Numbers 35:15
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.
Original Language Analysis
לִבְנֵ֣י
both for the children
H1121
לִבְנֵ֣י
both for the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
2 of 16
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וְלַגֵּ֤ר
and for the stranger
H1616
וְלַגֵּ֤ר
and for the stranger
Strong's:
H1616
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
וְלַתּוֹשָׁב֙
and for the sojourner
H8453
וְלַתּוֹשָׁב֙
and for the sojourner
Strong's:
H8453
Word #:
4 of 16
a dweller but not outlandish [h5237]; especially (as distinguished from a native citizen [active participle of h3427] and a temporary inmate [h1616] o
תִּֽהְיֶ֛ינָה
H1961
תִּֽהְיֶ֛ינָה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
6 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
שֵׁשׁ
These six
H8337
שֵׁשׁ
These six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
7 of 16
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
הֶֽעָרִ֥ים
cities
H5892
הֶֽעָרִ֥ים
cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
8 of 16
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
לָנ֣וּס
may flee
H5127
לָנ֣וּס
may flee
Strong's:
H5127
Word #:
11 of 16
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
שָׁ֔מָּה
H8033
שָׁ֔מָּה
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
12 of 16
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מַכֵּה
them that every one that killeth
H5221
מַכֵּה
them that every one that killeth
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
14 of 16
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
Historical Context
Including foreigners in this provision was remarkable in ancient world where legal protections often applied only to citizens. God's law established equal justice long before modern human rights concepts. This inclusivity demonstrated that God's moral standards and mercies transcend tribal boundaries.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the gospel's inclusion of all peoples reflect God's character shown throughout Scripture?
- What modern 'strangers' or outsiders need to know about refuge available in Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
These cities served 'for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them'—protection extended beyond ethnic Israelites. God's justice applies equally regardless of nationality or status. This foreshadows gospel inclusion of all peoples. Refuge in Christ isn't limited by ethnicity, social class, or background; all who flee to Him find safety.