New International Version These six towns will be a place of refuge for Israelites and for foreigners residing among them, so that anyone who has killed another accidentally can flee there. New Living Translation These cities are for the protection of Israelites, foreigners living among you, and traveling merchants. Anyone who accidentally kills someone may flee there for safety. English Standard Version These six cities shall be for refuge for the people of Israel, and for the stranger and for the sojourner among them, that anyone who kills any person without intent may flee there. Berean Standard Bible These 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. Berean Literal Bible For the sons of Israel and for the sojourner and for the stranger in your midst shall be these six cities for refuge; anyone who kills a soul in error to flee there. King James Bible These six cities shall be a refuge, both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither. New King James Version These six cities shall be for refuge for the children of Israel, for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them, that anyone who kills a person accidentally may flee there. New American Standard Bible These six cities shall be a refuge for the sons of Israel, for the stranger, and for the foreign resident among them; so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there. NASB 1995 ‘These six cities shall be for refuge for the sons of Israel, and for the alien and for the sojourner among them; that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there. NASB 1977 ‘These six cities shall be for refuge for the sons of Israel, and for the alien and for the sojourner among them; that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there. Legacy Standard Bible These six cities shall be for refuge for the sons of Israel and for the sojourner and for the foreign resident among them; that anyone who strikes a person down unintentionally may flee there. Amplified Bible These six cities shall be a refuge for the Israelites and for the stranger and the resident alien among them; so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may escape there. Berean Annotated Bible These six cities will serve as a refuge for the Israelites (God prevails) and for the foreigner or stranger among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there. Christian Standard Bible These six cities will serve as a refuge for the Israelites and for the alien or temporary resident among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there. Holman Christian Standard Bible These six cities will serve as a refuge for the Israelites and for the foreigner or temporary resident among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there.” American Standard Version For the children of Israel, and for the stranger and for the sojourner among them, shall these six cities be for refuge; that every one that killeth any person unwittingly may flee thither. Contemporary English Version They will be places of protection for anyone who lives in Israel and accidentally kills someone. English Revised Version For the children of Israel, and for the stranger and for the sojourner among them, shall these six cities be for refuge: that every one that killeth any person unwittingly may flee thither. GOD'S WORD® Translation These six cities will be places of refuge for Israelites, foreigners, and strangers among you. Anyone who unintentionally kills another person may flee to these cities. Good News Translation These will serve as cities of refuge for Israelites and for foreigners who are temporary or permanent residents. Anyone who kills someone accidentally can escape to one of them. International Standard Version that is, places of refuge for the Israelis, the resident alien, and any travelers among them. Anyone who kills a person inadvertently may flee there." NET Bible These six towns will be places of refuge for the Israelites, and for the foreigner, and for the settler among them, so that anyone who kills any person accidentally may flee there. New Heart English Bible For the children of Israel, and for the stranger and for the foreigner living among them, shall these six cities be for refuge; that everyone who kills any person unwittingly may flee there. Webster's Bible Translation These six cities shall be a refuge, both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThese 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. World English Bible These six cities shall be refuge for the children of Israel, for the stranger, and for the foreigner living among them, that everyone who kills any person unwittingly may flee there. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionFor sons of Israel, and for a sojourner, and for a settler in their midst, are these six cities for a refuge, for the fleeing there of anyone striking a person through ignorance. Berean Literal Bible For the sons of Israel and for the sojourner and for the stranger in your midst shall be these six cities for refuge; anyone who kills a soul in error to flee there. Young's Literal Translation To sons of Israel, and to a sojourner, and to a settler in their midst, are these six cities for a refuge, for the fleeing thither of any one smiting a person unawares. Smith's Literal Translation For the sons of Israel and for the stranger, and for the sojourner in the midst of you shall be six cities: these for refuge to flee there all smiting a soul in error. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAs well for the children of Israel as for strangers and sojourners, that he may flee to them, who hath shed blood against his will. Catholic Public Domain Version as much for the sons of Israel as for newcomers and sojourners, so that anyone who has shed blood unwillingly may flee to these places. New American Bible These six cities will serve as places of asylum for the Israelites, and for the resident or transient aliens among them, so that anyone who has killed a person inadvertently may flee there. New Revised Standard Version These six cities shall serve as refuge for the Israelites, for the resident or transient alien among them, so that anyone who kills a person without intent may flee there. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThese six cities shall be for refuge, both for the children of Israel and for the proselytes and for the sojourner among them; that every one who kills any person unawares may flee there. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated For the children of Israel, and those who are converted to me and those who dwell among you and these six cities shall be a place of refuge for you, so that anyone who kills a soul by accident may escape to them. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For the children of Israel, and for the stranger and for the settler among them, shall these six cities be for refuge, that every one that killeth any person through error may flee thither. Brenton Septuagint Translation It shall be a place of refuge for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for him that sojourns among you; these cities shall be for a place of refuge, for every one to flee thither who has killed a man unintentionally. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Six Cities of Refuge…14Select 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. 16If, however, anyone strikes a person with an iron object and kills him, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death.… Cross References These six cities will serve as a refuge Joshua 20:7-8 So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah. / And beyond the Jordan, east of Jericho, they designated Bezer on the wilderness plateau from the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh. Joshua 21:13 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, 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. for the Israelites Joshua 20:2-3 “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. Deuteronomy 19:2-3 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. and for the foreigner or stranger among them, Leviticus 24:22 You are to have the same standard of law for the foreign resident and the native; for I am the LORD your God.’” Exodus 12:49 The same law shall apply to both the native and the foreigner who resides among you.” Ezekiel 47:22-23 You shall allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the foreigners who dwell among you and who have children. You are to treat them as native-born Israelites; along with you, they shall be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel. / In whatever tribe a foreigner dwells, you are to assign his inheritance there,” declares the Lord GOD. so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally Deuteronomy 19:4-5 Now this is the situation regarding the manslayer who flees to one of these cities to save his life, having killed his neighbor accidentally, without intending to harm him: / If he goes into the forest with his neighbor to cut timber and swings his axe to chop down a tree, but the blade flies off the handle and strikes and kills his neighbor, he may flee to one of these cities to save his life. 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. may flee there. Joshua 20:4-6 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. / Now if the avenger of blood pursues him, they must not surrender the manslayer into his hand, because that man killed his neighbor accidentally without prior malice. / He is to stay in that city until he stands trial before the assembly and until the death of the high priest serving at that time. Then the manslayer may return to his own home in the city from which he fled.” Joshua 20:9 These are the cities appointed for all the Israelites and foreigners among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood prior to standing trial before the assembly. Joshua 20:1-9 Then the LORD said to Joshua, / “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. … 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 21:12-14 Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death. / 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. / But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death. 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. Treasury of Scripture These six cities shall be a refuge, both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that kills any person unawares may flee thither. Numbers 15:16 One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you. Exodus 12:49 One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you. Leviticus 24:22 Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the LORD your God. Jump to Previous Accidentally Alien Aliens Causing Children Cities Country Death Error Intent Israel Israelites Killed Killeth Kills Living Places Refuge Safe Settler Six Sojourner Stranger Thither Towns Unawares Unintentionally UnwittinglyJump to Next Accidentally Alien Aliens Causing Children Cities Country Death Error Intent Israel Israelites Killed Killeth Kills Living Places Refuge Safe Settler Six Sojourner Stranger Thither Towns Unawares Unintentionally UnwittinglyNumbers 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 These six cities will serve as a refuge Six Levitical cities were designated across Israel so that a person accused of accidental killing could reach safety before the avenger of blood carried out retaliation. Jos 20:7-8 So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country… for the Israelites Israel’s law distinguished deliberate murder from unintentional manslaughter, requiring investigation and judgment rather than immediate vengeance. Jos 20:2-3 Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge,… and for the foreigner or stranger among them, Resident foreigners received the same protection under this law, showing that justice in Israel was not limited by ethnicity or social standing. Lev 24:22 You are to have the same standard of law… so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally A person whose act caused death without intent could remain in the city of refuge until the case was heard and the proper judgment rendered. Deu 19:4-5 Now this is the situation regarding the manslayer who flees… may flee there. Flight to the city preserved the accused from blood vengeance and upheld both the value of human life and the need for impartial justice. Jos 20:4-6 When someone flees to one of these cities,… Persons / Places / Events 1. Cities of RefugeDesignated places where individuals who committed unintentional manslaughter could seek asylum to avoid revenge from the victim's family. 2. The Israelites The chosen people of God, to whom the laws and statutes, including the cities of refuge, were given. 3. The Levites The tribe responsible for maintaining the cities of refuge and ensuring justice was served according to God's law. 4. The Manslayer An individual who accidentally kills another person and seeks refuge to avoid the avenger of blood. 5. The Avenger of Blood A family member of the deceased who seeks justice or revenge for the killing. Teaching Points God's Justice and MercyThe cities of refuge illustrate God's balance of justice and mercy, providing protection for those who commit unintentional sins while ensuring justice is served. The Sanctity of Life This statute underscores the value God places on human life and the importance of distinguishing between intentional and unintentional harm. Christ as Our Refuge Just as the cities provided safety for the manslayer, Christ offers refuge and salvation for sinners seeking forgiveness and protection from the consequences of sin. Community Responsibility The establishment of these cities highlights the community's role in upholding justice and mercy, ensuring that both the victim's family and the accused are treated fairly. Generational Statutes The command for these laws to be observed "throughout your generations" emphasizes the enduring nature of God's principles and the importance of teaching them to future generations. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 35:15?2. How does Numbers 35:15 emphasize God's provision for justice and mercy? 3. What role do cities of refuge play in God's plan for Israel's society? 4. How does Numbers 35:15 connect with Jesus' teachings on forgiveness and protection? 5. How can we apply the concept of refuge in our modern Christian communities? 6. In what ways does Numbers 35:15 reflect God's character of justice and compassion? 7. What is the significance of cities of refuge in Numbers 35:15 for ancient Israelite society? 8. How does Numbers 35:15 reflect God's justice and mercy? 9. Why were foreigners included in the protection offered by Numbers 35:15? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 35? (15) For the stranger, and for the sojourner . . . --The word ger, "stranger," properly denotes a foreigner who took up a temporary abode amongst the Israelites; whereas toshab, "sojourner," denotes one who was settled in Israel. Sometimes, however, the words ger and toshab appear to be used as a compound term, as in Leviticus 25:47, where they occur with the conjunctive (or disjunctive) particle in the former part of the verse, and without it in the latter. "The cities of refuge," says Dr. Gill, "were of God's appointing: so Christ, as a Saviour and rock of refuge to His people, is appointed and foreordained of God; they were well known for refuges, as the Lord is in the palaces of Zion; they were open for all at all times, as Christ is for all sinners, even the chief of sinners--Jews or Gentiles; they are all one in Christ--the Israelites, and the stranger and sojourner; all impediments were removed out of the way of them, and plain directions given, as are in the Gospel, and by the ministers of it; and there is always room in Christ for such that flee to Him, as there was in those cities; and being in Him, they are safe from the curse and condemnation of the law, from wrath to come, and from the second death; and their redemption and atonement, peace and reconciliation, liberty, life and salvation, are owing to the death of Christ, their High Priest." (Comp. Numbers 15:29.)Numbers 35:15 reveals a gracious, orderly system safeguarding life while upholding justice. God appointed six accessible cities where anyone—Israelite or foreigner—who caused unintentional death could flee, receive fair hearing, and be shielded from revenge. The statute highlights the Creator’s concern for due process, the equality of all people before His law, and His provision of refuge that ultimately points to Christ, our perfect and eternal sanctuary. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Theseהָאֵ֖לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh) Article | Pronoun - common plural Strong's 428: These, those six שֵׁשׁ־ (šêš-) Number - feminine singular construct Strong's 8337: Six (a cardinal number) cities הֶעָרִ֥ים (he·‘ā·rîm) Article | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 5892: Excitement will serve תִּהְיֶ֛ינָה (tih·ye·nāh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine plural Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be as a refuge לְמִקְלָ֑ט (lə·miq·lāṭ) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4733: Refuge, asylum for the Israelites לִבְנֵ֣י (liḇ·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son and for the foreigner וְלַגֵּ֤ר (wə·lag·gêr) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1616: A guest, a foreigner or sojourner וְלַתּוֹשָׁב֙ (wə·lat·tō·wō·šāḇ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8453: Resident alien among them, בְּתוֹכָ֔ם (bə·ṯō·w·ḵām) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre so that anyone כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every who kills מַכֵּה־ (mak·kêh-) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular construct Strong's 5221: To strike a person נֶ֖פֶשׁ (ne·p̄eš) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion unintentionally בִּשְׁגָגָֽה׃ (biš·ḡā·ḡāh) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 7684: A mistake, inadvertent transgression may flee לָנ֣וּס (lā·nūs) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 5127: To flit, vanish away there. שָׁ֔מָּה (šām·māh) Adverb | third person feminine singular Strong's 8033: There, then, thither Additonal Resources Numbers 35:15 Blue Letter BibleNumbers 35:15 Bible Gateway Numbers 35:15 Bible.com Numbers 35:15 NIV |
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