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.”
Numbers 35:15 in 7 translations
- KJVKing James Version
- 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.
- DRADouay–Rheims
- As well for the children of Israel as for strangers and sojourners, that he may flee to them, who hath shed blood against his will.
- ASVAmerican Standard Version
- For the children of Israel, and for the stranger and for the sojourner among them, shall these six cities be for refuge; that every one that killeth any person unwittingly may flee thither.
- DARBYDarby
- For the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them shall these six cities be a refuge, that one who smiteth a person mortally without intent may flee thither.
- WEBThe World English Bible
- For the children of Israel, and for the stranger and for the foreigner living among them, shall these six cities be for refuge; that everyone who kills any person unwittingly may flee there.
- YLTYoung's Literal Translation
- To sons of Israel, and to a sojourner, and to a settler in their midst, are these six cities for a refuge, for the fleeing thither of any one smiting a person unawares.
- BPVBiblePics Version
- "These six cities will be a refuge for the people of Israel, as well as for the stranger and the sojourner among them, so that anyone who accidentally kills another person can flee there."
Context: Numbers 35
13And of these cities which ye shall give six cities shall ye have for refuge.
14Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge.
15These 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.
16And 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.
17And if he smite him with throwing a stone, wherewith he may die, and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.
About Numbers 35: Cities for the Levites
God commands the Israelites to appoint cities of refuge, where those who have killed unintentionally can seek asylum.
Commentary
In Numbers 35, the Lord instructs Moses to set aside cities of refuge for those who have committed unintentional manslaughter. These cities are to be located throughout the land of Israel, and the Lord provides specific instructions for how they are to be set up and how they are to be used.