Numbers 35:22

But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or have cast upon him any thing without laying of wait,

But if he thrust {H1920} him suddenly {H6621} without {H3808} enmity {H342}, or have cast {H7993} upon him any thing {H3627} without laying of wait {H6660},

"'But suppose he shoves him suddenly, but without hostility; or he throws something at him unintentionally;

But if anyone pushes a person suddenly, without hostility, or throws an object at him unintentionally,

But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or hurled upon him anything without lying in wait,

Commentary

Numbers 35:22 is a crucial part of the Old Testament law given to the Israelites, detailing the distinction between intentional murder and accidental homicide. This verse specifically addresses scenarios where a death occurs without malice or premeditation, laying the groundwork for the compassionate provision of the Cities of Refuge.

Context

This verse is found within a larger section of Numbers (Chapter 35) that outlines the establishment and purpose of the Cities of Refuge. As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, God provided laws to govern their society, including how to handle cases of manslaughter. The preceding verses (Numbers 35:16-21) define acts of murder, which carry the death penalty. Verse 22 begins to delineate the circumstances under which a death would be considered accidental, thereby allowing the slayer to seek refuge and a fair trial, rather than being immediately executed by the avenger of blood (the victim's next of kin).

Key Themes

  • Distinction between Intent and Accident: The primary theme is the critical difference God's law makes between a deliberate act of malice and an unforeseen, accidental event. This highlights that God considers the heart's intention in matters of justice.
  • Justice Tempered with Mercy: The provision of the Cities of Refuge demonstrates God's character, which is both perfectly just and merciful. It ensured that while life was held sacred and bloodshed had consequences, an unintentional killer was protected from immediate retribution and given a chance for due process.
  • Sanctity of Human Life: Even in cases of accidental death, the law treated the loss of life with utmost seriousness, requiring a formal process and a period of exile for the slayer, emphasizing the profound value of human life.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrases "without enmity" and "without laying of wait" are key to understanding the verse's intent:

  • "without enmity" translates the Hebrew `b'lo oyeb` (ื‘ึฐึผืœึนื ืึนื™ึตื‘), literally "without an enemy." This emphasizes the absence of personal ill will, hatred, or hostile intent towards the deceased.
  • "without laying of wait" comes from `b'lo tzediya` (ื‘ึฐึผืœึนื ืฆึฐื“ึดื™ึธึผื”), meaning "without lying in wait," "without plotting," or "without malice aforethought." This term explicitly rules out any form of premeditation, ambush, or deliberate planning to harm.

These terms collectively underscore that the act described is entirely accidental and devoid of any malicious intent or prior planning.

Practical Application

Numbers 35:22 offers timeless principles for contemporary life:

  • Importance of Intent: This verse profoundly reminds us that God looks at the heart and the intentions behind our actions, not just the outward deed. While accidental harm still carries consequences, it is judged differently than malicious acts. This principle is foundational in Christian ethics, as seen in Jesus' teaching on anger and murder in Matthew 5:21-22.
  • Balanced Justice Systems: The Cities of Refuge model encourages us to strive for legal systems that are both just and compassionate, ensuring that consequences fit the crime and that mercy is extended where appropriate, especially in cases of genuine accident.
  • Accountability for Actions: Even in unintentional harm, there was accountability (exile to a city of refuge). This highlights that our actions, even accidental ones, have consequences and require us to take responsibility for them.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash 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 โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 21:13 (4 votes)

    And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver [him] into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.

  • Numbers 35:11 (4 votes)

    Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.

  • Joshua 20:5 (2 votes)

    And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime.

  • Deuteronomy 19:5 (2 votes)

    As when a man goeth into the wood with his neighbour to hew wood, and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the axe to cut down the tree, and the head slippeth from the helve, and lighteth upon his neighbour, that he die; he shall flee unto one of those cities, and live:

  • Joshua 20:3 (2 votes)

    That the slayer that killeth [any] person unawares [and] unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.