King James Version

What Does Numbers 35:6 Mean?

Numbers 35:6 in the King James Version says “And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites there shall be six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint f...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites there shall be six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities. to them: Heb. above them ye shall give”

Numbers 35:6 · KJV

Context

4

And the suburbs of the cities, which ye shall give unto the Levites, shall reach from the wall of the city and outward a thousand cubits round about.

5

And ye shall measure from without the city on the east side two thousand cubits, and on the south side two thousand cubits, and on the west side two thousand cubits, and on the north side two thousand cubits; and the city shall be in the midst: this shall be to them the suburbs of the cities.

6

And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites there shall be six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities. to them: Heb. above them ye shall give

7

So all the cities which ye shall give to the Levites shall be forty and eight cities: them shall ye give with their suburbs.

8

And the cities which ye shall give shall be of the possession of the children of Israel: from them that have many ye shall give many; but from them that have few ye shall give few: every one shall give of his cities unto the Levites according to his inheritance which he inheriteth. he: Heb. they inherit

Read Numbers 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God commands that among the Levitical cities, six must be designated as 'cities of refuge' where manslayers could flee for protection from avengers of blood. This merciful provision protected those guilty of accidental homicide from retaliation before their case could be fairly adjudicated. The Hebrew 'miq lat' (מִקְלָט, 'refuge') means 'absorption' or 'receiving,' indicating these cities absorbed fugitives into safety. The requirement for six cities (three on each side of the Jordan, Numbers 35:14) ensured accessibility throughout Israel's territory. The system balanced justice and mercy: intentional murderers received execution (35:16-21), while accidental killers received protection until the high priest's death, after which they could return home safely (35:25). The cities of refuge typologically point to Christ as our refuge from the avenger (divine justice pursuing sin). Believers flee to Christ for protection from wrath we deserve, finding sanctuary through His blood. The high priest's death freeing the manslayer anticipates Christ's death freeing us from sin's bondage and wrath's pursuit. This institution demonstrates God's concern for both justice and mercy, protecting the innocent while punishing the guilty.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The six cities of refuge were formally established after Israel conquered Canaan: Kedesh, Shechem, and Hebron west of the Jordan; Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan east of the Jordan (Joshua 20:7-8). These were Levitical cities (Levites lived in 48 cities throughout Israel's territory, Numbers 35:7) strategically located for accessibility. Ancient Near Eastern cultures included similar concepts of sanctuary—certain temples or sacred places could provide temporary refuge—but Israel's system was more developed and legally structured. The requirement that the manslayer stand trial before the congregation (35:12, 24-25) ensured judicial process rather than mob violence or arbitrary sanctuary. The high priest's death serving as a time limit for the manslayer's exile (35:25, 28) was unique to Israel, symbolically representing atonement—the high priest's death covered the blood guilt. Rabbinic tradition held that the high priest's mother would provide food to the cities of refuge so the exiled manslayers wouldn't pray for her son's death. The system functioned throughout Israel's history, demonstrating practical application of justice tempered with mercy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the cities of refuge typologically point to Christ as our refuge from divine justice pursuing our sin?
  2. What does the balance between protecting accidental killers and executing intentional murderers teach about combining justice and mercy?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְאֵ֣ת1 of 19
H853

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

עִֽיר׃2 of 19

“And among the cities”

H5892

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

אֲשֶׁ֤ר3 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תִּתְּנ֔וּ4 of 19

“thither and to them ye shall add”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לַלְוִיִּ֔ם5 of 19

“unto the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

אֵ֚ת6 of 19
H853

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

שֵׁשׁ7 of 19

“there shall be six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

עִֽיר׃8 of 19

“And among the cities”

H5892

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

הַמִּקְלָ֔ט9 of 19

“for refuge”

H4733

an asylum (as a receptacle)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר10 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תִּתְּנ֔וּ11 of 19

“thither and to them ye shall add”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָנֻ֥ס12 of 19

“that he may flee”

H5127

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

שָׁ֖מָּה13 of 19
H8033

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

הָֽרֹצֵ֑חַ14 of 19

“for the manslayer”

H7523

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

וַֽעֲלֵיהֶ֣ם15 of 19
H5921

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

תִּתְּנ֔וּ16 of 19

“thither and to them ye shall add”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אַרְבָּעִ֥ים17 of 19

“forty”

H705

forty

וּשְׁתַּ֖יִם18 of 19

“and two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עִֽיר׃19 of 19

“And among the cities”

H5892

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

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 35:6 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 35:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 21:13Joshua 21:3Joshua 21:27Joshua 21:21Joshua 21:36Joshua 21:38

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 35 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Numbers 35 with CommentaryAll Numbers ChaptersComplete Numbers QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes