Numbers 35:23

Verse

or without looking drops a heavy stone that kills him, but he was not an enemy and did not intend to harm him,

American Standard Version (1901)

or with any stone, whereby a man may die, seeing him not, and cast it upon him, so that he died, and he was not his enemy, neither sought his harm;

Bible in Basic English

Or has given him a blow with a stone, without seeing him, so causing his death, though he had nothing against him and no desire to do him evil:

Free Bible Version

or carelessly drops a heavy stone that kills them, but not as an enemy or intending to harm them,

King James (Authorized) Version

Or with any stone, wherewith a man may die, seeing him not, and cast it upon him, that he die, and was not his enemy, neither sought his harm:

One Unity Resource Bible

or with any stone, by which a man may die, not seeing him, and cast it on him, so that he died, and he was not his enemy, neither sought his harm;

Translation for Translators

Or he might drop a rock on someone that he did not see. If the one who does that does not plan to hurt anyone and does not hate the person that was killed,

Unlocked Literal Bible

or if he throws a stone that could kill a victim without seeing the victim, then the accused was not the victim's enemy; he was not trying to hurt the victim. But this is what to do if the victim dies anyway.

Noah Webster Bible

Or with any stone, by which a man may die, seeing him not, and shall cast it upon him, that he die, and was not his enemy, neither sought his harm:

World English Bible

or with any stone, by which a man may die, not seeing him, and cast it on him so that he died, and he was not his enemy and not seeking his harm,

Young's Literal Translation

or with any stone wherewith he dieth, without seeing, and causeth [it] to fall upon him, and he dieth, and he [is] not his enemy, nor seeking his evil;

Context

Six Cities of Refuge

²²But if anyone pushes a person suddenly, without hostility, or throws an object at him unintentionally,²³or without looking drops a heavy stone that kills him, but he was not an enemy and did not intend to harm him,²⁴then the congregation must judge between the slayer and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances.

Summary

This verse in the book of Numbers addresses the importance of justice and fairness in dealing with cases of unintentional manslaughter. It emphasizes the principle of 'an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,' indicating that the punishment should fit the crime committed. The passage underscores the value of human life and the need for accountability, while also highlighting the need for mercy and understanding in such situations. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder of the balance between justice and compassion in the administration of law.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Or with any stone wherewith a man may die,.... Which is sufficient to kill a man, if thrown at him: seeing him not; and so without intention: the Jews (s) from hence gather, that a blind man is to be acquitted and dismissed, and not banished and so stands in no need of a city of refuge; though others say he is to be banished, and needs it, and ought to have the privilege of it: and cast it upon him that he die; casting, it upon another account, and with another view, but yet falling upon a man, it kills him: and was not his enemy, neither sought him harm; it was never known that they were at variance, or that the slayer had ever by any overt act discovered any malice and enmity against the deceased, by word or deed, or ever sought to do him any injury, either to his person or property. (s) Misn. Maccot, c. 2. sect. 3.