What number verse is Numbers 35:25 in the Bible?

Numbers 35:25 is the 4,871st verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Numbers 35:25 sits at position 4,871.

35:2435:24 35:2635:26

Numbers 35:25

“Defining Murder and Manslaughter”· Numbers 35:16–29Read in context

King James Version

And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the revenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he was fled: and he shall abide in it unto the death of the high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil.

Ask

KJV (with Strong's)

And the congregation ^H5712 shall deliver ^H5337 the slayer ^H7523 out of the hand ^H3027 of the revenger ^H1350 of blood ^H1818, and the congregation ^H5712 shall restore ^H7725 him to the city ^H5892 of his refuge ^H4733, whither he was fled ^H5127: and he shall abide ^H3427 in it unto the death ^H4194 of the high ^H1419 priest ^H3548, which was anointed ^H4886 with the holy ^H6944 oil ^H8081.

Ask

Complete Jewish Bible

and the community is to save the killer from the next-of-kin avenger. The community is to return him to the city of refuge to which he fled, and he is to live there until the cohen hagadol, who was anointed with the holy oil, dies.

Ask

Berean Standard Bible

The assembly is to protect the manslayer from the hand of the avenger of blood. Then the assembly will return him to the city of refuge to which he fled, and he must live there until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil.

Ask

American Standard Version

and the congregation shall deliver the manslayer out of the hand of the avenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to his city of refuge, whither he was fled: and he shall dwell therein until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil.

Ask

World English Bible Messianic

The congregation shall deliver the man slayer out of the hand of the avenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to his city of refuge, where he had fled. He shall dwell therein until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil.

Ask

Geneva Bible (1599)

And the Congregation shall deliuer the slayer out of the hande of the auenger of blood, and the Congregation shall restore him vnto the citie of his refuge, whither hee was fled: and hee shall abide there vnto the death of the hie Priest, which is anointed with the holy oyle.

Ask

Young's Literal Translation

`And the company have delivered the man-slayer out of the hand of the redeemer of blood, and the company have caused him to turn back unto the city of his refuge, whither he hath fled, and he hath dwelt in it till the death of the chief priest, who hath been anointed with the holy oil.

Ask

Translation

Cross-References

Exodus 29:7
Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his head, and anoint him.
Leviticus 4:3
If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.
Leviticus 21:10
¶ And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;
Hebrews 7:25
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:28
For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
Hebrews 10:19
¶ Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
Hebrews 10:22
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Study this verse

Summary

Numbers 35:25 delineates a critical aspect of the legal framework for unintentional homicide within ancient Israel's system of Cities of Refuge. It mandates that the community, specifically the "congregation," must intervene to protect an unintentional slayer from the "revenger of blood," ensuring their secure return to the designated city of refuge where they had initially fled. The verse further stipulates a unique condition for the slayer's release from this sanctuary: they must abide there until the death of the reigning High Priest, who was consecrated with holy oil, at which point they are permitted to return to their ancestral land.

Context

Literary Context

Numbers 35 is entirely dedicated to the establishment and detailed regulations governing the Cities of Refuge, a crucial component of Israel's legal and social structure as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. The preceding verses, Numbers 35:9-15, introduce the concept of these cities and their purpose as havens for those who committed unintentional homicide, distinguishing them sharply from cases of premeditated murder. Numbers 35:16-24 then meticulously outlines the criteria for differentiating between intentional murder, which warranted the death penalty, and manslaughter, which required refuge. Numbers 35:25, therefore, serves as the culmination of this legal process for the unintentional slayer, defining the duration of their protective confinement and the specific, divinely ordained condition for their eventual release, thereby underscoring the community's integral role in upholding justice and mercy.

Historical & Cultural Context

In the ancient Near East, the practice of blood vengeance (lex talionis) was widespread, where the closest male relative of a deceased individual had the right and often the social obligation to avenge the death. This system, while rooted in a desire for justice, frequently led to escalating cycles of inter-family feuds. The Mosaic Law, through the institution of the Cities of Refuge, provided a divinely revealed alternative that tempered this practice with due process and mercy. The "revenger of blood" (Hebrew: go'el haddam) was a legally recognized figure. The High Priest, uniquely consecrated through anointing with "holy oil" (Exodus 29:7; Leviticus 8:12), was the supreme spiritual leader of Israel, serving as the nation's representative before God in the Tabernacle/Temple. His life and death carried profound national and theological significance, representing the spiritual state and covenant relationship of the entire community.

Key Themes

This verse powerfully illustrates several core themes woven throughout the Pentateuch and the broader Old Testament. It highlights God's intricate balance of justice and mercy, demonstrating that while human life is sacred and its taking (even accidentally) has serious consequences, divine law also provides a pathway for compassion and due process, preventing arbitrary vengeance. The explicit mention of the "congregation" underscores the theme of communal responsibility in administering God's laws, upholding righteousness, and providing sanctuary. The unique role of the High Priest's death points to a profound theme of symbolic atonement and release, foreshadowing a greater spiritual reality of redemption. These themes are further elaborated in other passages concerning the Cities of Refuge, such as the detailed regulations in Deuteronomy 19 and their actual establishment and function described in Joshua 20.

Exposition and Analysis

Key Word Analysis

Slayer râtsach' H7523

This term (H7523), primarily meaning "to dash in pieces" or "to kill," is used here specifically in the context of unintentional homicide, distinguishing it from premeditated murder. Throughout Numbers 35, a crucial legal distinction is drawn between the intentional murderer, who is to be executed, and the râtsach, who accidentally causes death and is afforded protection within the Cities of Refuge.

Revenger of blood gâʼal_ _haddâm' H1350

The term gâʼal (H1350) is a primitive root meaning "to redeem" or "to be the next of kin," often implying the right and duty to buy back property, marry a widow, or, in this context, avenge a kinsman's death. Coupled with dâm (H1818), "blood," go'el haddam refers to the closest male relative of the deceased who had the legal and social obligation to exact retribution. The Cities of Refuge system was specifically designed to protect the unintentional slayer from this legitimate, yet potentially hasty or unjust, act of vengeance, ensuring a fair legal process.

High Priest kôhên_ _gâdôwl' H3548

The kôhên (H3548) is one who officiates, a priest, while gâdôwl (H1419) means "great" or "high." Together, they designate the chief spiritual leader of Israel, uniquely consecrated through anointing with "holy oil." His life was intimately tied to the spiritual well-being of the nation and the functioning of the Tabernacle/Temple. His death was a momentous national event, signifying a change in spiritual leadership and, in this specific legal context, serving as the divinely appointed trigger for the unintentional slayer's release from exile.

Verse Breakdown

"And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the revenger of blood"

This clause highlights the crucial role of the community (represented by its elders and judges) in administering justice. It signifies that the established legal process, not private, immediate vengeance, holds sway. The congregation acts as an impartial arbiter, actively protecting the accused until their case can be properly judged and their status as an unintentional slayer confirmed, thereby upholding the sanctity of life and due process.

"and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he was fled"

Once the slayer's unintentional culpability is established through a fair trial, the community is responsible not only for their initial protection but also for ensuring their safe return and secure residence within the designated City of Refuge. This emphasizes the concept of divine provision and the community's active role in maintaining order, mercy, and the integrity of the covenant within Israel.

"and he shall abide in it unto the death of the high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil"

This is the most distinctive and theologically profound stipulation of the verse. The High Priest's death serves as the sole, divinely appointed condition for the slayer's release from exile within the City of Refuge. It is not a fixed term, but a life-for-life condition, linking the slayer's freedom to the life of the nation's supreme spiritual representative. The mention of the High Priest being "anointed with the holy oil" underscores his unique, sacred, and set-apart status, emphasizing the profound spiritual significance of his life and, crucially, his death, as a means of symbolic atonement and national cleansing.

Literary Devices

Numbers 35:25 employs several literary devices to convey its profound legal and theological message. Symbolism is highly prominent, with the City of Refuge itself functioning as a powerful symbol of divine provision, mercy, and a secure haven from the immediate, potentially fatal, consequences of an accidental act. The death of the High Priest serves as a profound symbolic act of release or atonement, marking a divinely appointed end to the slayer's exile and signifying a form of national cleansing. The passage also utilizes clear legal language and prescriptive instruction, characteristic of the Mosaic Law, to establish precise rules and procedures for justice. This legal precision creates a stark contrast between the raw, potentially chaotic nature of blood vengeance and the ordered, merciful, and divinely sanctioned justice established through the community and the High Priesthood.

Theological and Thematic Connections

Numbers 35:25 profoundly reveals God's character as both perfectly just and infinitely merciful. He demands accountability for the taking of human life, even if unintentional, yet He simultaneously provides a pathway to protection and eventual restoration, preventing unchecked vengeance. This intricate system underscores the sanctity of human life and the necessity of atonement for sin and its far-reaching consequences. The High Priest's death, serving as the unique mechanism for the unintentional slayer's release, points to the broader biblical principle that "without shedding of blood is no remission" (Hebrews 9:22), suggesting a profound and typological link between death, sacrifice, and the possibility of freedom from condemnation or exile. This foreshadows a greater, ultimate High Priest whose death would bring true and lasting freedom.

Deuteronomy 19:4-6 Joshua 20:6 Hebrews 9:22

Reflection and Application

This ancient law, far from being a mere historical curiosity, offers profound and enduring insights into principles of justice, mercy, and communal responsibility that remain relevant today. It challenges us to reflect on how we, individually and collectively, balance the demands for justice with the imperative for compassion in our legal systems, social structures, and personal interactions. The concept of a "city of refuge" reminds us that there are times when individuals, having caused harm, even unintentionally, desperately need a safe haven—a place of protection, due process, and spiritual restoration, shielded from immediate, potentially vengeful, repercussions. It also highlights the critical role of community in upholding ethical standards, providing support, and ensuring fair treatment for all, especially the vulnerable or those who have made grievous errors. For us, this passage prompts deep reflection on where we find spiritual refuge from the consequences of our own sins and failures, and how we might extend such grace and sanctuary to others in a broken world.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage challenge our modern understanding of justice and mercy, particularly in cases of accidental harm or unintended consequences?
What practical role does community play in upholding justice and offering "refuge" or restorative pathways in our contemporary society or church?
In what ways do we, as individuals, seek or need spiritual "refuge" from the consequences of our actions, both intentional and unintentional, and where do we find it?

FAQ

What was the primary purpose of the Cities of Refuge?

The Cities of Refuge were designated sanctuaries established under the Mosaic Law to provide protection and due process for individuals who had unintentionally killed another person. Their primary purpose was to prevent immediate blood vengeance by the deceased's "revenger of blood" and to ensure that a fair trial could determine whether the killing was accidental or premeditated murder. If found unintentional, the slayer could live safely within the city until the death of the High Priest, thus balancing justice for the victim with mercy for the slayer, as comprehensively outlined in Numbers 35:9-15 and further detailed in Deuteronomy 19:4-6.

Why was the death of the High Priest significant for the slayer's release?

The death of the High Priest served as a unique and profound symbolic act of atonement that marked the end of the unintentional slayer's exile and allowed them to return to their home and inheritance. The High Priest was the spiritual head of the nation, representing all Israel before God, and his life was intrinsically linked to the covenant and the Tabernacle/Temple service. His death was a momentous national event, signifying a profound shift or a form of national cleansing. This act symbolically "covered" the unintentional shedding of blood, thereby releasing the slayer from their confinement. This provision underscores the deep theological connection between life, death, and atonement within the Old Covenant, acting as a profound foreshadowing of a greater spiritual reality, as further detailed in Joshua 20:6.

Christ-Centered Fulfillment

Numbers 35:25, with its unique provision for the unintentional slayer's release upon the death of the High Priest, stands as a profound and beautiful foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. Just as the Old Testament High Priest's death provided a divinely appointed release from exile and the threat of vengeance for the unintentional slayer, so too does humanity, spiritually "slain" by sin and under the just condemnation of God's law, find ultimate refuge and liberation through the death of Jesus, our Great High Priest. Hebrews 4:14 proclaims Jesus as our "great high priest, that is passed into the heavens," who perfectly fulfills and transcends all the symbolic roles of the Levitical priesthood. His death on the cross was not merely symbolic but a real, once-for-all sacrifice, providing eternal redemption and perfect atonement for all sin (Hebrews 9:12). In Christ, we find our true "City of Refuge," a secure hope and an anchor for the soul, enabling us to "flee for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us" (Hebrews 6:18). His substitutionary sacrifice releases us from the exile of sin and brings us into reconciliation and fellowship with God, allowing us to return to our true spiritual inheritance and eternal home in Him.

Copy as

Historical interpretation

Historical Reception

One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.

1 quote · AD 397

AD 397Ambrose of MilanPost-NiceneSourceFLIGHT FROM THE WORLD 9.55

The man who renounces the vices and rejects the way of life of his countrymen is in flight like Lot. Such a one does not look behind himself but enters that city which is above by the passageway of his thoughts, and he does not withdraw from it until the death of the chief priest who bore the sin of the world. He indeed died once, but he dies for each person who is baptized in Christ’s death, that we may be buried together with him and rise with him and walk in the newness of his life.

Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

Copy as

Continue studying Numbers 35:25 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.