King James Version

What Does Numbers 35:16 Mean?

Numbers 35:16 in the King James Version says “And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to de...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.”

Numbers 35:16 · KJV

Context

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.

15

These six cities shall be a refuge, both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither.

16

And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.

17

And if he smite him with throwing a stone, wherewith he may die, and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death. with: Heb. with a stone of the hand

18

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.

Read Numbers 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he is a murderer (רֹצֵחַ, rotseach)—premeditated homicide using a deadly weapon. The distinction between murder (rotseach) and manslaughter hinges on intent and the weapon's lethality. Iron instruments demonstrated forethought, as iron required mining, smelting, and fashioning into tools—not items grabbed in sudden passion.

The murderer shall surely be put to death (מוֹת יוּמַת הָרֹצֵחַ, mot yumat ha-rotseach)—the infinitive absolute construction emphasizes certainty and divine mandate. No city of refuge protected the willful murderer; only accidental killers found asylum. This mirrors salvation: Christ receives those who flee from sin, not those who weaponize it.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In Iron Age Israel (1200-586 BC), iron weapons signified technological advancement and military power. Their mention here underscores premeditation—one doesn't accidentally carry forged iron implements. The law protected the innocent while ensuring capital justice for murderers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the distinction between murder and manslaughter illuminate God's concern for both justice and human intention?
  2. What does the exclusion of willful murderers from refuge teach about presuming on God's mercy while continuing in sin?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְאִם1 of 10
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

בִּכְלִ֨י2 of 10

“him with an instrument”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

בַרְזֶ֧ל׀3 of 10

“of iron”

H1270

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

הִכָּ֛הוּ4 of 10

“And if he smite”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

יוּמַ֖ת5 of 10

“be put to death”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

הָֽרֹצֵֽחַ׃6 of 10

“he is a murderer”

H7523

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

ה֑וּא7 of 10
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יוּמַ֖ת8 of 10

“be put to death”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

יוּמַ֖ת9 of 10

“be put to death”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

הָֽרֹצֵֽחַ׃10 of 10

“he is a murderer”

H7523

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

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 35:16 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 35:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 24:17Numbers 35:30-33Deuteronomy 19:11-13Genesis 9:5-6Exodus 21:12-14Numbers 35:22-24

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