Numbers 35:20 (KJV)

What does Numbers 35:20 mean?

Numbers 35:20 says that if someone kills another person out of hatred, by pushing them or throwing something at them after lying in wait, and the victim dies, this act is considered intentional and not accidental. The verse is distinguishing between murder done on purpose and a killing that happens by accident.

In this part of Numbers, God is giving Moses instructions for the Israelites about cities of refuge and how to handle cases of killing. The verse is part of a larger explanation about the difference between murder and manslaughter, making it clear that premeditated acts—motivated by hatred and planning—are treated much more seriously than accidental deaths.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 35:20

• "thrust" (דָּחָה, dāḥāh): This word often means to push or shove, and here it points to a physical act done with force, not by accident.
• "hatred" (שִׂנְאָה, sin'āh): This word means deep dislike or hostility. The verse highlights that the motive behind the action—hatred—matters in judging the act.
• "hurl" (שָׁלַךְ, shālak): This word means to throw or cast something. The verse uses it to show that using an object as a weapon, especially with planning, is part of what makes the act intentional.
• "wait" (צָדָה, tsādāh): This word means to lie in wait or ambush. It shows that the act was planned ahead of time, not a sudden reaction.
• "die" (מוּת, mût): This is the standard word for dying or death, making it clear that the result of the action is fatal.

Why Numbers 35:20 matters

• Numbers 35:20 clarifies that not all killings are treated the same in biblical law; motive and planning are key factors in determining guilt.
• The verse helps explain why some people could flee to a city of refuge for protection, while others—those who killed out of hatred and planning—could not claim that protection.
• This distinction sets the stage for understanding justice and fairness in ancient Israel, showing that both actions and intentions are important in legal decisions.