King James Version
What Does Numbers 35:12 Mean?
“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.”
Numbers 35:12 · KJV
Context
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.
14
Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe cities of refuge shall be 'for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment.' The Hebrew 'goel' (avenger/kinsman-redeemer) was the deceased's nearest relative responsible for exacting justice. Cities of refuge protected accidental killers from vengeance, balancing justice with mercy. The requirement to 'stand before the congregation' ensured legal process, not mob justice. This system foreshadows Christ as our refuge - we flee to Him from justice we deserve. In Him, we find asylum from wrath, protected until standing before divine judgment where Christ's blood speaks better things than Abel's (Heb 12:24).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Six cities of refuge were designated - three in Canaan, three in Transjordan (Josh 20:7-8), ensuring accessibility from anywhere in Israel. Roads to these cities were well-maintained with clear signage. The manslayer ran to the nearest city, where elders heard his case (Josh 20:4-5). If deemed accidental (versus murder), he remained there until the high priest's death, when he could return home safely (v.25-28). The high priest's death releasing the manslayer typified Christ's death freeing believers from condemnation. The system demonstrated God's concern for both justice (punishing murderers) and mercy (protecting accidental killers).
Reflection Questions
- Have you fled to Christ as your refuge from the justice your sins deserve?
- How does the high priest's death releasing the manslayer help you understand Christ's death securing your freedom from condemnation?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 13 wordsוְהָי֨וּ1 of 13
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לָכֶ֧ם2 of 13
H0הֶֽעָרִ֛ים3 of 13
“And they shall be unto you cities”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
מִגֹּאֵ֑ל5 of 13
“from the avenger”
H1350to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido
וְלֹ֤א6 of 13
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הָֽרֹצֵ֔חַ8 of 13
“that the manslayer”
H7523properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder
עַד9 of 13
H5704as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
עָמְד֛וֹ10 of 13
“not until he stand”
H5975to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
לִפְנֵ֥י11 of 13
“before”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
הָֽעֵדָ֖ה12 of 13
“the congregation”
H5712a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
לַמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃13 of 13
“in judgment”
H4941properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
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 35:12 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 35:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge