Numbers 35:28
“Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the slayer shall return into the land of his possession.”
Numbers 35:28 in 7 translations
- KJVKing James Version
- Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the slayer shall return into the land of his possession.
- DRADouay–Rheims
- For the fugitive ought to have stayed in the city until the death of the high priest: and after he is dead, then shall the manslayer return to his own country.
- ASVAmerican Standard Version
- because he should have remained in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the manslayer shall return into the land of his possession.
- DARBYDarby
- for the manslayer should have remained in the city of his refuge until the death of the high-priest; but after the death of the high-priest he may return into the land of his possession.
- WEBThe World English Bible
- because he should have remained in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the manslayer shall return into the land of his possession.
- YLTYoung's Literal Translation
- for in the city of his refuge he doth dwell till the death of the chief priest; and after the death of the chief priest doth the man-slayer turn back unto the city of his possession.
- BPVBiblePics Version
- "This is because the slayer should have remained in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest; after the high priest's death, the slayer may return to their own land."
Context: Numbers 35
26But if the slayer shall at any time come without the border of the city of his refuge, whither he was fled;
27And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge, and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood:
28Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the slayer shall return into the land of his possession.
29So these things shall be for a statute of judgment unto you throughout your generations in all your dwellings.
30Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die.
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.