentional murder based on the weapon used (iron, stone, or wood, as in verse 18) or the presence of enmity, starkly contrasting these with unintentional killing (Numbers 35:22-23). The passage culminates in the profound principle that only the death of the murderer can atone for the defilement of the land caused by innocent blood, a concept foundational to the justice system of the covenant community and crucial for maintaining its holiness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel, possessed legal codes that distinguished between intentional and unintentional killing, though the specific penalties and procedures varied. Israel's law, however, was uniquely grounded in a divine mandate, reflecting the very character of God and His covenant with His people. The concept of the "avenger of blood" (גֹּאֵל הַדָּם, _go'el hadam_) was a common cultural practice, where a close relative of the deceased had the right and duty to pursue and execute the killer. The Mosaic Law, by establishing cities of refuge and clear definitions of murder, regulated this practice, preventing unchecked blood feuds and ensuring that justice was administered fairly and according to divine standards, rather than solely by private vengeance. The land itself was considered holy, and the shedding of innocent blood was seen as a defilement requiring expiation (Numbers 35:33-34), underscoring the theological dimension of justice.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the **Sanctity of Human Life**, which is presented as sacred because humanity is created in the image of God, reflecting His divine likeness and worth (a principle established in [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Capital Punishment for Murder for Defiling God's Image")). The strict laws against murder highlight God's profound respect for life and the immense value He places upon it. Another crucial theme is **Divine Justice and Retribution**, where God's righteous character demands that sin, especially the taking of life, be met with appropriate and severe consequences. The principle of "life for a life" is not merely vengeance but a divinely ordained consequence to uphold righteousness and deter crime within the community. Furthermore, the passage emphasizes **Intentionality**, meticulously distinguishing between premeditated acts of killing (murder) and unintentional acts (manslaughter), with vastly different legal ramifications. The detailed descriptions of weapons and circumstances in [Numbers 35:16-21](/numbers/35-16-21 "Defining Murder and Manslaughter") underscore the importance of discerning the killer's intent. Finally, the verse clearly affirms **Capital Punishment** for premeditated murder, a concept introduced early in the biblical narrative and reinforced throughout the Law as a means of maintaining the purity and holiness of the land and the covenant community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **smite (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** From H5221, a primitive root meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill." In this context, _nâkâh_ denotes a forceful, intentional blow, implying a deliberate act of violence rather than an accidental touch. Its usage here, coupled with the outcome of death, emphasizes the lethal intent behind the action, elevating it beyond mere assault to a fatal attack.
* **weapon (Hebrew, _kᵉlîy'_):** From H3627, meaning "something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)." The term _kᵉlîy_ is broad, referring to any implement or article. Here, specified as "of wood" (H6086, _ʻêts_), it highlights that even an ordinary wooden object, not typically designed for combat, becomes a "weapon" when wielded with murderous intent and proves capable of inflicting death. This underscores that the lethality is not solely inherent in the object but in the perpetrator's malicious use of it.
* **murderer (Hebrew, _râtsach'_):** From H7523, a primitive root meaning "properly, to dash in pieces, i.e. kill (a human being), especially to murder." The term _râtsach_ is highly significant as it specifically denotes unlawful, premeditated, or culpable homicide. Unlike general terms for killing, _râtsach_ carries the strong connotation of a criminal act that violates divine and human law. Its repeated use in this verse and throughout the cities of refuge legislation unequivocally identifies the perpetrator as one who has committed an unforgivable offense against life, demanding the gravest penalty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Or [if] he smite him with an hand weapon of wood":** This clause initiates a specific legal case, detailing the instrument and manner of the fatal blow. The phrase "hand weapon of wood" indicates a direct, physical assault using a wooden object, emphasizing that the weapon is not naturally lethal like a sword but becomes so by the force and intent of the user. This highlights the deliberate nature of the act, distinguishing it from accidental harm.
* **"wherewith he may die, and he die":** This part establishes the direct causal link between the violent act and the victim's demise. The phrase "wherewith he may die" points to the inherent potential of the blow or weapon to be fatal, while "and he die" confirms the tragic and irreversible outcome. This removes any ambiguity regarding the lethality of the action and the resulting death, solidifying the severity of the offense.
* **"he [is] a murderer":** This is a definitive legal and moral declaration. The perpetrator is unequivocally labeled a "murderer" (_râtsach_), signifying that the act was not accidental or justifiable, but intentional, criminal, and deserving of the highest condemnation. This pronouncement carries the full weight of divine judgment and legal consequence within the covenant community.
* **"the murderer shall surely be put to death":** This final clause prescribes the mandatory and inescapable penalty for the identified murderer. The Hebrew idiom "shall surely be put to death" (מוֹת יוּמָת, _mot yumat_) expresses absolute certainty and inevitability of capital punishment. It leaves no room for leniency, alternative punishments, or escape, reflecting the principle of _lex talionis_ (life for a life) and the profound seriousness with which God views the shedding of innocent blood. This mandate ensures that justice is served, the sanctity of life is upheld, and the land is cleansed from defilement.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices to convey its legal and theological weight. **Legal Language** is paramount, characterized by precise, conditional clauses ("Or [if] he smite...") and definitive, declarative pronouncements ("he [is] a murderer"). This formal, prescriptive style underscores the divine authority behind the law and its binding, non-negotiable nature. **Repetition** is also evident, particularly with the words "die" and "murderer," which serves to emphasize both the fatal outcome and the perpetrator's undeniable culpability. The phrase "and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death" creates a stark, inescapable logical and judicial flow, reinforcing the direct and inevitable consequence of the act. Furthermore, the passage uses **Emphasis** through its detailed categorization of weapons (iron, stone, wood in the broader context) not to differentiate the severity of the murder based on the instrument, but to highlight that the *intent* and *lethality* of the act, rather than the specific material, are what define murder. This meticulousness underscores the comprehensive and unyielding nature of God's justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 35:18 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to justice and the sanctity of human life. It reinforces the foundational biblical truth that human life, created in the image of God, possesses inherent dignity and value, making its unlawful termination an offense not only against humanity but directly against the Creator Himself. The strict mandate for capital punishment for premeditated murder underscores the seriousness of this sin and the necessity of purging evil from the community to maintain its purity and God's presence within it. This legal principle serves as a deterrent and a declaration of God's righteous character, demonstrating that He is a God who upholds order, demands accountability for actions that defile His creation, and ensures that His covenant people reflect His holiness.

* [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Capital Punishment for Murder for Defiling God's Image")
* [Exodus 21:12-14](/exodus/21-12-14 "Laws Concerning Intentional and Unintentional Homicide")
* [Deuteronomy 19:11-13](/deuteronomy/19-11-13 "Punishment for Premeditated Murder and Removal of Evil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While modern legal systems differ in their specifics from ancient Israelite law, the underlying moral and theological principles of Numbers 35:18 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This passage calls us to a deep reverence for human life, recognizing its sacred origin and inherent worth, which should shape our attitudes and actions concerning issues from conception to natural death. It reminds us that God is a God of justice who holds individuals accountable for their actions, particularly those that cause grave harm to others. For us, this translates into a commitment to upholding righteousness, seeking justice for the oppressed, and condemning violence in all its forms. It also challenges us to examine our own hearts, knowing that Jesus taught that hatred in the heart is akin to murder, revealing the spiritual root of physical violence (as seen in [Matthew 5:21-22](/matthew/5-21-22 "Jesus' Teaching on Anger and Murder")). This urges us to cultivate love, forgiveness, and peace in our relationships, striving not only for outward obedience but for inward transformation that reflects the heart of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the strictness of this law inform your understanding of God's character and His profound view of human life?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and as a community of faith, actively uphold the sanctity of life in a world that often devalues it?**
* **How does the emphasis on intentionality in this verse challenge us to consider the motives behind our own words and actions, even those not leading to physical harm?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse apply to all forms of killing, or only specific ones?**

Answer: Numbers 35:18, along with the surrounding verses in [Numbers 35:16-21](/numbers/35-16-21 "Defining Murder and Manslaughter"), specifically applies to *intentional* and *premeditated* killing, which the Bible defines as murder. The Mosaic Law meticulously distinguishes between murder and unintentional killing (manslaughter), for which the cities of refuge were established (as outlined in [Numbers 35:9-15](/numbers/35-9-15 "Cities of Refuge and Their Purpose")). This verse, by specifying a "hand weapon of wood" and the resulting death, falls under the category of deliberate acts of violence intended to cause death, thus constituting murder. It does not apply to accidental death, killing in self-defense, or lawful execution carried out by authorized authorities.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 35:18, with its stern declaration against murder and its demand for capital punishment, points forward to Christ in several profound ways. The severe penalty for shedding innocent blood underscores the gravity of sin against God's image-bearers, a sin that ultimately finds its fullest expression in humanity's rejection and crucifixion of the Son of God. The Old Testament's relentless pursuit of justice for murder foreshadows the ultimate justice of God against all sin, which culminates in Christ's atoning sacrifice. He is the true and perfect "avenger of blood" against the sin that defiles humanity and the earth, yet paradoxically, He is also the ultimate "City of Refuge" (as alluded to in [Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hope in Christ, Our Refuge")) for those who flee to Him for salvation from the just wrath of God. While the Law condemned the murderer to death, Christ, through His own death on the cross, provided a way for sinners, even those guilty of profound moral offenses, to find forgiveness and eternal life, satisfying the demands of divine justice while extending boundless grace. His teaching elevates the sanctity of life even further, condemning hatred and anger in the heart as the root of murder (as taught in [Matthew 5:21-22](/matthew/5-21-22 "Jesus' Teaching on Anger and Murder")), revealing that true righteousness extends beyond outward actions to the very intentions of the heart, a standard only perfectly met and fulfilled in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.