King James Version

What Does Numbers 35:30 Mean?

Numbers 35:30 in the King James Version says “Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testif... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die.

Numbers 35:30 · KJV


Context

28

Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the slayer shall return into the land of his possession.

29

So these things shall be for a statute of judgment unto you throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

30

Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die.

31

Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death. guilty: Heb. faulty to die

32

And ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses (עַל־פִּי עֵדִים, al-pi edim)—literally 'upon the mouth of witnesses.' Capital punishment required eyewitness testimony, not circumstantial evidence or hearsay. But one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die—the two-witness rule (Deuteronomy 17:6, 19:15) protected the accused from false accusation.

This safeguard profoundly influenced New Testament ecclesiology (Matthew 18:16, 2 Corinthians 13:1, 1 Timothy 5:19). Jesus Himself was condemned on false testimony (Matthew 26:60-61), fulfilling Isaiah 53:7-8's prophecy of the silent Lamb before unjust accusers. Yet His resurrection validated His innocence, overturning the illegal verdict.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern law codes generally lacked Israel's rigorous evidentiary standards. The two-witness requirement (enhanced to three in rabbinic tradition) made capital convictions rare in practice, despite the Law's theoretical death penalties. This reflects God's desire for mercy within justice (Ezekiel 33:11).

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did God require multiple witnesses for capital cases—what does this reveal about His valuing of human life and justice?
  2. How does this evidentiary standard condemn the illegal trial of Jesus, who was convicted on false, contradictory testimony?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
כָּל1 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מַ֨כֵּה2 of 14

Whoso killeth

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

בְנֶ֖פֶשׁ3 of 14

against 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

לְפִ֣י4 of 14

by the mouth

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

וְעֵ֣ד5 of 14

of witnesses

H5707

concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince

הָֽרֹצֵ֑חַ6 of 14

shall be put to death

H7523

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

אֶת7 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָֽרֹצֵ֑חַ8 of 14

shall be put to death

H7523

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

וְעֵ֣ד9 of 14

of witnesses

H5707

concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince

אֶחָ֔ד10 of 14

but one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

לֹֽא11 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַעֲנֶ֥ה12 of 14

shall not testify

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

בְנֶ֖פֶשׁ13 of 14

against 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

לָמֽוּת׃14 of 14

to cause him to 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 35:30 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 35:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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