Numbers 35:13
Numbers 35:13 in Multiple Translations
The cities you select will be your six cities of refuge.
And of these cities which ye shall give six cities shall ye have for refuge.
And the cities which ye shall give shall be for you six cities of refuge.
Six of the towns which you give will be such safe places;
The towns you choose will be your six sanctuary towns.
And of the cities which ye shall giue, sixe cities shall ye haue for refuge.
'As to the cities which ye give — six [are] cities of refuge to you;
The cities which you shall give shall be for you six cities of refuge.
And of these cities which ye shall give, six cities shall ye have for refuge.
And of those cities, that are separated for the refuge of fugitives,
You must set apart six cities to be cities to which someone who killed another person accidentally may run and be safe.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 35:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 35:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הֶ/עָרִ֖ים
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
תִּתֵּ֑נוּ
שֵׁשׁ
עָרֵ֥י
מִקְלָ֖ט
תִּהְיֶ֥ינָה
לָ/כֶֽם
וְ/הֶ/עָרִ֖ים
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Conj | Art | N-fp
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
תִּתֵּ֑נוּ
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
שֵׁשׁ
shêsh
H8337
six
Adj
עָרֵ֥י
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fp
מִקְלָ֖ט
miqlâṭ
H4733
refuge
N-ms
תִּהְיֶ֥ינָה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
לָ/כֶֽם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 35:13
וְ/הֶ/עָרִ֖ים
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Conj | Art | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
תִּתֵּ֑נוּ
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
שֵׁשׁ
shêsh
H8337
"six"
Adj
This Hebrew word means the number six, and is often used in the Bible to describe measurements, like the six days of creation in Genesis 1.
Definition: 1) six 1a) six (cardinal number) 1b) sixth (ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: shet (שֵׁת "six" H8353)
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: six(-teen, -teenth), sixth. See also: Genesis 7:6; 1 Kings 6:6; Proverbs 6:16.
עָרֵ֥י
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
מִקְלָ֖ט
miqlâṭ
H4733
"refuge"
N-ms
A refuge or asylum is a safe place to go for protection, like a shelter from harm. In the Bible, God is often called a refuge, as seen in Psalm 46. It is a place of safety and security.
Definition: refuge, asylum
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: refuge. See also: Numbers 35:6; Numbers 35:32; 1 Chronicles 6:52.
תִּהְיֶ֥ינָה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לָ/כֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Numbers 35:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Six Cities of Refuge
11designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there.
12You are to have these cities as a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly.
13The cities you select will be your 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.Numbers 35:13 Summary
This verse, Numbers 35:13, tells us that the Israelites were to select six cities to be their cities of refuge, where people who had accidentally killed someone could go to be safe until they could stand trial. This shows us that God cares about justice and mercy, and wants to protect people from harm (as seen in Numbers 35:12). Just like these cities provided a safe haven, we can provide a safe and welcoming space for others by showing them love and kindness, just as God loves and cares for us (1 John 4:19). By following God's example, we can create a community that values justice, mercy, and compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the six cities of refuge?
The six cities of refuge were designated to provide a safe haven for individuals who had unintentionally taken someone's life, as seen in Numbers 35:13, allowing them to flee from the avenger until they could stand trial before the assembly, as mentioned in Numbers 35:12.
How many cities of refuge were to be selected across the Jordan and in the land of Canaan?
According to Numbers 35:14, three cities were to be selected across the Jordan and three in the land of Canaan to serve as cities of refuge.
Who was eligible to seek refuge in these cities?
The six cities of refuge were not only for the Israelites but also for the foreigner or stranger among them, as stated in Numbers 35:15, showing God's care for all people, regardless of their background, as also seen in Leviticus 19:34.
What does this concept of cities of refuge teach us about God's character?
The institution of cities of refuge demonstrates God's mercy and justice, as He provides a way for those who have sinned unintentionally to find safety and receive a fair trial, reflecting His desire for justice and compassion, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7 and Deuteronomy 32:4.
Reflection Questions
- What does the concept of cities of refuge reveal about God's heart for those who are seeking refuge and protection?
- How can we apply the principle of providing a safe haven for others, as seen in the cities of refuge, in our own lives and communities?
- In what ways can we balance justice and mercy in our interactions with others, as demonstrated by the institution of cities of refuge?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of having a plan in place to ensure justice and protection for all people, regardless of their background or circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 35:13
And of these cities which ye shall give,.... Of the forty eight cities they were to give to the Levites, Numbers 35:7, six cities shall ye have for refuge; which, I think, makes it clear, that not
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 35:13
And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 35:13
9–34. The ‘Cities of Refuge,’ and the Law relating to homicide In Numbers 35:9-15 the appointment of the six cities and their purpose are prescribed; Numbers 35:16-23 contain specimen cases distinguishing deliberate murder from accidental homicide; Numbers 35:24-28 provide the legal procedure; Numbers 35:29-34 form a conclusion. The section presents the latest development in the O.T. of the Law of Asylum. In early days an appointed place was provided, to which the manslayer might flee, i.e. an altar, which would be within easy reach of every town; cf. 1 Kings 1:50; 1 Kings 2:28. In D (Deuteronomy 19:1-10), when only one altar was permitted, at the national sanctuary at Jerusalem, which would be practically useless for purposes of asylum, special cities were substituted for the local altars. Three cities were specified, and, if Jehovah enlarged the Israelites’ borders, three more were to be added1 [Note: Three have previously been mentioned in Deuteronomy 4:41-43; but it is unlikely that the writer of Deuteronomy 19. understood nine cities to be intended. See Driver, Deut. p. 233. . If the manslayer be guilty of deliberate murder, the elders of his own city shall send to the city whither he has fled for asylum, and shall deliver him up to the gτ’ηl or ‘avenger of blood’; but if the homicide was accidental, he may stay in safety in the city whither he has fled. In the present passage the regulations are fuller. Of the six cities three are to be on each side of the Jordan (the fulfilment of the command, with the name of the cities, is related in Joshua 20).
They receive, for the first time, the title ‘cities of refuge’ (see on Numbers 35:11). When a manslayer flees to one of these cities, ‘the congregation’ (see on Numbers 35:12) judges between him and the gτ’ηl, to discover whether the manslaughter had been deliberate or accidental. If it is proved to be accidental, the man must be taken back to the city of refuge, where he must remain until the death of the high priest. If he ventures out before that time, the gτ’ηl may kill him. If, on the other hand, he is found guilty of deliberate murder, the gτ’ηl must kill him. Gray (Numb. p. 471) points out that this modifies the ancient custom in three respects: (1) Ancient custom made no distinction between accidental and deliberate manslaughter; the gτ’ηl must see that the loss of life suffered by one family is compensated for. (2) In ancient custom the loss could be compensated for by the death of any member of the manslayer’s family. Here the law tacitly insists that the murderer only is to forfeit his life. (3) The present law forbids the forfeited life of the murderer to be redeemed by a money payment. Such redemption was widely prevalent, but except in certain cases—not wilful murder—(cf.
Exodus 21:29 f.) it seems to have been prohibited at an early period in Israel, though the present law contains the earliest explicit prohibition.