Numbers 35:22

KJV

But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or have cast upon him any thing without laying of wait,

KJV (with Strong's)

But if he thrust {H1920} him suddenly {H6621} without {H3808} enmity {H342}, or have cast {H7993} upon him any thing {H3627} without laying of wait {H6660},

Complete Jewish Bible

"'But suppose he shoves him suddenly, but without hostility; or he throws something at him unintentionally;

Berean Standard Bible

But if anyone pushes a person suddenly, without hostility, or throws an object at him unintentionally,

American Standard Version

But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or hurled upon him anything without lying in wait,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 35:22 is a pivotal verse within the Mosaic Law, precisely defining the conditions under which a death is considered accidental rather than a malicious act of murder. It distinguishes between a sudden, unintended fatality and one committed with premeditation or hostility, thereby establishing the criteria for an individual to seek refuge in the specially designated Cities of Refuge and receive a fair trial, rather than facing immediate retribution from the avenger of blood. This distinction underscores God's profound concern for justice, emphasizing the critical role of intent in legal and moral judgments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 35:22 is situated within a comprehensive legal section (Numbers 35:9-34) that details the establishment and function of the Cities of Refuge. This chapter immediately follows instructions for the division of the land among the tribes and the allocation of Levitical cities. The preceding verses, specifically [Numbers 35:16-21](/numbers/35-16 "Numbers 35:16-21 - Acts of Murder Defined"), meticulously define various scenarios constituting intentional murder, for which the perpetrator was to be put to death. Verse 22 then introduces the counterpoint, delineating cases of unintentional homicide, thereby setting the stage for the regulations concerning asylum within the Cities of Refuge, which are further elaborated in [Numbers 35:23-28](/numbers/35-23 "Numbers 35:23-28 - Rules for Asylum in Cities of Refuge"). This careful legal distinction highlights the meticulous nature of God's justice system for His people as they prepared to settle in the Promised Land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The provision of Cities of Refuge was a unique and merciful innovation in the ancient Near East. In many contemporary cultures, the concept of "blood vengeance" (lex talionis) was prevalent, where the victim's family, often termed the "avenger of blood," had an immediate right and social obligation to kill the slayer, regardless of intent. This often led to unchecked cycles of violence. God's law, as presented in Numbers 35, introduced a sophisticated legal framework that transcended mere tribal retribution. It established a system of due process, a sanctuary for the accused, and a clear legal distinction between accidental death and premeditated murder. This system ensured that while the sanctity of human life was upheld and bloodshed had serious consequences, an unintentional killer was protected from summary execution and afforded the opportunity for a fair trial before the community elders, reflecting a divine standard of justice far superior to surrounding pagan practices.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 35:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Pentateuch and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **Distinction between Intent and Accident** in God's law, emphasizing that the heart's disposition and purpose behind an action are paramount in divine judgment. This principle is foundational to biblical ethics, echoed later by Jesus' teachings on the spirit of the law in the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount"). Secondly, the verse, in conjunction with the Cities of Refuge, showcases **Justice Tempered with Mercy**. While life is sacred and its taking, even accidentally, requires accountability, God provides a means for protection and due process, demonstrating His compassionate character alongside His perfect righteousness. Finally, the meticulous regulations underscore the profound **Sanctity of Human Life**. Even an accidental death was not trivialized but necessitated a formal legal process and a period of exile for the slayer, reinforcing the immense value God places on human life, created in His image, as seen from [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Genesis 9:6 - The Sanctity of Human Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **without enmity (Hebrew, _b'lo oyev_):** This phrase, בְּלֹא אֹיֵב, literally translates to "without an enemy" or "without hostility." It signifies the complete absence of personal hatred, malice, or ill will towards the deceased. The action leading to death was not motivated by any pre-existing animosity or desire to harm the specific individual. It speaks to the state of the perpetrator's heart and their relationship with the victim prior to the incident.
* **without laying of wait (Hebrew, _b'lo tzediyah_):** The Hebrew phrase בְּלֹא צְדִיָּה means "without lying in wait," "without plotting," or "without malice aforethought." This term explicitly rules out any form of premeditation, ambush, conspiracy, or deliberate planning to inflict harm. It confirms that the act was not a result of a pre-conceived design to cause injury or death, but rather an unforeseen and unintended consequence of an action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity":** This clause describes a scenario where a person causes death through a sudden, unexpected action, such as pushing or striking, but crucially, without any underlying animosity or hostile intent towards the victim. The emphasis is on the suddenness of the action and the absence of personal hatred, indicating that the death was an unintended outcome rather than the fulfillment of a malicious desire.
* **"or have cast upon him any thing without laying of wait":** This second clause broadens the scope to include other forms of accidental death where an object is thrown or dropped, resulting in a fatality. The critical qualifier "without laying of wait" reiterates that there was no prior planning, plotting, or premeditation involved. This ensures that any death resulting from an action that was not intended to cause harm, whether by direct physical contact or by means of an object, falls under the category of unintentional homicide, provided there was no malicious intent or prior design.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 35:22 employs several literary devices to convey its legal and theological meaning. The most prominent is **Casuistic Law**, characterized by its "if...then" structure, which is common in ancient Near Eastern legal codes. This verse, beginning with "But if," sets forth a specific hypothetical case ("he thrust him suddenly... or have cast upon him any thing...") and implies the legal consequence (protection in a City of Refuge, as detailed in subsequent verses). This precise, case-by-case approach ensures clarity in legal application. Furthermore, the verse uses **Contrast** by implicitly setting the conditions for unintentional homicide against the explicitly defined acts of intentional murder in the preceding verses ([Numbers 35:16-21](/numbers/35-16 "Numbers 35:16-21 - Acts of Murder Defined")). This stark differentiation highlights the critical importance of intent in God's justice system. Finally, the **Repetition** of negative qualifiers ("without enmity," "without laying of wait") serves as a powerful **Emphasis** on the complete absence of malice or premeditation, reinforcing the core criteria for distinguishing accidental death from murder.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 35:22 offers profound theological insights into the nature of divine justice and mercy. It demonstrates that God's law is not merely a set of rigid rules but is deeply concerned with the internal disposition and intent of the human heart. This distinction between intentional and unintentional acts reflects a sophisticated understanding of moral culpability, emphasizing that while all bloodshed is serious, the degree of guilt is tied to the presence or absence of malice. The provision for Cities of Refuge, initiated by this distinction, reveals God's character as both perfectly just, demanding accountability for the taking of life, and merciful, providing a pathway to protection and due process for those who err unintentionally. This balance ensures that justice is served without succumbing to the unchecked vengeance common in the ancient world, upholding the sanctity of human life while also offering compassion.

* [Deuteronomy 19:4-6](/deuteronomy/19-4 "Deuteronomy 19:4-6 - Laws for Cities of Refuge")
* [Exodus 21:12-14](/exodus/21-12 "Exodus 21:12-14 - Distinguishing Murder from Manslaughter")
* [Matthew 5:21-22](/matthew/5-21 "Matthew 5:21-22 - Jesus' Teaching on Anger and Murder")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 35:22, though rooted in ancient legal codes, offers timeless principles for contemporary life and faith. It profoundly reminds us that God looks beyond the outward action to the inward intention of the heart. This challenges us to examine our motives, recognizing that even seemingly minor actions can carry significant weight in God's eyes if driven by malice or ill will. In our interactions, we are called to cultivate hearts free from "enmity" and "laying of wait," striving for purity of motive in all we do. Furthermore, this verse informs our understanding of justice, encouraging us to advocate for systems that are both fair and compassionate, distinguishing between deliberate harm and genuine accidents, and ensuring due process for all. It also underscores the importance of accountability, even for unintentional harm; while not condemned as murder, an accidental death still required a period of exile, reminding us that all our actions have consequences and we must take responsibility for them, seeking reconciliation and restitution where possible.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the distinction between intentional and unintentional acts in God's law challenge my own judgments of others?**
* **In what areas of my life might I need to examine my "intent" more closely, ensuring my motives align with God's heart?**
* **How can I contribute to creating environments or systems that embody both justice and mercy, reflecting God's character?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "without enmity" and "without laying of wait" in this verse?**

Answer: These two phrases are crucial because they define the complete absence of malicious intent or premeditation. "Without enmity" (בְּלֹא אֹיֵב) means there was no personal hatred or ill will towards the victim. "Without laying of wait" (בְּלֹא צְדִיָּה) signifies that there was no prior plotting, ambush, or deliberate plan to cause harm. Together, they establish that the death was purely accidental, an unforeseen and unintended consequence of an action, rather than an act of murder. This distinction was foundational for determining whether the slayer qualified for protection in a City of Refuge, as outlined in [Numbers 35:11-15](/numbers/35-11 "Numbers 35:11-15 - The Cities of Refuge").

**How does Numbers 35:22 relate to the Cities of Refuge?**

Answer: Numbers 35:22 provides the very criteria for an individual to be eligible for protection within a City of Refuge. The Cities of Refuge were established by God as sanctuaries for those who had unintentionally killed another person. If a death occurred "without enmity" or "without laying of wait" – meaning it was accidental and not premeditated murder – the slayer could flee to one of these cities. There, they would be protected from the "avenger of blood" ([Numbers 35:19](/numbers/35-19 "Numbers 35:19 - The Avenger of Blood")) until a fair trial could be held before the community elders at the city gate. This system ensured due process and protection for the innocent, distinguishing them from intentional murderers who faced the death penalty, as detailed in [Numbers 35:24-28](/numbers/35-24 "Numbers 35:24-28 - Trial and Residence in the City of Refuge").

**Does accidental death still carry consequences in the Bible?**

Answer: Yes, absolutely. While Numbers 35:22 distinguishes accidental death from intentional murder, it does not imply that accidental death is without consequence. The very existence of the Cities of Refuge demonstrates that even unintentional taking of life was a serious matter. The slayer, though protected from immediate vengeance, was still required to flee to a City of Refuge and remain there until the death of the high priest ([Numbers 35:28](/numbers/35-28 "Numbers 35:28 - Release from the City of Refuge")). This period of exile served as a form of accountability, a consequence for the loss of a human life, and a reminder of the sanctity of life. It underscored that while the heart's intent matters, actions, even accidental ones, have real and significant repercussions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 35:22, in its meticulous distinction between intentional murder and accidental homicide, and its subsequent provision of the Cities of Refuge, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate refuge found in Jesus Christ. Just as the unintentional slayer fled to a city of sanctuary to escape the avenger of blood and find protection, so too does humanity, both those who have sinned "unintentionally" (in ignorance or weakness) and those who have rebelled "intentionally," find their ultimate safety and forgiveness in Christ. The Law's provision for refuge, though imperfect and temporary (lasting only until the death of the high priest), points to the perfect and eternal refuge offered by Jesus, our Great High Priest, whose death on the cross provides complete atonement for all sin ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") and [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). He is the true "strong tower" ([Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower")) where we can run and be safe from the spiritual "avenger of blood"—the just wrath of God against sin. In Christ, the demands of God's perfect justice are met, and His boundless mercy is extended, providing not just temporary shelter, but eternal redemption and reconciliation for all who flee to Him by faith ([Romans 3:23-26](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23-26 - Justification by Faith")).

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 21:13

And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver [him] into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.

Numbers 35:11

Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.

Joshua 20:5

And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime.

Deuteronomy 19:5

As when a man goeth into the wood with his neighbour to hew wood, and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the axe to cut down the tree, and the head slippeth from the helve, and lighteth upon his neighbour, that he die; he shall flee unto one of those cities, and live:

Joshua 20:3

That the slayer that killeth [any] person unawares [and] unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.