Numbers 35:30

KJV

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 35:30 establishes a foundational legal tenet within the Mosaic Law, mandating that capital punishment for murder can only be carried out upon the corroborated testimony of multiple witnesses. This verse unequivocally rejects the validity of a single witness's testimony in cases involving a death sentence, thereby safeguarding against wrongful conviction and upholding the sanctity of life while simultaneously ensuring the administration of justice for heinous crimes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 35:30 is situated within a broader legal framework in Numbers 35, which meticulously details 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, outlining the process for asylum in a city of refuge and the subsequent trial by the congregation. This verse, therefore, serves as a critical procedural safeguard within this system, ensuring that the severe penalty for intentional murder is applied only after rigorous and verifiable proof. It underscores the gravity of taking a human life and the meticulousness required in judicial proceedings concerning such an act.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, legal systems varied, but many recognized the importance of testimony. However, the Mosaic Law, as revealed in Numbers, stands out for its unique emphasis on the sanctity of human life and its meticulous provisions for justice. Unlike some surrounding cultures that might have allowed for arbitrary justice or the power of a single accuser, Israel's covenantal law placed stringent demands on judicial process. This particular 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.
* **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 standard for legal proceedings that prioritizes fairness and accuracy over expediency. The requirement for multiple witnesses, echoed in other legal codes like [Deuteronomy 17:6](/deuteronomy/17-6 "Deuteronomy 17:6 - Law of Two or Three Witnesses") and [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement for Multiple Witnesses"), highlights God's demand for a robust and verifiable legal system. Secondly, it underscores the **Sanctity of Life**. While capital punishment for murder is affirmed (as seen in [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Genesis 9:6 - God's Command Regarding Shedding of Blood")), 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
* **Witnesses (Hebrew, _‘edim'_):** This plural noun (עֵדִים) is crucial, explicitly denoting the requirement for more than one person to attest to the crime. The term "witness" in biblical law carries significant weight, implying not just an observer but one who is obligated to testify truthfully, often under oath, and whose testimony is central to establishing facts in a legal setting. The plural form here directly counters the possibility of a single, uncorroborated account leading to a death sentence.
* **Put to death (Hebrew, _yumath'_):** This is the Hophal imperfect form of the verb מוּת (muth), meaning "to die." The Hophal stem indicates a passive causation, meaning "he shall be caused to die" or "he shall be put to death." This emphasizes that the execution is a judicial act, a consequence imposed by the legal system, rather than an act of personal vengeance. It highlights the gravity of the crime and the finality of the prescribed punishment.
* **One witness (Hebrew, _‘ed echad'_):** This phrase (עֵד אֶחָד) explicitly contrasts with "witnesses." "Echad" means "one," emphasizing the singularity. The prohibition against a single witness testifying to cause death underscores the profound distrust of uncorroborated testimony in capital cases. 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 clause reiterates the divine mandate for capital punishment for intentional homicide. It establishes the severity 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 distinguished from one who kills accidentally, setting the stage for the specific legal requirements that follow.
* **"by the mouth of witnesses":** This phrase (פִּי עֵדִים, _piy ‘edim_) literally means "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.
* **"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.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 35:30 employs several literary devices to convey its crucial legal principle. 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 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. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of the concept of "death" – "put to death" and "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.

### 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 just and merciful. It demonstrates His 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.

* [Deuteronomy 17:6](/deuteronomy/17-6 "Deuteronomy 17:6 - Requirement for Two or Three Witnesses in Capital Cases")
* [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - General Rule for Multiple Witnesses in Legal Matters")
* [1 Timothy 5:19](/1_timothy/5-19 "1 Timothy 5:19 - Paul's Application of the Witness Principle to Church Discipline")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 35:30 offers timeless wisdom that transcends its original legal context, inviting us to reflect on the nature of justice, truth, and our responsibility in discerning facts. In a world often driven by sensationalism, rumor, and quick judgments, this verse calls us to a higher standard: to seek corroboration, to resist the urge to condemn based on partial information, and to value the reputation and well-being of others as we would our own. It reminds us that true justice is not merely about punishment, but about a meticulous process that protects the vulnerable and ensures the innocent are not wrongly accused. This principle fosters a community where truth is rigorously pursued, and decisions are made with integrity and caution, reflecting God's own character of righteousness and fairness.

#### 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?**
* **In what ways can we apply the spirit of this law—seeking corroboration and avoiding hasty judgment—in our personal relationships and within our communities?**
* **What does God's meticulous concern for due process in capital cases reveal about His value for human life and His character of justice?**

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

Answer: 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 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](/deuteronomy/17-6 "Deuteronomy 17:6 - Law of Two or Three Witnesses") and [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement for Multiple Witnesses"), 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?**

Answer: 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](/matthew/18-16 "Matthew 18:16 - Jesus' Teaching on Church Discipline") 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](/1_timothy/5-19 "1 Timothy 5:19 - Paul's Instruction on Accusations Against Elders"). 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.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 35:30, with its rigorous demand for multiple witnesses in capital cases, foreshadows the perfect justice and ultimate witness found in Christ. While the Old Testament law exposed humanity's inability to perfectly uphold God's righteous standards, even in legal matters, Jesus stands as the one true and faithful witness ([Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus, the Faithful Witness")). 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](/matthew/26-59 "Matthew 26:59 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")), highlighting humanity's fallen nature and its perversion of divine law. Yet, through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ fulfilled the demands of God's justice. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), 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 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 ([Romans 8:16](/romans/8-16 "Romans 8:16 - The Spirit Bears Witness to Our Adoption")).

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

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.