Numbers 35:17
Numbers 35:17 in Multiple Translations
Or if anyone has in his hand a stone of deadly size, and he strikes and kills another, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death.
And if he smite him with throwing a stone, wherewith he may die, and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.
And if he smote him with a stone in the hand, whereby a man may die, and he died, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.
Or if he gives him a blow with a stone in his hand, causing his death, he is a taker of life and is certainly to be put to death.
If anyone picks up something made of stone that could be used as a weapon and hits someone with it, and kills them, that person is a murderer and must be executed.
Also if hee smite him by casting a stone, wherewith hee may be slaine, and he die, hee is a murtherer, and the murtherer shall die the death.
'And if with a stone [in] the hand, wherewith he dieth, he hath smitten him, and he dieth, he [is] a murderer: the murderer is certainly put to death.
If he struck him with a stone in the hand, by which a man may die, and he died, he is a murderer. The murderer shall surely be put to death.
And if he shall smite him by throwing a stone, by which he may die, and he shall die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.
If he throw a stone, and he that is struck die: he shall be punished in the same manner.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 35:17
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 35:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִ֡ם
בְּ/אֶ֣בֶן
יָד֩
אֲשֶׁר
יָמ֨וּת
בָּ֥/הּ
הִכָּ֛ה/וּ
וַ/יָּמֹ֖ת
רֹצֵ֣חַֽ
ה֑וּא
מ֥וֹת
יוּמַ֖ת
הָ/רֹצֵֽחַ
וְ/אִ֡ם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
בְּ/אֶ֣בֶן
ʼeben
H68
stone
Prep | N-fs
יָד֩
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יָמ֨וּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בָּ֥/הּ
Prep | Suff
הִכָּ֛ה/וּ
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
וַ/יָּמֹ֖ת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
רֹצֵ֣חַֽ
râtsach
H7523
to murder
V-Qal
ה֑וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
מ֥וֹת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Ptc
יוּמַ֖ת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
הָ/רֹצֵֽחַ
râtsach
H7523
to murder
Art | V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 35:17
וְ/אִ֡ם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
בְּ/אֶ֣בֶן
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
יָד֩
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
אֲשֶׁר
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.
יָמ֨וּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
בָּ֥/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
הִכָּ֛ה/וּ
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
וַ/יָּמֹ֖ת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
רֹצֵ֣חַֽ
râtsach
H7523
"to murder"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to murder or kill someone, like Cain killing Abel in Genesis. It emphasizes the intentional act of taking a human life. This word is about premeditated killing.
Definition: 1) to murder, slay, kill 1a)(Qal) to murder, slay 1a1) premeditated 1a2) accidental 1a3) as avenger 1a4) slayer (intentional) (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be slain 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to murder, assassinate 1c2) murderer, assassin (participle) (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be killed
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: put to death, kill, (man-) slay(-er), murder(-er). See also: Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 22:26; Psalms 62:4.
ה֑וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
מ֥וֹת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Ptc
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
יוּמַ֖ת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
הָ/רֹצֵֽחַ
râtsach
H7523
"to murder"
Art | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to murder or kill someone, like Cain killing Abel in Genesis. It emphasizes the intentional act of taking a human life. This word is about premeditated killing.
Definition: 1) to murder, slay, kill 1a)(Qal) to murder, slay 1a1) premeditated 1a2) accidental 1a3) as avenger 1a4) slayer (intentional) (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be slain 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to murder, assassinate 1c2) murderer, assassin (participle) (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be killed
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: put to death, kill, (man-) slay(-er), murder(-er). See also: Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 22:26; Psalms 62:4.
Study Notes — Numbers 35:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 35:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 35:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 35:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 35:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 35:17
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 35:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 35:17
Context — Six 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.
17Or if anyone has in his hand a stone of deadly size, and he strikes and kills another, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death.
18If anyone has in his hand a deadly object of wood, and he strikes and kills another, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death. 19The avenger of blood is to put the murderer to death; when he finds him, he is to kill him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 21:18 | If men are quarreling and one strikes the other with a stone or a fist, and he does not die but is confined to bed, |
Numbers 35:17 Summary
Numbers 35:17 teaches us that if someone intentionally kills another person, even with an object like a stone, they are considered a murderer and will face severe punishment. This shows how much God values human life, as seen in Genesis 9:6, where it says that whoever sheds human blood, by humans their blood will be shed. The distinction between intentional and unintentional killing is crucial, with provisions like cities of refuge for those who kill unintentionally, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 19:1-13. This verse reminds us to respect and protect life, understanding that our actions have consequences, and we must take responsibility for them, in line with principles found in Romans 14:12 and Galatians 6:7-8.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes someone a murderer according to Numbers 35:17?
According to Numbers 35:17, if anyone has in their hand a stone of deadly size and strikes and kills another, they are considered a murderer, as seen in the context of Numbers 35:16 where striking with an iron object also results in being labeled a murderer.
Is the punishment for murder always death?
In the context of Numbers 35:17, the punishment for murder is indeed death, as stated in Numbers 35:17 and reaffirmed in Numbers 35:18 and Numbers 35:19, highlighting the severity of the crime in the eyes of God, similar to the principle seen in Genesis 9:6.
Does the use of a specific object, like a stone, determine if someone is a murderer?
The use of a specific object, such as a stone of deadly size in Numbers 35:17, is an indicator of intent and capability to cause deadly harm, but it is the act of killing that determines the label of murderer, as the focus is on the action and its consequence, not just the tool used, similar to the principle in Exodus 21:12-14.
How does this verse relate to the concept of cities of refuge in Numbers 35?
The discussion of murder and punishment in Numbers 35:17 is part of a broader discussion on cities of refuge, where individuals who killed unintentionally could flee for safety, as seen in Numbers 35:15, highlighting the distinction between intentional and unintentional killing, with the latter being addressed through the provision of cities of refuge as mentioned in Deuteronomy 19:1-13.
Reflection Questions
- How does understanding the severity of punishment for murder in Numbers 35:17 impact my reverence for the sanctity of life, as emphasized in Genesis 1:27 and Psalm 139:13-14?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of taking responsibility for one's actions, as seen in the consequences for the murderer in Numbers 35:17, to my own life and relationships, reflecting on Romans 14:12 and Galatians 6:7-8?
- How does the distinction between intentional and unintentional killing in Numbers 35:15-19 inform my understanding of God's justice and mercy, considering also Psalm 51:1-4 and Isaiah 1:18?
- What does the emphasis on the avenger of blood in Numbers 35:19 reveal about the importance of justice and accountability in human society, in light of Romans 13:1-5 and 1 Peter 2:13-14?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 35:17
And if he smite him with throwing a stone,.... "Or with a stone of the hand" (q), which the Jews interpret of a stone so big as to fill a man's hand, and so wherewith he may die; at whom it is
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 35:17
And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 35:17
With throwing a stone, Heb. with the stone of the hand, i.e. cast by the hand, and that knowingly, as appears by .
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 35:17
(17) And if he smite . . . —Better, And if he smote . . . With throwing a stone.—Literally, with a stone of the hand—i.e., a stone held in the hand, whether thrown or used as the “weapon of wood” of Numbers 35:18. And he die.—Better, and he died.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 35:17
17. a stone in the hand] i.e. a stone held in the hand; cf. Numbers 35:18, Ezekiel 39:9 (E.VV. ‘handstaves’).
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 35:17
THE , Numbers 35:16-21. 16-21. If any person has struck another with an instrument of iron, as an axe or hammer, or with a stone, literally, a stone of the hand, that is, large enough to fill the