Numbers 35:16
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 10
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
בִּכְלִ֨י
him with an instrument
H3627
בִּכְלִ֨י
him with an instrument
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
2 of 10
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
בַרְזֶ֧ל׀
of iron
H1270
בַרְזֶ֧ל׀
of iron
Strong's:
H1270
Word #:
3 of 10
iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement
הִכָּ֛הוּ
And if he smite
H5221
הִכָּ֛הוּ
And if he smite
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
4 of 10
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
יוּמַ֖ת
be put to death
H4191
יוּמַ֖ת
be put to death
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
5 of 10
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
הָֽרֹצֵֽחַ׃
he is a murderer
H7523
הָֽרֹצֵֽחַ׃
he is a murderer
Strong's:
H7523
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder
ה֑וּא
H1931
ה֑וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
7 of 10
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
יוּמַ֖ת
be put to death
H4191
יוּמַ֖ת
be put to death
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
8 of 10
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the distinction between murder and manslaughter illuminate God's concern for both justice and human intention?
- What does the exclusion of willful murderers from refuge teach about presuming on God's mercy while continuing in sin?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.