Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Give three on this side of the Jordan and three in Canaan as cities of refuge. New Living Translation three on the east side of the Jordan River and three on the west in the land of Canaan. English Standard Version You shall give three cities beyond the Jordan, and three cities in the land of Canaan, to be cities of refuge. Berean Standard Bible Select three cities across the Jordan and three in the land of Canaan as cities of refuge. King James Bible Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge. New King James Version You shall appoint three cities on this side of the Jordan, and three cities you shall appoint in the land of Canaan, which will be cities of refuge. New American Standard Bible You shall provide three cities across the Jordan, and three cities in the land of Canaan; they are to be cities of refuge. NASB 1995 ‘You shall give three cities across the Jordan and three cities in the land of Canaan; they are to be cities of refuge. NASB 1977 ‘You shall give three cities across the Jordan and three cities in the land of Canaan; they are to be cities of refuge. Legacy Standard Bible You shall give three cities across the Jordan and three cities in the land of Canaan; they are to be cities of refuge. Amplified Bible You shall provide three cities on this [east] side of the Jordan [River], and three [more] cities in the land of Canaan; they are to be the cities of refuge. Christian Standard Bible Select three cities across the Jordan and three cities in the land of Canaan to be cities of refuge. Holman Christian Standard Bible Select three cities across the Jordan and three cities in the land of Canaan to be cities of refuge. American Standard Version Ye shall give three cities beyond the Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan; they shall be cities of refuge. Contemporary English Version three on each side of the Jordan River. English Revised Version Ye shall give three cities beyond Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan; they shall be cities of refuge. GOD'S WORD® Translation three on the east side of the Jordan River and three in Canaan. Good News Translation three east of the Jordan and three in the land of Canaan. International Standard Version Appoint three towns this side of the Jordan River and three towns in the land of Canaan to serve as the towns of refuge, NET Bible "You must give three towns on this side of the Jordan, and you must give three towns in the land of Canaan; they must be towns of refuge. New Heart English Bible You shall give three cities beyond the Jordan, and you shall give three cities in the land of Canaan; they shall be cities of refuge. Webster's Bible Translation Ye shall give three cities on this side of Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSelect three cities across the Jordan and three in the land of Canaan as cities of refuge. World English Bible You shall give three cities beyond the Jordan, and you shall give three cities in the land of Canaan. They shall be cities of refuge. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionthree of the cities you give from beyond the Jordan, and three of the cities you give in the land of Canaan; they are cities of refuge. Young's Literal Translation the three of the cities ye give beyond the Jordan, and the three of the cities ye give in the land of Canaan; cities of refuge they are. Smith's Literal Translation Three cities shall ye give from beyond Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan; cities of refuge shall they be. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThree shall be beyond the Jordan, and three in the land of Chanaan, Catholic Public Domain Version three shall be across the Jordan, and three in the land of Canaan, New American Bible you will designate three cities beyond the Jordan, and you will designate three cities in the land of Canaan. These will be cities of asylum. New Revised Standard Version you shall designate three cities beyond the Jordan, and three cities in the land of Canaan, to be cities of refuge. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleYou shall give three cities on this side of the Jordan, and three cities you shall give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Give three cities at the crossing of Jordan and give three cities in the land of Canaan; the cities of the place of refuge shall be. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Ye shall give three cities beyond the Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan; they shall be cities of refuge. Brenton Septuagint Translation Ye shall assign three cities on the other side of Jordan, and ye shall assign three cities in the land of Chanaan. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Six Cities of Refuge…13The cities you select will be your six cities of refuge. 14 Select three cities across the Jordan and three in the land of Canaan as cities of refuge. 15These six cities will serve as a refuge for the Israelites and for the foreigner or stranger among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there.… Cross References Joshua 20:2-9 “Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, / so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood. / When someone flees to one of these cities, stands at the entrance of the city gate, and states his case before its elders, they are to bring him into the city and give him a place to live among them. ... Deuteronomy 4:41-43 Then Moses set aside three cities across the Jordan to the east / to which a manslayer could flee after killing his neighbor unintentionally without prior malice. To save one’s own life, he could flee to one of these cities: / Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau belonging to the Reubenites, Ramoth in Gilead belonging to the Gadites, or Golan in Bashan belonging to the Manassites. Deuteronomy 19:1-13 When the LORD your God has cut off the nations whose land He is giving you, and when you have driven them out and settled in their cities and houses, / then you are to set apart for yourselves three cities within the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess. / You are to build roads for yourselves and divide into three regions the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that any manslayer can flee to these cities. ... Exodus 21:13 If, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee. Joshua 21:13-38 So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave these cities, together with their pasturelands: Hebron, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Libnah, / Jattir, Eshtemoa, / Holon, Debir, ... 1 Kings 2:28-34 When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” ... 2 Samuel 3:27 When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel. 2 Samuel 14:14 For we will surely die and be like water poured out on the ground, which cannot be recovered. Yet God does not take away a life, but He devises ways that the banished one may not be cast out from Him. Hebrews 6:18 Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged. Acts 7:29 At this remark, Moses fled to the land of Midian, where he lived as a foreigner and had two sons. Acts 22:16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on His name.’ Matthew 5:21-22 You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ / But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell. Romans 12:19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility Treasury of Scripture You shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall you give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge. three cities Deuteronomy 4:41-43 Then Moses severed three cities on this side Jordan toward the sunrising; … Deuteronomy 19:8-10 And if the LORD thy God enlarge thy coast, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, and give thee all the land which he promised to give unto thy fathers; … Joshua 20:7-9 And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah… Jump to Previous Canaan Cities Jordan Places Refuge Safe Side ThreeJump to Next Canaan Cities Jordan Places Refuge Safe Side ThreeNumbers 35 1. Forty-eight cities for the Levites, with their suburbs, and measure thereof6. Six of them are to be cities of refuge 9. The laws of murder and manslaughter 31. No satisfaction for murder Select three cities across the Jordan This phrase refers to the allocation of cities of refuge on the eastern side of the Jordan River. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh settled in this region (Numbers 32:33). These cities were strategically placed to ensure accessibility for those seeking asylum. The concept of cities of refuge is rooted in the need for justice and mercy, providing a place for those who committed unintentional manslaughter to escape the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted (Joshua 20:2-9). This reflects God's concern for justice and the protection of human life. and three in the land of Canaan as cities of refuge Persons / Places / Events 1. Cities of RefugeThese were designated places where individuals who had accidentally committed manslaughter could seek asylum. They provided protection from the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted. 2. The Jordan River A significant geographical landmark in Israel, dividing the land. Three cities of refuge were to be established on each side of the Jordan, ensuring accessibility for all Israelites. 3. The Land of Canaan The Promised Land given to the Israelites, where three of the cities of refuge were to be located. This highlights the importance of justice and mercy within the land God provided. 4. Avenger of Blood A family member of a slain person who had the cultural duty to avenge the death. The cities of refuge provided a legal and safe alternative to this cycle of vengeance. 5. Manslaughter The unintentional killing of a person, distinct from murder. The cities of refuge were specifically for those who committed manslaughter, emphasizing the need for discernment in justice. Teaching Points Justice and MercyThe cities of refuge illustrate God's balance of justice and mercy. While justice demands accountability, mercy provides a means of protection and fair trial. Accessibility and Fairness The distribution of cities on both sides of the Jordan emphasizes God's desire for justice to be accessible to all, regardless of location. God's Provision for Safety Just as God provided physical safety through the cities of refuge, He provides spiritual safety through faith in Christ, our ultimate refuge. Community Responsibility The establishment of these cities required community involvement and responsibility, reminding us of our role in upholding justice and mercy in our communities today. The Role of Intent The distinction between murder and manslaughter highlights the importance of intent in God's justice system, encouraging us to consider the heart behind actions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 35:14?2. How does Numbers 35:14 emphasize God's justice and mercy for all people? 3. Why were three cities of refuge designated on each side of the Jordan? 4. How does Numbers 35:14 connect to Jesus as our refuge in Hebrews 6:18? 5. What modern practices can reflect the fairness shown in Numbers 35:14? 6. How can we ensure justice and protection for the vulnerable in our communities? 7. Why were three cities of refuge designated on each side of the Jordan in Numbers 35:14? 8. How does Numbers 35:14 reflect God's justice and mercy? 9. What historical evidence supports the existence of cities of refuge mentioned in Numbers 35:14? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 35? 11. What were the biblical Cities of Refuge for? 12. Why is there no conclusive archaeological evidence for the six cities of refuge (Numbers 35:9-15) if they were central to Israelite legal practice? 13. Deuteronomy 2:14 notes a 38-year delay, yet the Bible elsewhere often references 40 years; is there a timeline inconsistency? 14. In Joshua 14:3-4, how does the Levites' lack of a territorial inheritance align with other biblical passages that mention Levitical cities and lands? What Does Numbers 35:14 Mean Setting the Scene“Select three cities across the Jordan and three in the land of Canaan as cities of refuge.” (Numbers 35:14) • Israel is still camped on the plains of Moab (Numbers 33:50), about to enter the land God promised to Abraham (Genesis 12:7). • God has just allotted forty-eight Levitical cities; now He highlights six of them for a special role (Numbers 35:6). • The previous verse explains why: “These six cities will serve as a refuge for the manslayer…” (Numbers 35:13). Exodus 21:12–13 already laid out the principle that unintentional killers could flee for safety until due process occurred. Covenant Justice and Mercy Balanced • God upholds the sanctity of life: intentional murder demanded death (Genesis 9:6; Numbers 35:16–21). • At the same time He safeguards the innocent from the “avenger of blood” (Numbers 35:19) by providing impartial hearing before the congregation (Numbers 35:24). • Deuteronomy 19:4–6 echoes this dual concern—punish evil, protect the blameless. • Justice and mercy meet here, anticipating Micah 6:8’s call to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.” Geographical Distribution and Accessibility • Three cities east of the Jordan (later named Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan—Deuteronomy 4:41-43) and three within Canaan proper (Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron—Joshua 20:7-8) form a network. • Spacing them roughly north, central, and south on both sides ensures no Israelite is too far from refuge—a day’s journey at most. • Roads were to be cleared and maintained (Deuteronomy 19:3), underscoring God’s heart that mercy be accessible, not hidden behind obstacles. Foreshadowing the Greater Refuge • Hebrews 6:18 draws on this imagery: believers “have fled to take hold of the hope set before us.” Christ is the ultimate sanctuary from judgment (Romans 8:1). • Psalm 46:1 calls God “our refuge and strength,” and these tangible cities pointed forward to that spiritual reality. • Just as the manslayer had to remain inside the city until the high priest’s death (Numbers 35:25), we rest secure in Jesus, our High Priest whose death sets us free forever (Hebrews 9:11-12). Implications for God’s People Today • Uphold fair justice systems that distinguish intent while valuing every human life (Proverbs 17:15). • Make the gospel easily reachable, not cluttered by man-made barriers (Matthew 23:13). • Model communities where mercy is swift, truth is honored, and reconciliation is pursued (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). summary Numbers 35:14 commands six evenly spaced cities of refuge so that anyone who accidentally takes a life can quickly find safety, receive due process, and ultimately experience mercy without compromising justice. The arrangement reveals God’s meticulous care for both holiness and compassion, foreshadows our shelter in Christ, and challenges believers to extend accessible grace and righteous judgment in every sphere of life. (14) Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan.--The meaning of the Hebrew word which is here rendered "on this side" is determined by the words "in the land of Canaan," which describe the position of the three cities on the west of the Jordan. Otherwise the Hebrew word is applicable equally to the cities on the east and to those on the west of the Jordan. Moses himself appointed the three cities on the east of the Jordan--viz., Bezer, in the country of the Reubenites; Ramoth in Gilead, in the country of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, in the country of the Manassites (Deuteronomy 4:43). The three cities on the west of the Jordan were not appointed until the land had been allotted amongst the nine tribes and a half (Joshua 20:7), when the original appointment of Moses in regard to the three cities on the east of the Jordan was confirmed (Joshua 20:8). It is supposed that the six cities were so selected that no one should be above thirty miles from the nearest city of refuge.Verse 14. - Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan. According to Deuteronomy 4:41-43. Moses himself severed these three cities, Bezer of the Reubenites, Ramoth of the Gadites, and Golan of the Manassites. Those verses, however, seem to be an evident interpolation where they stand, and are hardly consistent with previous statements if taken literally. It is tolerably clear that the two tribes had only formed temporally settlements hitherto, and that their boundaries were not defined as yet; also that the Levitical cities (to which the cities of refuge were to belong) were not separated until after the conquest. It is likely that Deuteronomy 4:41-43 is a fragment, the real meaning el which is that Moses ordered the severance of three cities on that side Jordan as cities of refuge, for which purposes the three cities mentioned were afterwards selected.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Select threeשְׁלֹ֣שׁ (šə·lōš) Number - feminine singular construct Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice cities הֶעָרִ֗ים (he·‘ā·rîm) Article | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 5892: Excitement across מֵעֵ֣בֶר (mê·‘ê·ḇer) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5676: A region across, on the opposite side the Jordan לַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן (lay·yar·dên) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3383: Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine and three שְׁלֹ֣שׁ (šə·lōš) Number - feminine singular construct Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice in the land בְּאֶ֣רֶץ (bə·’e·reṣ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 776: Earth, land of Canaan כְּנָ֑עַן (kə·nā·‘an) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3667: Canaan -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their land West of the Jordan as תִּהְיֶֽינָה׃ (tih·ye·nāh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine plural Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be cities עָרֵ֥י (‘ā·rê) Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 5892: Excitement of refuge. מִקְלָ֖ט (miq·lāṭ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4733: Refuge, asylum Links Numbers 35:14 NIVNumbers 35:14 NLT Numbers 35:14 ESV Numbers 35:14 NASB Numbers 35:14 KJV Numbers 35:14 BibleApps.com Numbers 35:14 Biblia Paralela Numbers 35:14 Chinese Bible Numbers 35:14 French Bible Numbers 35:14 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 35:14 You shall give three cities beyond (Nu Num.) |
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