Numbers 35:16 (KJV)

What does Numbers 35:16 mean?

Numbers 35:16 states that if someone strikes another person with an iron tool and the victim dies, the person who struck is considered a murderer and must be put to death. This verse sets a clear rule about intentional killing using a deadly object.

In this part of Numbers, God is giving Moses laws for the Israelites about how to handle cases of killing, especially as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The verse is part of instructions about cities of refuge and the difference between murder and accidental killing. The focus here is on the seriousness of using a weapon like iron, showing that such an act is treated as deliberate murder.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 35:16

• The word "smite" (נָכָה, nakah) means to strike or hit, often with the intent to harm or kill. This word highlights that the action is forceful and intentional.
• "Instrument" (כְּלִי, keli) refers to a tool or object, in this case, specifically made of iron (בַּרְזֶל, barzel), which was known to be a strong and deadly material in ancient times. The mention of iron underlines the lethality of the weapon.
• "Murderer" (רֹצֵחַ, rotseach) is the term used for someone who kills intentionally and unlawfully. This word distinguishes deliberate killing from accidental death.
• The verb "die" and the phrase "surely be put to death" (מוּת, muth) are both used here, emphasizing the outcome for both the victim and the consequence for the murderer. The repetition stresses the certainty and seriousness of the punishment.

Why Numbers 35:16 matters

• This verse clarifies that the use of a deadly weapon like iron removes any doubt about the intent behind the killing, making it clear that this is not an accident.
• Numbers 35:16 helps distinguish between murder and manslaughter, which is important for understanding justice and fairness in the rest of the chapter.
• The verse connects to the larger passage about cities of refuge, showing why some people could seek protection and others could not, depending on the nature of the killing.