Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “’Anyone who kills a person is to be put to death as a murderer only on the testimony of witnesses. But no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness. New Living Translation “All murderers must be put to death, but only if evidence is presented by more than one witness. No one may be put to death on the testimony of only one witness. English Standard Version “If anyone kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death on the evidence of witnesses. But no person shall be put to death on the testimony of one witness. Berean Standard Bible If anyone kills a person, the murderer is to be put to death on the testimony of the witnesses. But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of a lone witness. King James Bible 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. New King James Version Whoever kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death on the testimony of witnesses; but one witness is not sufficient testimony against a person for the death penalty. New American Standard Bible ‘If anyone kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death on the testimony of witnesses, but no person shall be put to death on the testimony of only one witness. NASB 1995 ‘If anyone kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death at the evidence of witnesses, but no person shall be put to death on the testimony of one witness. NASB 1977 ‘If anyone kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death at the evidence of witnesses, but no person shall be put to death on the testimony of one witness. Legacy Standard Bible ‘If anyone strikes down a person, the murderer shall be put to death at the mouth of witnesses, but no person shall be put to death on the testimony of one witness. Amplified Bible ‘If anyone kills a person [intentionally], the murderer shall be put to death on the testimony of [two or more] witnesses; but no one shall be put to death on the testimony of [only] one witness. Christian Standard Bible “If anyone kills a person, the murderer is to be put to death based on the word of witnesses. But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of one witness. Holman Christian Standard Bible If anyone kills a person, the murderer is to be put to death based on the word of witnesses. But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of one witness. American Standard Version Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be slain at the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person that he die. Contemporary English Version Death is the penalty for murder. But no one accused of murder can be put to death unless there are at least two witnesses to the crime. English Revised Version Whoso killeth any person, the manslayer shall be slain at the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person that he die. GOD'S WORD® Translation "Whoever kills another person will be put to death as a murderer only on the testimony of more than one witness. No one can be put to death on the testimony of only one witness. Good News Translation "Those accused of murder may be found guilty and put to death only on the evidence of two or more witnesses; the evidence of one witness is not sufficient to support an accusation of murder. International Standard Version "Every murderer of a human being is to be executed only according to testimony given by multiple witnesses. A single witness is not to result in a death sentence. NET Bible "Whoever kills any person, the murderer must be put to death by the testimony of witnesses; but one witness cannot testify against any person to cause him to be put to death. New Heart English Bible "'Whoever kills any person, the murderer shall be slain at the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person that he die. Webster's Bible Translation Whoever 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf anyone kills a person, the murderer is to be put to death on the testimony of the witnesses. But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of a lone witness. World English Bible “‘Whoever kills any person, the murderer shall be slain based on the testimony of witnesses; but one witness shall not testify alone against any person so that he dies. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionWhoever strikes a person, by the mouth of witnesses [one] slays the murderer; and one witness does not testify against a person to cause [him] to die. Young's Literal Translation whoso smiteth a person, by the mouth of witnesses doth one slay the murderer; and one witness doth not testify against a person -- to die. Smith's Literal Translation Every one striking a soul by the mouth of witnesses, he shall slay the slayer: and one witness shall not testify against a soul to die. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe murderer shall be punished by witnesses: none shall be condemned upon the evidence of one man. Catholic Public Domain Version The punishment of a murderer shall be based upon testimony; but no one shall be condemned upon the testimony of only one person. New American Bible Whenever someone kills another, the evidence of witnesses is required to kill the murderer. A single witness does not suffice for putting a person to death. New Revised Standard Version If anyone kills another, the murderer shall be put to death on the evidence of witnesses; but no one shall be put to death on the testimony of a single witness. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWhosoever kills any person, the murderer shall be put to death on the testimony of witnesses; but just one witness shall not testify against any person that he may be put to death. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Everyone who will kill a person, the murderer will be killed through the mouth of witnesses, and one witness shall not testify against a soul that he would be put to death. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be slain at the mouth of witnesses; but one witness shall not testify against any person that he die. Brenton Septuagint Translation Whoever kills a man, thou shalt slay the murderer on the testimony of witnesses; and one witness shall not testify against a soul that he should die. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Six Cities of Refuge…29This will be a statutory ordinance for you for the generations to come, wherever you live. 30If anyone kills a person, the murderer is to be put to death on the testimony of the witnesses. But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of a lone witness. 31You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he must surely be put to death.… Cross References Deuteronomy 17:6 On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but he shall not be executed on the testimony of a lone witness. Deuteronomy 19:15 A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. Matthew 18:16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ Hebrews 10:28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. John 8:17 Even in your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. 1 Timothy 5:19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Acts 7:58 They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. Acts 6:13 where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 1 Kings 21:13 And the two scoundrels came in and sat opposite Naboth, and these men testified against him before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king!” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death. Joshua 20:3-5 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. / 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. 1 Samuel 14:45 But the people said to Saul, “Must Jonathan die—he who accomplished such a great deliverance for Israel? Never! As surely as the LORD lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for with God’s help he has accomplished this today.” So the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die. 2 Samuel 1:16 For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’” 2 Kings 10:6 Then Jehu wrote them a second letter and said: “If you are on my side, and if you will obey me, then bring the heads of your master’s sons to me at Jezreel by this time tomorrow.” Now the sons of the king, seventy in all, were being brought up by the leading men of the city. Leviticus 24:14 “Take the blasphemer outside the camp, and have all who heard him lay their hands on his head; then have the whole assembly stone him. Exodus 21:12 Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death. Treasury of Scripture Whoever kills 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. Deuteronomy 17:6,7 At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death… Deuteronomy 19:15 One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. Matthew 18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. Jump to Previous Cause Causing Death Die Evidence Killeth Kills Mortally Mouth Murderer Slain Slay Smite Smiteth Testify Testimony Witness Witnesses WordJump to Next Cause Causing Death Die Evidence Killeth Kills Mortally Mouth Murderer Slain Slay Smite Smiteth Testify Testimony Witness Witnesses WordNumbers 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 If anyone kills a person This phrase establishes the context of the law concerning murder. In the ancient Israelite society, the sanctity of life was paramount, reflecting the belief that humans are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The act of taking a life was not only a crime against the individual but also an offense against God. This law underscores the seriousness of murder and the need for justice. the murderer is to be put to death on the testimony of the witnesses But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of a lone witness Persons / Places / Events 1. MurdererThe individual who has unlawfully taken the life of another person. In the context of Numbers 35, this refers to someone who has committed intentional homicide. 2. Witnesses Individuals who have seen or have direct knowledge of the murder. The requirement for multiple witnesses underscores the importance of reliable testimony in capital cases. 3. Israelite Community The broader community to whom these laws were given, emphasizing the communal responsibility in upholding justice. 4. Cities of Refuge Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they are part of the broader context of Numbers 35, providing asylum for those accused of manslaughter until a fair trial could be conducted. 5. Mosaic Law The legal and moral code given to the Israelites through Moses, which includes the laws concerning murder and justice. Teaching Points The Sanctity of LifeThe requirement for multiple witnesses underscores the value God places on human life and the need for careful deliberation before taking a life in judgment. Justice and Fairness The law protects against false accusations and wrongful executions, emphasizing the importance of justice and fairness in legal proceedings. Community Responsibility The involvement of witnesses and the community in the judicial process highlights the collective responsibility to uphold justice and truth. Integrity in Testimony The necessity for multiple witnesses calls for integrity and honesty in giving testimony, reflecting the character of God who is just and true. Biblical Principles in Modern Justice The principles of requiring corroborated evidence can be applied to modern justice systems, ensuring that decisions are made based on truth and fairness. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 35:30?2. How does Numbers 35:30 emphasize the importance of multiple witnesses in justice? 3. Why is the testimony of a single witness insufficient for capital punishment in Numbers 35:30? 4. How does Numbers 35:30 connect with Deuteronomy 17:6 on witness requirements? 5. What safeguards does Numbers 35:30 provide against wrongful execution in modern justice systems? 6. How can we apply the principle of multiple witnesses in church discipline today? 7. How does Numbers 35:30 address the concept of justice in capital punishment cases? 8. Why does Numbers 35:30 emphasize the need for multiple witnesses in murder trials? 9. What historical context influenced the legal standards in Numbers 35:30? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 35? 11. Does the capital punishment requirement for murderers (Numbers 35:30–31) contradict other biblical teachings about mercy and forgiveness? 12. What does bloodguilt mean? 13. How could 2 Chronicles 35:7's massive number of sacrificed animals (30,000 lambs and goats) be logistically and historically feasible? 14. How plausible is it that the avenger of blood system (Numbers 35:19) was enforced fairly in the context of ancient Near Eastern tribal justice? What Does Numbers 35:30 Mean If anyone kills a person“ ‘If anyone kills a person…’ ” (Numbers 35:30) • God starts with the deed itself—taking a human life. From Genesis 1:27, every person bears God’s image; so Genesis 9:6 underscores, “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed.” • The verse addresses intentional killing, not accidental death (see Numbers 35:11–25). Intent matters because the Law distinguishes murder from manslaughter (Exodus 21:13–14). • By naming “anyone,” the text levels social status; king or commoner, the same standard applies (Leviticus 19:15). the murderer is to be put to death “…the murderer is to be put to death…” (Numbers 35:30) • Capital punishment is presented as divine justice, not human vengeance (Deuteronomy 19:12). • This penalty upholds the value of life: taking life demands the highest earthly consequence (Leviticus 24:17). • It also protects the land from blood-guilt (Numbers 35:33). God’s covenant people must not harbor unchecked violence. on the testimony of the witnesses “…on the testimony of the witnesses.” (Numbers 35:30) • Truth must be established publicly. Multiple witnesses ensure factual certainty (Deuteronomy 17:6). • This echoes God’s own courtroom pattern: facts confirmed “by two or three witnesses” (Deuteronomy 19:15, Matthew 18:16). • Testimony invites communal responsibility; the community helps guard life and justice (Proverbs 14:25). But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of a lone witness “But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of a lone witness.” (Numbers 35:30) • A single voice, however sincere, cannot decide a life-and-death matter. God protects against rash or false judgment (Exodus 23:1). • This safeguard models God’s fairness and counters personal vendetta (Deuteronomy 19:16–19). • The principle carries into the New Testament: accusations against an elder require “two or three witnesses” (1 Timothy 5:19). summary Numbers 35:30 affirms life’s sacredness and God’s demand for justice. Intentional murder warrants capital punishment, yet that verdict must rest on clear, corroborated testimony. By requiring multiple witnesses, God balances the gravity of the crime with safeguards against wrongful execution, revealing both His holiness and His mercy in the administration of human justice. (30) By the mouth of witnesses.--The number of witnesses is not here specified. In Deuteronomy 17:6 it is ordained that the crime of idolatry should be punished with death "at the mouth of two witnesses, or of three witnesses;" and in Deuteronomy 19:15 it is ordained in general terms that "one witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established."Verse 30. - By the mouth of witnesses, i.e., of two at least (cf. Deuteronomy 17:6).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew If anyoneכָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every kills מַ֨כֵּה־ (mak·kêh-) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular construct Strong's 5221: To strike a person, נֶ֔פֶשׁ (ne·p̄eš) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion the murderer יִרְצַ֖ח (yir·ṣaḥ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7523: To dash in pieces, kill, to murder is to be put to death הָרֹצֵ֑חַ (hā·rō·ṣê·aḥ) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 7523: To dash in pieces, kill, to murder on the testimony לְפִ֣י (lə·p̄î) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to of [multiple] witnesses. עֵדִ֔ים (‘ê·ḏîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5707: A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince But no לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no one בְנֶ֖פֶשׁ (ḇə·ne·p̄eš) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion is to be put to death לָמֽוּת׃ (lā·mūṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 4191: To die, to kill based on the testimony יַעֲנֶ֥ה (ya·‘ă·neh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6030: To answer, respond of a lone אֶחָ֔ד (’e·ḥāḏ) Number - masculine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first witness. וְעֵ֣ד (wə·‘êḏ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5707: A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince Links Numbers 35:30 NIVNumbers 35:30 NLT Numbers 35:30 ESV Numbers 35:30 NASB Numbers 35:30 KJV Numbers 35:30 BibleApps.com Numbers 35:30 Biblia Paralela Numbers 35:30 Chinese Bible Numbers 35:30 French Bible Numbers 35:30 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 35:30 Whoever kills any person the murderer shall (Nu Num.) |
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