Numbers 35:20

KJV

But if he thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die;

KJV (with Strong's)

But if he thrust {H1920} him of hatred {H8135}, or hurl {H7993} at him by laying of wait {H6660}, that he die {H4191};

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,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 35:20 is a foundational verse within the Mosaic legislation concerning capital crimes, meticulously defining the criteria for premeditated murder. It unequivocally establishes that an act resulting in death, when motivated by deep-seated hatred or carried out through deliberate plotting and ambush, constitutes murder. This crucial distinction was paramount for the proper administration of justice in ancient Israel, determining whether an individual could seek refuge in the designated cities of refuge or if they were to be handed over to the "avenger of blood" for execution, thereby upholding the sanctity of human life and safeguarding the purity of the land from innocent bloodshed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 35:20 is situated within a detailed legal section (Numbers 35:9-34) that meticulously outlines the establishment and function of the cities of refuge. Following general instructions for the Levites' cities and pasturage (Numbers 35:1-8), the text shifts to the critical issue of homicide. Verses 16-18 specify certain instruments (e.g., iron instrument, stone, wooden weapon) whose use resulting in death automatically implied murderous intent. Verse 19 then introduces the "avenger of blood" (go'el haddam), whose role was to execute the murderer. Numbers 35:20, along with [Numbers 35:21](/numbers/35-21 "Numbers 35:21 - Further Criteria for Murder"), expands on the crucial elements of the killer's *motive* and *method*, clarifying that acts driven by "hatred" or "laying of wait" are unequivocally murder, regardless of the specific instrument used. This distinction negated any claim to refuge and ensured the death penalty, contrasting sharply with the provisions for unintentional killing found in [Numbers 35:22-28](/numbers/35-22-28 "Numbers 35:22-28 - Provisions for Unintentional Homicide"), for which refuge was specifically granted.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the concept of justice was profoundly intertwined with the community's well-being and the divine law. The "avenger of blood" was typically a close relative of the deceased, culturally obligated to avenge the death. This practice, common in tribal societies, necessitated divine regulation to prevent escalating blood feuds and ensure true justice, rather than mere vengeance. The establishment of cities of refuge (Numbers 35:6) was a unique divine provision, offering a structured legal process that transcended arbitrary retaliation. Unlike many ancient Near Eastern legal codes that focused primarily on the *act* and its *outcome*, the Mosaic Law, as seen in [Numbers 35:20](/numbers/35-20 "Numbers 35:20 - Defining Premeditated Murder"), placed significant emphasis on the *intent* and *motive* behind the action. This reflected God's moral character and His demand for a just society where human life, made in His image, was highly valued and protected from malicious taking, thereby preventing the land from being defiled by innocent blood, a theme powerfully articulated in [Numbers 35:33-34](/numbers/35-33-34 "Numbers 35:33-34 - Purity of the Land and Bloodshed").

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the **Sanctity of Human Life**, underscoring God's profound regard for life and His abhorrence of its unlawful termination. The meticulous legal framework demonstrates divine **Justice and Accountability**, ensuring that those who commit murder are held fully responsible for their actions, while also providing due process for the unintentionally guilty. The crucial distinction between intentional and unintentional killing highlights the theme of **Intent vs. Accident**, revealing that God's law penetrates beyond the outward act to examine the heart and motive of the perpetrator—a principle echoed throughout Scripture, as seen in the broader legal framework of [Exodus 21](/exodus/21 "Exodus 21 - Laws on Personal Injuries") and [Deuteronomy 19](/deuteronomy/19 "Deuteronomy 19 - Laws of Justice and Cities of Refuge"). Finally, the entire system reinforces the **Divine Law as Foundation** for a just and ordered society, reflecting God's holy character and His standards for human conduct, ensuring the purity of the land from bloodshed, as commanded throughout the Mosaic covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hatred (Hebrew, _sinʼâh'_):** From H8135, this term denotes a deep-seated animosity, hostility, or malice. It is not merely a sudden outburst of anger but a settled ill-will or enmity that precedes and motivates the violent act. In the context of Numbers 35:20, it signifies that the killer harbored a malevolent disposition towards the victim, making the act of killing a deliberate expression of that internal enmity. This word emphasizes the internal state of the perpetrator, revealing that God's law considers the heart's condition as central to culpability.
* **Laying of wait (Hebrew, _tsᵉdîyâh'_):** From H6660, this phrase describes an ambush, a deliberate plotting, or a premeditated design to harm or kill. It speaks to careful planning, cunning, and a calculated intention rather than a spontaneous act. The inclusion of "laying of wait" alongside "hatred" underscores the willful and intentional nature of the act, leaving no doubt as to the killer's murderous intent. It points to a cold, calculated decision to take a life, distinguishing it sharply from accidental death.
* **Die (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** From H4191, this primitive root signifies the cessation of life, whether literally or figuratively. In this legal context, it refers to the fatal outcome of the malicious act. The consequence of the "thrust" or "hurl" being death is what elevates the act to murder, triggering the full legal ramifications and the intervention of the avenger of blood. This word underscores the gravity of taking a human life and the irreversible nature of the crime.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if he thrust him of hatred":** This clause focuses on the *motive* behind the physical action. The word "thrust" (הָדַף, _hâdaph_, H1920) implies a direct, forceful push or blow. The critical element here is "of hatred," indicating that the act was not accidental or a result of a sudden, uncontrolled rage, but rather stemmed from a pre-existing, malicious disposition towards the victim. This establishes the internal intent as a primary factor in determining guilt and culpability.
* **"or hurl at him by laying of wait":** This clause addresses the *method* and *premeditation* of the act. "Hurl" (שָׁלַךְ, _shâlak_, H7993) suggests throwing an object with force. The phrase "by laying of wait" (צְדִיָּה, _tsᵉdîyâh_, H6660) signifies an ambush or a planned, deliberate attack. This emphasizes that the killer meticulously prepared and executed the act with the express purpose of causing harm or death, further solidifying the charge of premeditated murder.
* **"that he die;":** This final phrase states the fatal outcome of the malicious and premeditated act. The death of the victim is the tragic consequence that brings the full weight of the law against the perpetrator, marking the act as murder and precluding any right to refuge in the cities of asylum. It underscores the ultimate and irreversible nature of the crime.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 35:20 employs several literary devices to convey its legal precision and theological weight. The most prominent is **Legal Language**, characterized by its precise, conditional phrasing ("But if... that he die"). This structure is typical of ancient Near Eastern legal codes, designed to delineate specific scenarios and their corresponding judgments with clarity and authority. There is also a clear use of **Contrast**, as this verse sharply distinguishes premeditated murder from unintentional killing, which is discussed in subsequent verses. This contrast highlights the severity of intentional malice in God's eyes and the nuanced application of divine justice. Furthermore, the pairing of "hatred" and "laying of wait" creates a form of **Emphasis** through parallelism, reinforcing the dual nature of murderous intent—both the internal disposition (hatred) and the external premeditated action (laying of wait). This dual emphasis ensures that both the heart and the hand are scrutinized in the pursuit of justice, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the perpetrator's culpability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 35:20 profoundly reveals God's character as a just and holy God who values human life immensely. The meticulous distinction between intentional and unintentional killing underscores that God is not only concerned with outward actions but also with the heart's intentions and hidden motives. This divine scrutiny of motive establishes a standard of justice far superior to many human legal systems, which often struggle to ascertain true intent. The law's demand for the death penalty for premeditated murder reflects the principle that human life, made in the image of God, is so sacred that its deliberate taking pollutes the land and demands a just recompense. This divine standard ensures that society is purified from innocent bloodshed and that the sanctity of life is upheld, reflecting God's own righteousness and His demand for a holy community.

* [Deuteronomy 19:11-13](/deuteronomy/19-11-13 "Deuteronomy 19:11-13 - No Refuge for Intentional Murderers")
* [Exodus 21:12-14](/exodus/21-12-14 "Exodus 21:12-14 - Laws on Homicide")
* [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Genesis 9:6 - The Sanctity of Human Life and Capital Punishment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal system of cities of refuge and the "avenger of blood" no longer apply to believers under the New Covenant, the spiritual principles embedded in Numbers 35:20 remain profoundly relevant for our lives today. This verse challenges us to consider the sanctity of human life, not merely as a legal concept but as a divine mandate that calls for respect and protection of all human beings, from conception to natural death. Moreover, God's emphasis on "hatred" and "laying of wait" as indicators of murder forces us to confront the state of our own hearts. It reminds us that sin originates not just in outward actions but in inward attitudes and intentions. We are called to examine our motives, to root out malice, envy, and hatred, and to cultivate love, forgiveness, and peace, knowing that God sees beyond our external behaviors into the deepest recesses of our hearts. This passage compels us to pursue both societal justice and personal purity, reflecting God's character in our individual lives and in the communities we inhabit, striving to honor God by honoring His creation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's emphasis on "hatred" and "laying of wait" challenge our understanding of sin and its origins, moving beyond mere external actions to internal attitudes?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and as a community, actively uphold the sanctity of human life in contemporary society, especially when confronting difficult ethical considerations?**
* **Considering that God looks at the heart, what practical steps can we take to identify and overcome deep-seated animosity or malicious intentions in our own lives, cultivating a spirit of love and reconciliation instead?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "hatred" and "laying of wait" in this verse?**

Answer: These two phrases are crucial because they define the *intent* and *premeditation* that distinguish murder from unintentional killing (manslaughter) within the Mosaic Law. "Hatred" (שִׂנְאָה, _sinʼâh_) signifies a malicious, deep-seated animosity, indicating that the killer harbored ill-will towards the victim. "Laying of wait" (צְדִיָּה, _tsᵉdîyâh_) refers to an ambush or deliberate plotting, revealing a calculated plan to cause harm. Together, they establish that the act of killing was not accidental or impulsive, but a willful, intentional act driven by malice. This distinction was vital for determining whether the killer deserved the death penalty or could seek refuge in the [cities of refuge](/numbers/35-6 "Numbers 35:6 - Cities of Refuge"). It highlights that God's justice considers not only the outcome but also the heart and mind of the perpetrator, a principle powerfully echoed in [Proverbs 24:12](/proverbs/24-12 "Proverbs 24:12 - God Knows the Heart").

**How does this verse relate to the "avenger of blood"?**

Answer: Numbers 35:20 directly informs the role of the "avenger of blood" (go'el haddam). The avenger was a close relative of the deceased, legally permitted and obligated to execute a murderer. This verse, by clearly defining what constituted *murder* (an act driven by hatred or premeditation), provided the legal grounds for the avenger's action. If the killing was determined to be premeditated murder according to the criteria in [Numbers 35:20-21](/numbers/35-20-21 "Numbers 35:20-21 - Defining Murder"), the avenger had the right to kill the murderer. Conversely, if the killing was unintentional (as described in [Numbers 35:22-23](/numbers/35-22-23 "Numbers 35:22-23 - Unintentional Killing")), the killer could flee to a city of refuge, and the avenger was forbidden from harming them while they remained there. This system prevented indiscriminate vengeance and ensured that justice was administered according to divine law, upholding the sanctity of life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 35:20, with its profound emphasis on the heart's intent in matters of life and death, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The Mosaic Law, in its meticulous detail, served as a "tutor" or "guardian" to lead us to Christ ([Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Guardian")). It revealed the impossibility of human perfection and the pervasive nature of sin, not just in outward actions but in the very thoughts and intentions of the heart. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, elevated the standard of the Law beyond mere external compliance, declaring that hatred in the heart is tantamount to murder in God's eyes ([Matthew 5:21-22](/matthew/5-21-22 "Matthew 5:21-22 - Jesus on Anger and Murder")). He exposed the root of all sin—the corrupted human heart—which the Law could expose but not cleanse. Christ, the perfect Lamb of God, entered a world defiled by sin and bloodshed to offer Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, atoning for the hatred, malice, and premeditated rebellion that lead to spiritual death ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). He is our true and eternal "City of Refuge," the one to whom we flee from the just wrath against our sin, finding forgiveness, cleansing, and eternal life through His atoning blood ([Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - Refuge in Hope")). Through His atoning work, He not only satisfies the demands of divine justice but also transforms the heart of stone, replacing hatred with divine love and malice with compassion, enabling believers to live lives that truly honor the sanctity of human life and reflect the very nature of God ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")).

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.

Cross-References

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.