King James Version

What Does Numbers 35:11 Mean?

Numbers 35:11 in the King James Version says “Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any per...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares. at: Heb. by error”

Numbers 35:11 · KJV

Context

9

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

10

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come over Jordan into the land of Canaan;

11

Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares. at: Heb. by error

12

And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment.

13

And of these cities which ye shall give six cities shall ye have for refuge.

Read Numbers 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye shall appoint you cities of refuge, that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.' These cities demonstrate God's justice distinguishing intentional murder from accidental killing. The Hebrew 'ratsach' (רָצַח, manslayer) refers to unlawful killing, while the phrase 'at unawares' (bishgagah, בִּשְׁגָגָה) means unintentionally or accidentally. The cities of refuge protected the unintentional killer from the 'avenger of blood' (goel hadam, גֹּאֵל הַדָּם), the victim's relative responsible for blood vengeance. This system balanced justice (life for life) with mercy (protection for the innocent). The cities had to be accessible from anywhere in Israel, showing God provides refuge for those who flee to Him. This typifies Christ our refuge from sin's judgment—those who flee to Him find safety. Hebrews 6:18 applies this imagery: we who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Six cities were designated (three on each side of the Jordan): Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron (western); Bezer, Ramoth, Golan (eastern). All were Levitical cities, ensuring priestly oversight of justice. The roads to these cities were maintained and marked so fleeing manslayers could easily find them. Jewish tradition says signposts reading 'Refuge' pointed the way. Archaeological identification of these cities shows they were strategically located for accessibility. The manslayer remained in the refuge city until the high priest's death (Numbers 35:25), when he could return home—the high priest's death providing atonement for bloodshed. Ancient Near Eastern law codes (Hammurabi, Hittite laws) also addressed homicide but lacked Israel's sophisticated distinction between intentional and accidental killing. The cities functioned throughout Israel's history until the exile.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the cities of refuge illustrate God's balance of justice and mercy in dealing with guilt?
  2. In what ways does Christ fulfill the typology of the refuge city as our place of safety from judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְהִקְרִיתֶ֤ם1 of 13

“Then ye shall appoint”

H7136

to light upon (chiefly by accident); specifically, to impose timbers (for roof or floor)

לָכֶם֙2 of 13
H0
עָרֵ֥י3 of 13

“to be cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

עָרֵ֥י4 of 13

“to be cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

מִקְלָ֖ט5 of 13

“of refuge”

H4733

an asylum (as a receptacle)

תִּֽהְיֶ֣ינָה6 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָכֶ֑ם7 of 13
H0
וְנָ֥ס8 of 13

“may flee”

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

שָׁ֙מָּה֙9 of 13
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

רֹצֵ֔חַ10 of 13

“for you that the slayer”

H7523

properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder

מַכֵּה11 of 13

“thither which killeth”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

נֶ֖פֶשׁ12 of 13

“any person”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

בִּשְׁגָגָֽה׃13 of 13

“at unawares”

H7684

a mistake or inadvertent transgression

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 35:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 35:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 21:13Numbers 35:6Joshua 20:2Deuteronomy 4:42Numbers 35:22-25Deuteronomy 19:1-13

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