Numbers 35:31
Numbers 35:31 in Multiple Translations
You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he must surely be put to death.
Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death.
Moreover ye shall take no ransom for the life of a murderer, that is guilty of death; but he shall surely be put to death.
Further, no price may be given for the life of one who has taken life and whose right reward is death: he is certainly to be put to death.
You are not to accept payment instead of executing a murderer who has been found guilty—they must be executed.
Moreouer ye shall take no recompense for the life of the murtherer, which is worthy to die: but he shalbe put to death.
'And ye take no atonement for the life of a murderer who [is] condemned — to die, for he is certainly put to death;
“‘Moreover you shall take no ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of death. He shall surely be put to death.
Moreover, ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, who is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death.
You shall not take money of him that is guilty of blood, but he shall die forthwith.
“If there is a murderer who truly should be executed, do not spare his life by accepting ◄a ransom/money for him not to be killed►. He must be executed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 35:31
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Numbers 35:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 35:31
Study Notes — Numbers 35:31
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 35:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 35:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 35:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 35:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 35:31
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 35:31
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 35:31
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 35:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 35:31
- Sermons on Numbers 35:31
Context — Six Cities of Refuge
31You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he must surely be put to death.
32Nor should you accept a ransom for the person who flees to a city of refuge and allow him to return and live on his own land before the death of the high priest. 33Do not pollute the land where you live, for bloodshed pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 19:11–13 | If, however, a man hates his neighbor and lies in wait, attacks him and kills him, and then flees to one of these cities, the elders of his city must send for him, bring him back, and hand him over to the avenger of blood to die. You must show him no pity. You are to purge from Israel the guilt of shedding innocent blood, that it may go well with you. |
| 2 | Genesis 9:5–6 | And surely I will require the life of any man or beast by whose hand your lifeblood is shed. I will demand an accounting from anyone who takes the life of his fellow man: Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind. |
| 3 | Psalms 51:14 | Deliver me from bloodguilt, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing of Your righteousness. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 2:28–34 | When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” And the king replied, “Do just as he says. Strike him down and bury him, and so remove from me and from the house of my father the innocent blood that Joab shed. The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army. Their blood will come back upon the heads of Joab and his descendants forever; but for David, his descendants, his house, and his throne, there shall be peace from the LORD forever.” So Benaiah son of Jehoiada went up, struck down Joab, and killed him. He was buried at his own home in the wilderness. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 12:13 | Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” “The LORD has taken away your sin,” Nathan replied. “You will not die. |
| 6 | 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. |
Numbers 35:31 Summary
This verse is saying that if someone has committed a serious crime like murder, they should not be able to pay a fine or bribe to escape punishment. Instead, they should face the consequences of their actions, which in this case is death. This is because taking a life is a very serious offense, and the punishment should fit the crime, as seen in other parts of the Bible like Exodus 21:12-14. By upholding justice in this way, we can help to protect society and ensure that people feel safe, which is also reflected in New Testament teachings like Romans 13:1-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of not accepting a ransom for the life of a murderer in Numbers 35:31?
This verse emphasizes the importance of upholding justice and not allowing wealth or social status to influence the punishment of those who have committed heinous crimes, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:11-13 and Exodus 21:12-14.
How does this verse relate to the concept of an eye for an eye in the Old Testament?
The principle of an eye for an eye, as stated in Leviticus 24:20 and Exodus 21:24, is related to the idea of proportional punishment, but Numbers 35:31 specifically addresses the punishment of murderers, highlighting the seriousness of taking a life and the need for capital punishment in such cases.
Is the concept of not accepting a ransom for a murderer's life still relevant today?
While the specific context of Numbers 35:31 is rooted in the Old Testament, the principle of holding those who commit heinous crimes accountable and not allowing them to escape punishment through bribery or other means remains relevant, as seen in Romans 13:1-4, which emphasizes the importance of submitting to governing authorities and upholding justice.
How does this verse relate to the concept of forgiveness and mercy in the Bible?
Numbers 35:31 must be balanced with other biblical teachings on forgiveness and mercy, such as Matthew 6:14-15, which emphasizes the importance of forgiving others, but in the context of capital punishment, the focus is on upholding justice and protecting society, rather than personal forgiveness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which our society today may be accepting 'ransom' for the lives of murderers, and how can we work to uphold justice and protect the innocent?
- How can we balance the need for justice and punishment with the call to forgive and show mercy, as seen in the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament?
- In what ways can we apply the principle of not accepting a ransom for the life of a murderer to our own lives, in terms of standing up for what is right and not compromising on important issues?
- What are some potential consequences of not upholding justice and allowing murderers to go unpunished, as warned against in Numbers 35:33-34?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 35:31
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 35:31
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 35:31
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 35:31
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 35:31
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 35:31
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 35:31
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 35:31
Sermons on Numbers 35:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Eternity to Eternity 03 Genesis 1:1 by Joseph Balsan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the similarities between the days of Noah and the closing days of the church age and the tribulation period. He highlights that both eras wer |
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Righteousness in the Old Testament by Art Katz | Art Katz explores the concept of righteousness in the Old Testament, emphasizing that it is fundamentally about fulfilling the demands of relationships, particularly with God and t |
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A Burning Heart, a Burning Tongue by Richard E. Bieber | Richard E. Bieber emphasizes the importance of Christians being in touch with the anguish of the world to avoid becoming stale or sterile. He challenges believers to speak words of |
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Filth and Blood Purged by the Spirit Judgment and the Spirit of Burning by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the cleansing work of the Lord in purging the filth of the daughters of Zion and the blood of Jerusalem through the spirit of judgment and burning. He e |
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Walking in Forgiveness by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of walking in forgiveness as part of living a holy life. He shares a parable from the Bible about a servant who owed a great d |
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(Through the Bible) Genesis 39-41 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the purposes of God in his own life and how God prepared him for his ministry. He also discusses the story of Joseph and how God gave him in |
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I Have Sinned by Jack Hyles | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience as a public speaker and his struggle with three specific words. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and the negative co |






