What number verse is Numbers 35:30 in the Bible?

Numbers 35:30 is the 4,876th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Numbers 35:30 sits at position 4,876.

35:2935:29 35:3135:31

Numbers 35:30

“Judicial Procedures and Land Purity”· Numbers 35:30–34Read in context

King James Version

Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die.

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KJV (with Strong's)

Whoso killeth ^H5221 any person ^H5315, the murderer ^H7523 shall be put to death ^H7523 by the mouth ^H6310 of witnesses ^H5707: but one ^H259 witness ^H5707 shall not testify ^H6030 against any person ^H5315 to cause him to die ^H4191.

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Complete Jewish Bible

"'If anyone kills someone, the murderer is to be put to death upon the testimony of witnesses; but the testimony of only one witness will not suffice to cause a person to be put to death.

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Berean Standard Bible

If anyone kills a person, the murderer is to be put to death on the testimony of the witnesses. But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of a lone witness.

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American Standard Version

Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be slain at the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person that he die.

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World English Bible Messianic

“‘Whoever kills any person, the murderer shall be slain at the mouth of witnesses; but one witness shall not testify against any person that he die.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

Whosoeuer killeth any person, the Iudge shall slay the murtherer, through witnesses: but one witnesse shall not testifie against a person to cause him to die.

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Young's Literal Translation

whoso smiteth a person, by the mouth of witnesses doth one slay the murderer; and one witness doth not testify against a person--to die.

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Translation

Cross-References

Hebrews 10:28
He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
Matthew 18:16
But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
Deuteronomy 19:15
One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.
2 Corinthians 13:1
¶ This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
John 8:17
It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.
John 8:18
I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.
1 Timothy 5:19
Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

Study this verse

Summary

Numbers 35:30 lays down a fundamental legal principle within the Mosaic Law, establishing that capital punishment for murder can only be enacted upon the corroborated testimony of multiple witnesses. This statute unequivocally rejects the validity of a single witness's testimony in cases involving a death sentence, thereby serving as a crucial safeguard against wrongful conviction, upholding the sanctity of human life, and ensuring the meticulous administration of justice for the most heinous of crimes.

Context

Literary Context

Numbers 35:30 is embedded within a comprehensive legal framework in Numbers 35, which meticulously outlines the provisions for the Levites' cities and, more significantly, the establishment and regulations of the cities of refuge. The preceding verses (Numbers 35:9-29) carefully distinguish between intentional murder and accidental homicide, detailing the process for asylum in a city of refuge and the subsequent trial by the congregation. This particular verse, therefore, functions as a critical procedural safeguard within this elaborate judicial system, ensuring that the severe penalty for intentional murder is applied only after rigorous and verifiable proof. It underscores both the gravity of taking a human life and the meticulousness required in judicial proceedings concerning such an act, reflecting God's demand for justice tempered with due process.

Historical & Cultural Context

In the broader ancient Near East, legal systems varied widely, but many recognized the importance of testimony in judicial matters. However, the Mosaic Law, as revealed in Numbers, distinguishes itself with its unique emphasis on the sanctity of human life and its remarkably detailed provisions for justice. Unlike some surrounding cultures that might have permitted arbitrary justice, the power of a single accuser, or blood vengeance without formal trial, Israel's covenantal law placed stringent demands on judicial process. This statute reflects God's character of justice and righteousness, providing a legal framework that was remarkably advanced for its time, aiming to prevent blood feuds and ensure fair trials within the community as Israel prepared to settle in the Promised Land. It set a precedent for judicial integrity that was unparalleled.

Key Themes

This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of Justice and Due Process, establishing a clear and exacting standard for legal proceedings that prioritizes fairness and accuracy over expediency. The requirement for multiple witnesses, a principle echoed in other legal codes like Deuteronomy 17:6 and Deuteronomy 19:15, highlights God's demand for a robust and verifiable legal system. Secondly, it underscores the Sanctity of Life. While capital punishment for intentional murder is affirmed (as seen in Genesis 9:6), the stringent requirement for proof simultaneously protects the life of the accused, ensuring that the ultimate penalty is not meted out lightly or erroneously. Finally, it speaks to the Reliability of Testimony, emphasizing that truth and conviction, especially in matters of life and death, must be established through the corroboration of facts by more than one independent and credible source.

Exposition and Analysis

Key Word Analysis

Murderer râtsach' H7523

This term (H7523) refers to one who kills a human being, specifically implying an intentional act of taking a life, distinguishing it from accidental homicide. The root meaning "to dash in pieces" emphasizes the violent and destructive nature of the act. In the context of Numbers 35:30, it highlights the severity of the crime that warrants the death penalty, setting the stage for the rigorous evidentiary standards required for conviction.

Witnesses ʻêd' H5707

The plural form of this noun (H5707) is central to the verse. An ʻêd is concretely a witness or, abstractly, testimony. In biblical law, a witness is not merely an observer but one who is obligated to testify truthfully, often under oath, and whose testimony is crucial for establishing facts in a legal setting. The explicit demand for multiple witnesses (plural) directly counters the possibility of a single, uncorroborated account leading to a death sentence, ensuring a higher standard of proof.

One ʼechâd' H259

This numeral (H259) is used in the phrase "one witness" (ʻêd ʼechâd), emphasizing the singularity. Its inclusion in the prohibitive clause highlights the profound distrust of uncorroborated testimony in capital cases. The contrast between "witnesses" (plural) and "one witness" (singular) is crucial, underscoring that this is not merely a procedural rule but a deep ethical principle valuing justice and preventing the potential for malicious or mistaken accusations to lead to irreversible consequences.

Verse Breakdown

"Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death"

This opening clause reiterates the divine mandate for capital punishment for intentional homicide. It establishes the gravity of the crime of murder, which is viewed as an affront to God's image in humanity and therefore warrants the ultimate penalty. The "murderer" (רֹצֵחַ, rotseach) is explicitly distinguished from one who kills accidentally, setting the stage for the specific legal requirements that follow concerning the proof needed for such a severe judgment.

"by the mouth of witnesses"

This phrase (פִּי עֵדִים, piy ‘edim) literally means "by the mouth of witnesses," signifying that the conviction and subsequent execution must be based on direct, verbal testimony. It emphasizes the public and verifiable nature of the evidence required. The plural "witnesses" is paramount, indicating that the testimony must be corroborated by multiple individuals who have direct knowledge of the crime, ensuring a higher degree of certainty and reducing the risk of false accusation or judicial error.

"but one witness shall not testify against any person [to cause him] to die."

This is the prohibitive clause, explicitly stating the invalidity of a single witness's testimony in a capital case. It serves as a vital safeguard against judicial error, malicious prosecution, or insufficient evidence. This strict requirement underscores the immense value placed on human life within God's law, demanding the highest standard of proof before a life can be justly taken by the community, thereby protecting the accused from arbitrary or unsubstantiated judgment.

Literary Devices

Numbers 35:30 employs several literary devices to convey its crucial legal principle with clarity and authority. The most prominent is Legal Language, characterized by its precise, prescriptive, and declarative tone, typical of covenantal law. The verse functions as a clear statute, leaving no ambiguity regarding the absolute requirement for multiple witnesses in capital cases. There is also a strong element of Contrast, pitting the acceptable "mouth of witnesses" (plural) against the unacceptable "one witness" (singular). This stark opposition highlights the absolute necessity of corroboration for a death sentence. Furthermore, the Repetition of the concept of "death" – "shall be put to death" and "to cause him to die" – emphasizes the gravity of the crime and the finality of the judgment, reinforcing the severe consequences that necessitate such stringent evidentiary standards and the meticulousness of God's justice.

Theological and Thematic Connections

The principle of requiring multiple witnesses for a capital offense, as articulated in Numbers 35:30, is a cornerstone of biblical jurisprudence, reflecting God's character as both perfectly just and profoundly merciful. It demonstrates His unwavering commitment to fair trials and the protection of the innocent, even while upholding the sanctity of life by punishing those who willfully take it. This divine standard underscores that truth and justice are not to be determined by mere accusation or isolated testimony, but by verifiable, corroborated evidence, ensuring that the gravest of penalties is only enacted with the highest degree of certainty. This principle extends beyond the courtroom, teaching us about the importance of discernment, thoroughness, and avoiding hasty judgments in all areas of life, fostering a community built on truth and integrity.

Deuteronomy 17:6 Deuteronomy 19:15 1 Timothy 5:19

Reflection and Application

Numbers 35:30 offers timeless wisdom that transcends its original legal context, inviting us to reflect deeply on the nature of justice, the pursuit of truth, and our personal responsibility in discerning facts. In a world often driven by sensationalism, rumor, and the rapid spread of unverified information, this verse calls us to a higher, more discerning standard: to seek corroboration, to resist the powerful urge to condemn based on partial or singular accounts, and to value the reputation and well-being of others as we would our own. It serves as a profound reminder that true justice is not merely about punishment, but about a meticulous and ethical process that rigorously protects the vulnerable and ensures the innocent are not wrongly accused. This principle fosters a community where truth is diligently pursued, and decisions are made with integrity, caution, and compassionate discernment, reflecting God's own character of righteousness and fairness in all our interactions.

Questions for Reflection

How does the principle of requiring multiple witnesses challenge our tendency to believe unverified information or rumors, especially in the age of social media and instant communication?
In what specific ways can we apply the spirit of this law—seeking corroboration and avoiding hasty judgment—in our personal relationships, within our workplaces, and in our broader communities?
What does God's meticulous concern for due process in capital cases reveal about His profound value for human life and the unwavering integrity of His character of justice?

FAQ

Why was one witness not enough for a capital offense in ancient Israel?

The Mosaic Law, as seen in Numbers 35:30, emphatically rejected the testimony of a single witness in cases involving a death sentence to prevent wrongful convictions. This stringent requirement was a crucial safeguard against perjury, malicious accusations, or simple human error. In a society where the consequences of a capital offense were irreversible, God's law demanded the highest standard of proof—corroborated testimony from at least two or three witnesses. This principle is reiterated in Deuteronomy 17:6 and Deuteronomy 19:15, underscoring God's profound concern for justice, the sanctity of human life, and the integrity of the judicial process. It protected the accused from arbitrary power and ensured that life-and-death decisions were based on verifiable truth.

Does the principle of requiring multiple witnesses apply to Christians today?

While the specific legal context of capital punishment in ancient Israel does not directly translate to modern legal systems or church discipline in every detail, the underlying principle of requiring multiple witnesses remains highly relevant and is indeed applied in the New Testament. Jesus Himself alludes to this principle in Matthew 18:16 when discussing church discipline, stating, "if he does not listen, take one or two others along, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses." Similarly, Paul instructs Timothy that an accusation against an elder should not be accepted "except on the evidence of two or three witnesses" in 1 Timothy 5:19. This demonstrates that the biblical emphasis on corroboration, fairness, and the prevention of false accusations is a timeless ethical and procedural standard for the people of God, particularly in matters of serious accusation or judgment within the community of faith.

Christ-Centered Fulfillment

Numbers 35:30, with its rigorous demand for multiple witnesses in capital cases, profoundly foreshadows the perfect justice and ultimate witness found in Christ. While the Old Testament law exposed humanity's inherent inability to perfectly uphold God's righteous standards, even in legal matters, Jesus stands as the one true and faithful witness (Revelation 1:5) to God's character and redemptive plan. Ironically, the very principle of requiring multiple witnesses was tragically subverted during Jesus' own trial, where false witnesses were brought against Him (Matthew 26:59-60), highlighting humanity's fallen nature and its perversion of divine law. Yet, through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ perfectly fulfilled the demands of God's justice. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), offering a perfect sacrifice that satisfies the righteous requirement for death for sin, a requirement that no human legal system could ever fully address. In Him, God's justice is perfectly met, and His boundless mercy is perfectly extended, offering salvation to all who believe, a salvation attested to by the Holy Spirit, the ultimate witness to Christ's saving work and our adoption as children of God (Romans 8:16).

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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.

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