Numbers 35:33

KJV

So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye [are]: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it.

KJV (with Strong's)

So ye shall not pollute {H2610} the land {H776} wherein ye are: for blood {H1818} it defileth {H2610} the land {H776}: and the land {H776} cannot be cleansed {H3722} of the blood {H1818} that is shed {H8210} therein, but by the blood {H1818} of him that shed {H8210} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

In this way you will not defile the land in which you are living. For blood defiles the land, and in this land no atonement can be made for the blood shed in it except the blood of him who shed it.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not pollute the land where you live, for bloodshed pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it.

American Standard Version

So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood, it polluteth the land; and no expiation can be made for the land for the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 35:33 serves as a profound declaration within the Mosaic Law concerning the sanctity of life and the purity of the land, specifically addressing the consequences of bloodshed. It unequivocally states that innocent blood shed upon the ground defiles the land itself, rendering it ceremonially and morally impure. This defilement, the verse asserts, cannot be atoned for or cleansed by any means other than the execution of the one who shed the blood, underscoring God's absolute demand for justice and the severe spiritual implications of murder within the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 35:33 is situated within a crucial section of the book of Numbers (chapter 35) that meticulously outlines the provisions for the Levites, including their cities and pasturelands, and, most significantly, the establishment of the six Cities of Refuge. These cities were divinely ordained to offer asylum to individuals who had accidentally killed another person, protecting them from the "avenger of blood" until a fair trial could determine the intent of the act. The preceding verses (Numbers 35:9-32) differentiate between unintentional manslaughter, which allowed refuge in these cities, and intentional murder, which did not. Verse 33, therefore, serves as the theological bedrock for the strict distinction and the severe penalty for murder, explaining *why* intentional bloodshed requires capital punishment: it pollutes the very land God is giving to Israel, a land meant to be holy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concept of blood vengeance was widespread, where a victim's family had the right and often the duty to exact retribution for a killing. The Mosaic Law, while acknowledging this cultural practice in the role of the "avenger of blood," significantly regulated it through the Cities of Refuge system. This system was revolutionary, providing due process and distinguishing between premeditated murder and accidental death, thus preventing cycles of indiscriminate violence. Furthermore, the Israelites were about to enter Canaan, a land promised by God, which was to be a holy dwelling place for a holy people. The purity of the land was paramount, not just ceremonially but morally. The defilement of the land by bloodshed was seen as a direct affront to God's holiness and His ownership of the land, echoing the pagan practices of the Canaanites which had defiled the land before them (cf. [Leviticus 18:24-28](/leviticus/18-24 "Leviticus 18:24-28 - Abominations Defile the Land")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, the **Sanctity of Life** is underscored; human life is so precious to God that its unjust taking has cosmic implications, defiling the very ground. This echoes the post-Flood covenant in [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Genesis 9:6 - The Noahic Covenant and Capital Punishment"), which mandates capital punishment for murder, affirming that humanity is made in God's image. Secondly, the **Defilement of the Land** is a critical concept, emphasizing that human sin, particularly bloodshed, has tangible consequences that affect the physical environment and the communal relationship with God. The land, as God's gift and dwelling place, must be kept pure. Thirdly, **Divine Justice** is absolute and uncompromising; the unique requirement that only the blood of the murderer can cleanse the land highlights God's demand for full retribution for murder, reflecting His righteous character. Finally, the theme of **Holiness and Purity** is paramount, as Israel was called to be a holy nation (cf. [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")) dwelling in a holy land. Unpunished murder was a grave impediment to this holiness, jeopardizing God's presence among His people and their continued tenure in the land (cf. [Deuteronomy 19:10](/deuteronomy/19-10 "Deuteronomy 19:10 - Avoiding Bloodguilt")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pollute/Defile (Hebrew, _חָנֵף_, _khanef_):** This verb signifies to be stained, profaned, or rendered unholy, often in a moral or religious sense. It implies a deep corruption that goes beyond mere physical dirt. When applied to the land, it suggests that innocent bloodshed fundamentally alters the land's sacred character, making it unfit for God's holy presence and for the dwelling of His people. The defilement is not superficial but penetrates the very essence of the land, demanding a profound act of cleansing.
* **Cleansed (Hebrew, _כָּפַר_, _kaphar_):** While often translated as "cleansed" in this context, _kaphar_ is the root word for "atonement" or "propitiation." Its use here is highly significant, indicating that the defilement of the land by blood is not merely a legal problem but a theological one, requiring a form of atonement. The land itself needs to be "covered" or "purged" from the stain of sin. The unique and severe stipulation that only the blood of the shedder can provide this "atonement" underscores the gravity of murder and the non-negotiable nature of divine justice for this specific offense.
* **Blood (Hebrew, _דָּם_, _dam_):** Repeated four times in this short verse, "blood" is the central motif. In biblical thought, blood represents life itself (cf. [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")). The shedding of innocent blood is therefore the taking of life, a direct assault on God's creation and His image-bearers. The emphasis on blood as both the source of defilement and the means of cleansing highlights a powerful, almost sacramental, principle: life for life, blood for blood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye [are]:"** This opening clause is a direct command, a negative injunction to the Israelites. It sets the moral imperative for the entire nation, emphasizing their collective responsibility to maintain the purity of the land God has given them. The phrase "wherein ye [are]" underscores that this is not an abstract law but applies directly to their lived experience in the Promised Land, a land that is not merely territory but a sacred trust.
* **"for blood it defileth the land:"** This is the theological rationale for the command. The word "blood" here refers specifically to the innocent blood shed by murder. It is not merely a physical stain but carries a spiritual and moral impurity that contaminates the very ground. This defilement is an active, inherent consequence of the act, not merely a human judgment. The land itself becomes "unclean" in God's sight.
* **"and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it."** This final clause presents the grim and absolute solution to the defilement. It declares that no ritual, no sacrifice, no monetary payment, and no other form of atonement is sufficient to purge the land of the stain of innocent blood, except for the execution of the murderer. This principle, known as *lex talionis* (though here applied specifically to murder), emphasizes divine justice and the ultimate value of human life. It ensures that the defilement is addressed at its source, maintaining the land's holiness and God's righteous order.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 35:33 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Personification**, where the land is treated as if it has a moral sensibility, capable of being "defiled" by bloodshed and requiring "cleansing." This imbues the physical environment with a spiritual dimension, suggesting that the earth itself reacts to human sin. There is also significant **Repetition** of the word "blood" (דָּם, _dam_), appearing four times within this short verse, which powerfully emphasizes the central role of bloodshed in both the problem and the solution. This repetition creates a rhythmic, almost incantatory effect, reinforcing the gravity of the issue. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Legal Formula** or a declarative statement of divine law, characterized by its concise, authoritative, and uncompromising tone. This directness leaves no room for ambiguity regarding the consequences of murder and the required response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 35:33 profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's holiness, the seriousness of sin, and the necessity of atonement. It reveals that sin, particularly the shedding of innocent blood, has cosmic implications, impacting not only individuals but also the very ground upon which humanity dwells. This concept underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His demand for justice to maintain the purity of His dwelling place. The verse teaches that certain sins are so heinous that they require the most extreme form of retribution to restore moral order, highlighting a divine principle that justice must be served for true reconciliation and purity to occur.

* [Genesis 4:10](/genesis/4-10 "Genesis 4:10 - Abel's Blood Cries Out from the Ground")
* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood for Atonement")
* [Deuteronomy 21:8](/deuteronomy/21-8 "Deuteronomy 21:8 - Atonement for Unsolved Murder")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 35:33 stands as a stark reminder of the profound value God places on human life and the gravity of taking it unjustly. It challenges us to consider that our actions, especially those involving violence, have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the immediate victims, impacting the moral and spiritual fabric of our communities and even the environment we inhabit. This verse calls us to a deep reverence for life, recognizing that every human being bears the image of God. While the specific legal mechanism of cleansing by the murderer's blood belongs to the Mosaic Covenant, the underlying principle of divine justice for heinous crimes remains. It compels us to seek justice for the oppressed, to advocate for the sanctity of life from conception to natural death, and to work towards societies where innocent blood is not shed with impunity. It also prompts us to reflect on the pervasive defilement of our world by sin and the ultimate need for a divine cleansing that goes beyond human capacity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of the land being "defiled" by bloodshed challenge our modern understanding of sin's impact?**
* **In what ways does our society, or even our own lives, contribute to or ignore the "shedding of innocent blood," broadly understood?**
* **What does this verse teach us about God's character, particularly His justice and holiness?**
* **How might the principles of this verse inform our approach to issues like violence, capital punishment, or restorative justice in contemporary society?**

### FAQ
**Why does the shedding of blood "defile" the land?**

Answer: The defilement of the land by bloodshed stems from several interconnected theological principles. Firstly, human life is considered sacred because humanity is created in the image of God ([Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image")). To take an innocent life is therefore an offense against God Himself. Secondly, the land of Israel was a holy land, set apart by God as His dwelling place and as the inheritance for His covenant people. For this holy land to be stained by the unpunished shedding of innocent blood was an unbearable affront to God's holiness and purity. It represented a violation of the divine order and a corruption of the sacred space, making it unfit for God's presence and for the continued flourishing of His people. This concept is seen elsewhere, such as when the land "vomits out" its inhabitants due to their abominations ([Leviticus 18:25](/leviticus/18-25 "Leviticus 18:25 - Land Vomits Out Inhabitants")).

**Is the principle of "blood for blood" in Numbers 35:33 still applicable today for capital punishment?**

Answer: The direct application of "blood for blood" as the sole means of cleansing the land for murder was a specific legal and theological requirement within the Mosaic Covenant for ancient Israel. While the New Testament upholds the inherent value of human life and the state's authority to administer justice (e.g., [Romans 13:4](/romans/13-4 "Romans 13:4 - The Authority of Government")), it does not explicitly re-institute the Mosaic legal code for capital punishment as a means of "cleansing the land." Christians live under the New Covenant, where the ultimate cleansing from sin, including the defilement caused by bloodshed, is accomplished through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. However, the verse's underlying principles—the sanctity of life, the gravity of murder, and God's demand for justice—remain timeless and inform ethical considerations regarding violence and punishment in all societies.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 35:33, with its stark declaration that the land defiled by blood can only be cleansed by the blood of the one who shed it, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect cleansing wrought by Jesus Christ. While the Mosaic Law demanded the blood of the murderer to purge the land of its defilement, humanity's sin, including the shedding of innocent blood throughout history, has defiled not just a specific land but the very fabric of creation and the human heart. The Old Covenant system, with its animal sacrifices, could only provide a temporary covering, never a complete cleansing or atonement for such deep-seated defilement, as the [book of Hebrews](/hebrews/9 "Hebrews 9 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice") makes clear. It is the precious, innocent blood of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus Christ, shed once for all on the cross, that provides the definitive and eternal cleansing. His blood, unlike any other, has the power to cleanse us from all sin ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Jesus' Blood")), to purify our consciences from dead works ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")), and to reconcile a defiled humanity to a holy God. He is the ultimate "blood" that cleanses, not just a land, but the very souls of those who believe, fulfilling the profound need for atonement that Numbers 35:33 so vividly articulates.

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

Luke 11:50

That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;

Luke 11:51

From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.

Psalms 106:38

And shed innocent blood, [even] the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.

Isaiah 26:21

For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.

2 Kings 23:26

Notwithstanding the LORD turned not from the fierceness of his great wrath, wherewith his anger was kindled against Judah, because of all the provocations that Manasseh had provoked him withal.

Hosea 4:2

By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.

Hosea 4:3

Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.