Numbers 35:27

Verse

and the avenger of blood finds him outside of his city of refuge and kills him, then the avenger will not be guilty of bloodshed

American Standard Version (1901)

and the avenger of blood find him without the border of his city of refuge, and the avenger of blood slay the manslayer; he shall not be guilty of blood,

Bible in Basic English

And the giver of punishment, meeting him outside the walls of the town, puts him to death, he will not be responsible for his blood:

Free Bible Version

and the avenger finds him them outside his sanctuary town and kills him, then the avenger will not be guilty of murder,

King James (Authorized) Version

And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge, and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood:

One Unity Resource Bible

and the avenger of blood finds him outside of the border of his city of refuge, and the avenger of blood kills the man slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood,

Translation for Translators

If he goes outside the city, and if a relative of the dead person finds him, that relative is permitted to kill that person, and people will not consider that the relative is guilty of murder.

Unlocked Literal Bible

and if the avenger of blood finds him outside the border of his city of refuge, and if he kills the accused man, the avenger of blood will not be guilty of murder.

Noah Webster Bible

And the avenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge, and the avenger of blood shall kill the slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood:

World English Bible

and the avenger of blood finds him outside of the border of his city of refuge, and the avenger of blood kills the man slayer, he shall not be guilty of blood,

Young's Literal Translation

and the redeemer of blood hath found him at the outside of the border of the city of his refuge, and the redeemer of blood hath slain the man-slayer, blood is not for him;

Context

Six Cities of Refuge

²⁶But if the manslayer ever goes outside the limits of the city of refuge to which he fled²⁷and the avenger of blood finds him outside of his city of refuge and kills him, then the avenger will not be guilty of bloodshed²⁸because the manslayer must remain in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest. Only after the death of the high priest may he return to the land he owns.

Summary

Numbers 35:27 addresses the concept of unintentional manslaughter within the cities of refuge. It distinguishes between intentional murder and accidental killing, highlighting the importance of justice and mercy in handling such cases. The verse underscores the need for a fair trial and protection for those who cause accidental harm, emphasizing the value of human life and the principle of accountability. By providing a system of refuge and legal process, God demonstrates His concern for both the victim and the unintentional offender, promoting righteousness and compassion in the community.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge,.... Without the suburbs, fields, and vineyards belonging to it: and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; being exasperated against him, and to avenge the blood of his relation on him: he shall not be guilty of blood; or be reckoned murderer, or die for it.