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Numbers 35:16

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And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he [is] a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.

And if he smite {H5221} him with an instrument {H3627} of iron {H1270}, so that he die {H4191}, he is a murderer {H7523}: the murderer {H7523} shall surely {H4191} be put to death {H4191}.

"'However, if he hits him with an iron implement and thus causes his death, he is a murderer; the murderer must be put to death.

If, however, anyone strikes a person with an iron object and kills him, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death.

But if he smote him with an instrument of iron, so that he died, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.

Commentary

Context of Numbers 35:16

Numbers chapter 35 lays out the specific laws regarding the Levites' cities and the establishment of six cities of refuge within the land of Canaan. These cities were crucial for distinguishing between accidental killing and intentional murder. In ancient Israel, the concept of 'blood revenge' was common, where a 'goel haddam' (blood avenger) could pursue the killer. This verse, therefore, provides a critical legal framework to prevent vigilantism and ensure justice, defining what constitutes intentional murder punishable by death, as opposed to accidental homicide which afforded refuge. It emphasizes the severity of premeditated acts leading to death.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Sanctity of Life: This law underscores the extreme value God places on human life, created in His image. Taking a life intentionally is a direct affront to God's design and is treated with the utmost gravity.
  • Divine Justice: The verse demonstrates God's demand for justice. Intentional murder is not to be overlooked; it requires the ultimate penalty. This reflects the principle of "life for life" found elsewhere in the Mosaic Law, emphasizing proportionate retribution for severe crimes.
  • Intentionality: The specific mention of an "instrument of iron" implies premeditation or a deliberate act of violence with lethal potential. This clearly distinguishes intentional killing from accidental death, which was handled differently within the cities of refuge system (see Deuteronomy 19:4-6).
  • Capital Punishment: For intentional murder, God mandates the death penalty. This divine decree is consistent with earlier commands, such as Genesis 9:6, "Whoso shedeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed."

Linguistic Insights

The KJV text of Numbers 35:16 is remarkably direct and leaves no room for ambiguity. The phrase "instrument of iron" (Hebrew: כְּלִי בַרְזֶל, keli barzel) refers to any tool or weapon made of iron. Iron was known for its hardness and ability to inflict fatal wounds, signifying a clear intent to harm or a high likelihood of causing death, making the act inherently deliberate. The repetition of "murderer" and the emphatic "shall surely be put to death" underscore the certainty and non-negotiable nature of the prescribed punishment for such a grave offense.

Practical Application

While the specific legal system of ancient Israel is not directly applicable to modern secular law, Numbers 35:16 offers enduring principles for all societies:

  • Value of Human Life: It reminds us of the profound value God places on human life, which should inform our views on justice, law, and ethical considerations surrounding life and death.
  • Need for Justice: The passage highlights the importance of a just legal system that carefully distinguishes between intentional harm and accidental acts, ensuring accountability for crimes. It underscores the universal human desire for justice when heinous crimes are committed.
  • God's Character: This verse reveals God as a righteous judge who upholds justice and demands accountability for actions, especially those that violate the sanctity of life. It speaks to a moral order established by a holy God that transcends time.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 24:17 (5 votes)

    And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death.

  • Genesis 9:5 (2 votes)

    And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man.

  • Genesis 9:6 (2 votes)

    Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

  • Deuteronomy 19:11 (2 votes)

    But if any man hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth into one of these cities:

  • Deuteronomy 19:13 (2 votes)

    Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away [the guilt of] innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee.

  • Numbers 35:30 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Numbers 35:33 (2 votes)

    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.