Numbers 35 18

Numbers 35:18 kjv

Or if he smite him with an hand weapon of wood, wherewith he may die, and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.

Numbers 35:18 nkjv

Or if he strikes him with a wooden hand weapon, by which one could die, and he does die, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death.

Numbers 35:18 niv

Or if anyone is holding a wooden object and strikes someone a fatal blow with it, that person is a murderer; the murderer is to be put to death.

Numbers 35:18 esv

Or if he struck him down with a wooden tool that could cause death, and he died, he is a murderer. The murderer shall be put to death.

Numbers 35:18 nlt

Or if someone strikes and kills another person with a wooden object, it is murder, and the murderer must be put to death.

Numbers 35 verses

Numbers 35 18 Meaning

Numbers 35:18 states that if an individual strikes another person with a wooden object that has the potential to cause death, and the victim dies as a result, the perpetrator is legally deemed a murderer. The prescribed penalty for such a murder is capital punishment; the murderer "must surely be put to death." This verse precisely defines murder based on the weapon's inherent deadliness, not just its material, and mandates an inescapable consequence.

Numbers 35 18 Context

Numbers 35 establishes the laws regarding murder and the provision of cities of refuge in the Promised Land for the Israelites. It details the precise criteria distinguishing premeditated murder from accidental killing, outlining the process of legal judgment and the role of the "avenger of blood." Verses 16-18 specify that using particular weapons—iron, stone, or a wooden object—that are inherently capable of causing death, resulting in a fatality, constitutes murder. This chapter underscores the sanctity of human life and God's demand for justice for the shedding of innocent blood, which defiles the land (Num 35:33-34). The legal framework laid out reflects a divine imperative for civil justice in ancient Israel.

Numbers 35 18 Word analysis

• Or if he struck him: This phrase וְאִם-בִּכְלִי עֵץ הִכָּהוּ (ve'im bik-hli 'etz hikkahu) introduces an additional, specific scenario. It uses the root נָכָה (nakah), meaning "to strike" or "to hit," indicating a direct, intentional act.
• with a wooden object: בִּכְלִי עֵץ (bi-khli 'etz) - כְּלִי (keli) refers to an "instrument," "vessel," or "article," a general term for any utensil or tool. עֵץ (etz) means "wood" or "tree." This phrase broadly covers any item made of wood, such as a club, staff, or piece of timber, as opposed to a refined weapon like a sword.
• in hand: בְּיָדוֹ (b'yado) - The Hebrew word יָד (yad) means "hand." This denotes that the object was wielded or used directly by the perpetrator, implying deliberate application of force rather than an accidental falling object or indirect cause.
• by which one could die: אֲשֶׁר יָמוּת בָּהּ (asher yamut bah) - This is the critical qualifying clause. אֲשֶׁר means "which" or "that," יָמוּת is the imperfect form of מוּת (mut), "to die," here signifying potentiality or capability. The object must possess the intrinsic capacity to be lethal. This implies a careful assessment by judges or witnesses of the nature and weight of the wooden object and its manner of use. It differentiates between a light twig and a heavy club capable of causing fatal injury.
• and he died: וַיָּמֹת (va-yamot) - This confirms the fatal outcome, making it an act of homicide. Without death, it would be considered assault, but not murder according to this law.
• he is a murderer: רוֹצֵחַ הוּא (rotze'ach hu) - רוֹצֵחַ (rotze'ach) specifically denotes "murderer" or "manslayer" in a culpable sense. This declaration is a legal verdict, establishing the perpetrator's guilt based on the stated criteria. It distinguishes premeditated or reckless killing from accidental death.
• the murderer must be put to death: הָרֹצֵחַ מוֹת יוּמָת (ha-rotze'ach mot yumat) - This is a powerful Hebrew emphatic construction. מוֹת is an infinitive absolute of מוּת (to die), followed by the imperfect verb יוּמָת (yumat), meaning "he shall surely die." It underscores the non-negotiable, mandatory nature of the capital penalty. The life for a life principle is absolute here.
• Words-Group Analysis: The series "wooden object in hand, by which one could die" forms a legal criterion emphasizing the specific nature and dangerous potential of the instrument chosen. It moves beyond generic weapons (v.16) and a specific natural object (v.17), ensuring a wide range of everyday items capable of lethal force are covered under the murder statute, reflecting the law's comprehensive reach in protecting life. The connection between רוֹצֵחַ הוּא (he is a murderer) and הָרֹצֵחַ מוֹת יוּמָת (the murderer must be put to death) establishes an immediate and definite legal consequence once guilt is determined.

Numbers 35 18 Bonus section

• Progressive Definition: This verse, alongside Numbers 35:16-17 (iron instrument, stone), shows a systematic and progressively broad definition of capital murder by specifying different categories of lethal objects. This meticulous detailing aims to leave no loophole for an aggressor.
• God's Sovereignty and Justice: The establishment of such clear, precise laws demonstrates God's profound concern for justice and human life, which is created in His image (Gen 9:6). The legislation for capital punishment for murder is rooted in this fundamental principle, making it a sacred obligation rather than mere societal retaliation.
• Role of Legal Assessment: The phrase "by which one could die" implies that judges in Israel would need to exercise discernment and wisdom. This wasn't a blanket rule for any wooden object but required careful assessment of its intrinsic lethality and how it was employed, emphasizing a nuanced legal process rather than simplistic judgment.
• Prevention of Bloodguilt: The strict adherence to capital punishment for murder, as outlined here and elsewhere, was essential to prevent bloodguilt from accumulating on the land of Israel (Num 35:33-34). God desired a clean and holy land for His people, which necessitated strict adherence to His laws of justice, especially concerning the taking of human life.

Numbers 35 18 Commentary

Numbers 35:18 extends the divine standard for murder to include the use of any ordinary wooden object, provided it is capable of causing death and is wielded directly in such a way that it causes death. This verse ensures that the legal system accounts for a wide array of potentially lethal instruments beyond conventional weapons. The crucial phrase, "by which one could die," places responsibility on the legal authorities to discern the true deadly potential of the object in question. This eliminates ambiguity and prevents murderers from claiming their act was unintentional due to the commonality of the instrument. The explicit verdict, "he is a murderer," followed by the unequivocal command, "the murderer must be put to death," underscores the sanctity of human life and the absolute divine demand for retributive justice in cases of deliberate or reckless lethal violence. This strict provision reflects God's justice, emphasizing that shedding innocent blood brings guilt upon the land, which only the execution of the guilty party can atone for.