King James Version

What Does Numbers 35:20 Mean?

Numbers 35:20 in the King James Version says “But if he thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die;” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But if he thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die;”

Numbers 35:20 · KJV

Context

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.

19

The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him.

20

But if he thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die;

21

Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him.

22

But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or have cast upon him any thing without laying of wait,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But if he thrust him of hatred (בְּשִׂנְאָה, b'sinah)—the heart's condition determines the act's nature. Hatred (sinah, from the root 'to hate, be hostile') transforms an action into murder. The legal test isn't merely 'Did death result?' but 'What motivated the blow?'

Or hurl at him by laying of wait (בִּצְדִיָּה, bitsediyah)—premeditated ambush. The manslayer who waited in hiding forfeited any claim to accidental homicide. This phrase captures first-degree murder: malice aforethought combined with deliberate planning. No refuge protects the one who plots death.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern law codes (Hammurabi, Assyrian laws) also distinguished between intentional and accidental killing, but Israel's law uniquely probed the heart's motive (sinah, hatred) rather than merely external circumstances, reflecting Yahweh's omniscience (1 Samuel 16:7).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the law's emphasis on hatred (<em>sinah</em>) demonstrate that God judges internal motive, not merely external action?
  2. What does 'laying of wait' reveal about the wickedness of premeditated sin versus sins of sudden passion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְאִם1 of 8
H518

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

בְּשִׂנְאָ֖ה2 of 8

“him of hatred”

H8135

hate

יֶהְדָּפֶ֑נּוּ3 of 8

“But if he thrust”

H1920

to push away or down

אֽוֹ4 of 8
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

הִשְׁלִ֥יךְ5 of 8

“or hurl”

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

עָלָ֛יו6 of 8
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בִּצְדִיָּ֖ה7 of 8

“at him by laying of wait”

H6660

design

וַיָּמֹֽת׃8 of 8

“that he die”

H4191

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

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 35:20 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 35:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 21:14Deuteronomy 19:11Genesis 4:82 Samuel 20:102 Samuel 3:272 Samuel 13:22

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