Numbers 35:23
Or with any stone, wherewith a man may die, seeing him not, and cast it upon him, that he die, and was not his enemy, neither sought his harm:
Original Language Analysis
א֣וֹ
H176
א֣וֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
1 of 18
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
בְכָל
H3605
בְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
וַיָּמֹ֑ת
it upon him that he die
H4191
וַיָּמֹ֑ת
it upon him that he die
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
5 of 18
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
וְלֹ֥א
him not
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
him not
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
רְא֔וֹת
seeing
H7200
רְא֔וֹת
seeing
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
8 of 18
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וַיַּפֵּ֥ל
and cast
H5307
וַיַּפֵּ֥ל
and cast
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
9 of 18
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
עָלָ֖יו
H5921
עָלָ֖יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וַיָּמֹ֑ת
it upon him that he die
H4191
וַיָּמֹ֑ת
it upon him that he die
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
11 of 18
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
וְהוּא֙
H1931
וְהוּא֙
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
12 of 18
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
וְלֹ֥א
him not
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
him not
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
13 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וְלֹ֥א
him not
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
him not
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
16 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
This verse addresses scenarios like quarrying accidents, construction mishaps, or agricultural incidents where falling objects caused death. In tightly-packed ancient villages, such tragedies occurred despite caution. The law's nuance prevented innocent blood from being avenged as murder.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the threefold test (unseen, not an enemy, didn't seek harm) demonstrate God's exhaustive fairness in evaluating accidents?
- What principle of jurisprudence does 'seeing him not' establish about the necessity of intent in criminal culpability?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Or with any stone, wherewith a man may die, seeing him not (בְּלֹא רְאוֹת, b'lo re'ot)—'without seeing,' denoting complete lack of intention. The stone may have been deadly ('wherewith a man may die'), but the thrower didn't see the victim. Intent, not just outcome, determines guilt.
And was not his enemy, neither sought his harm (וְלֹא אֹיֵב לוֹ וְלֹא מְבַקֵּשׁ רָעָתוֹ, v'lo oyev lo v'lo mevakesh ra'ato)—a threefold test of innocence:
This exhaustive exoneration protects the truly accidental killer from vengeful misinterpretation. The refuge city awaits those who meet these criteria.