Numbers 35:20
Numbers 35:20 in Multiple Translations
Likewise, if anyone maliciously pushes another or intentionally throws an object at him and kills him,
But if he thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die;
And if he thrust him of hatred, or hurled at him, lying in wait, so that he died,
If in his hate he put a sword through him, or waiting secretly for him sent a spear or stone at him, causing his death;
Similarly, if anyone hates someone and knocks them down or deliberately throws something at them, and they're killed;
But if hee thrust him of hate, or hurle at him by laying of wait, that he die,
'And if in hatred he thrust him through, or hath cast [anything] at him by lying in wait, and he dieth;
If he shoved him out of hatred, or hurled something at him while lying in wait, so that he died,
But if he shall thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying in wait, that he die.
If through hatred any one push a man, or fling any thing at him with ill design:
If someone shoves another person over a cliff or throws something at another person
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 35:20
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 35:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִם
בְּ/שִׂנְאָ֖ה
יֶהְדָּפֶ֑/נּוּ
אֽוֹ
הִשְׁלִ֥יךְ
עָלָ֛י/ו
בִּ/צְדִיָּ֖ה
וַ/יָּמֹֽת
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
בְּ/שִׂנְאָ֖ה
sinʼâh
H8135
hating
Prep | N-fs
יֶהְדָּפֶ֑/נּוּ
Hâdaph
H1920
to thrust
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
אֽוֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
הִשְׁלִ֥יךְ
shâlak
H7993
to throw
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
עָלָ֛י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
בִּ/צְדִיָּ֖ה
tsᵉdîyâh
H6660
ambush
Prep | N-fs
וַ/יָּמֹֽת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 35:20
וְ/אִם
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/שִׂנְאָ֖ה
sinʼâh
H8135
"hating"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means to hate or have hatred towards someone or something. It can describe the hatred people have towards God or towards each other, and it appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) hating, hatred, hate 1a) hatred 1a1) of man, God
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] exceedingly, hate(-ful, -red). See also: Numbers 35:20; Proverbs 10:12; Psalms 25:19.
יֶהְדָּפֶ֑/נּוּ
Hâdaph
H1920
"to thrust"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To thrust means to push away or down, as seen in the Bible when driving out or expelling someone, like in the book of Leviticus.
Definition: 1) to thrust, push, drive, cast away, cast out, expel, thrust away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to thrust, push 1a2) to drive out, thrust out 1a3) to depose
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: cast away (out), drive, expel, thrust (away). See also: Numbers 35:20; 2 Kings 4:27; Proverbs 10:3.
אֽוֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
הִשְׁלִ֥יךְ
shâlak
H7993
"to throw"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To throw or cast away is the meaning of this Hebrew verb. It is used in various contexts, including throwing lots or casting out something unwanted. The word appears in stories like Jonah being thrown into the sea.
Definition: 1) to throw, cast, hurl, fling 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to throw, cast, throw away, cast off, shed, cast down 1a2) to cast (lots) (fig) 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be thrown, be cast 1b2) to be cast forth or out 1b3) to be cast down 1b4) to be cast (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: adventure, cast (away, down, forth, off, out), hurl, pluck, throw. See also: Genesis 21:15; Nehemiah 9:11; Psalms 2:3.
עָלָ֛י/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
בִּ/צְדִיָּ֖ה
tsᵉdîyâh
H6660
"ambush"
Prep | N-fs
This word means to lie in wait or ambush, often with a sense of design or planning. It is used in the Bible to describe situations where someone is setting a trap for others. It appears in passages like Psalm 10:9.
Definition: lying in wait, ambushing
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: lying in wait. See also: Numbers 35:20; Numbers 35:22.
וַ/יָּמֹֽת
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 35:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 35:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 35:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 35:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 35:20
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 35:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 35:20
- Sermons on Numbers 35:20
Context — Six Cities of Refuge
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.
20Likewise, if anyone maliciously pushes another or intentionally throws an object at him and kills him,
21or if in hostility he strikes him with his hand and he dies, the one who struck him must surely be put to death; he is a murderer. When the avenger of blood finds the murderer, he is to kill him. 22But if anyone pushes a person suddenly, without hostility, or throws an object at him unintentionally,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 21:14 | 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. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 19:11 | If, however, a man hates his neighbor and lies in wait, attacks him and kills him, and then flees to one of these cities, |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | Genesis 4:8 | Then Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 20:10 | Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 18:10–11 | The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear, and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 24:11 | See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. See and know that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life. |
| 8 | Mark 6:19 | So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she had been unable, |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 20:1 | Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah. He came to Jonathan and asked, “What have I done? What is my iniquity? How have I sinned against your father, that he wants to take my life?” |
| 10 | Psalms 35:7–8 | For without cause they laid their net for me; without reason they dug a pit for my soul. May ruin befall them by surprise; may the net they hid ensnare them; may they fall into the hazard they created. |
Numbers 35:20 Summary
Numbers 35:20 teaches us that intentionally causing harm to someone, whether through physical action or words, is a serious offense against God and others. This verse reminds us that our actions have consequences, and we must be mindful of the impact we have on those around us, as seen in passages like Proverbs 12:18 and Ephesians 4:29-32. By recognizing the value and sanctity of human life, as emphasized in Genesis 1:27 and Psalm 139:13-16, we can strive to treat others with love, kindness, and respect, and seek forgiveness when we have wronged them, as taught in Matthew 5:23-24 and Colossians 3:13.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'maliciously push' someone in Numbers 35:20?
To maliciously push someone means to intentionally cause harm to another person, as seen in this verse, and is considered a form of murder, as also warned against in Exodus 21:12-14 and Deuteronomy 19:11-13.
How does this verse relate to the concept of 'an eye for an eye'?
While the concept of 'an eye for an eye' is mentioned in other parts of the Bible, such as Leviticus 24:20, Numbers 35:20 specifically addresses intentional harm or murder, emphasizing the severity of such actions and the need for justice, as also seen in Genesis 9:6.
What is the difference between 'maliciously' and 'intentionally' in this verse?
While both terms imply a level of intent, 'maliciously' suggests a level of hatred or ill-will, as seen in the actions described, whereas 'intentionally' simply means the act was done on purpose, highlighting the importance of motivations and intentions in God's eyes, as taught in Matthew 5:21-22 and 1 John 3:15.
How does this verse apply to our lives today?
This verse reminds us that our actions have consequences, and intentionally causing harm to others is a serious offense against God and humanity, as emphasized in passages like Matthew 5:21-26 and James 2:26, encouraging us to seek forgiveness and restoration when we have wronged others.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be 'maliciously pushing' others in my life, through my words or actions, and how can I repent and change?
- How can I balance the need for justice with the call to forgive and show mercy, as seen in Numbers 35:20 and other passages like Matthew 18:21-22?
- In what ways do I need to examine my own heart and motivations, to ensure I am not harboring malicious intentions towards others, as warned against in 1 John 2:9-11 and Matthew 15:18-19?
- What does this verse teach me about the value and sanctity of human life, and how can I uphold this value in my interactions with others, as commanded in Genesis 1:27 and Psalm 139:13-16?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 35:20
But if he thrust him of hatred,.... Or, "and if" (r), since the Scripture is still speaking of such that shall die for murder, though in another instance, without having the privilege of a city of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 35:20
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.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 35:20
(20) But if he thrust him . . . —Better, And if . . .That he die.—Better, that he died. So in Numbers 35:21-23.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 35:20
20. thrust him] i.e. pushed him, in such a way as to cause his death; e.g. over a cliff, or off the roof of a house.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 35:20
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
Sermons on Numbers 35:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Defeated Father by Emanuel Esh | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of defeat in our homes and provides guidance on how to overcome it. He shares his own experience of raising four daughters and how t |
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(1 Peter - Part 27): Who Is He That Will Harm You? by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher describes the physical deterioration of a man who is nearing death. Despite his weakened state, the preacher emphasizes that the devil and death cannot |
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Holy Spirit, Why Some Can't Receive Him by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being able to hear and recognize the voice of God. He compares Christians to a generation that is odd and different from th |
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Cain and Abel (The First Murder) - Part 1 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a 10-day period of fasting and prayer where they were seeking a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. They acknowledge that God did not act in t |
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Woe, Lo, and Go - Part 3 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision and being filled with compassion. He refers to the story of Isaiah, who had a vision of God and recognized |
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(Genesis) Genesis 4:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the fourth chapter of Genesis, which explores the root and fruit of sin. The speaker emphasizes that sin is not just a minor issue, but a se |
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(Genesis) Genesis 4:8-10 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Cain and Abel from the Bible. He highlights the significance of Abel's blood crying out to God from the ground, representing th |