Numbers 35:30

30 Anyone who kills another will be executed on the evidence of witnesses. But one witness alone cannot testify against a person for a death sentence.

Numbers 35:30 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 35:30

Whoso killeth any person
Willingly, and through enmity and malice:

the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of two witnesses;
which is repeated partly to show, that this law concerning the cities of refuge was not designed to screen a murderer, who was guilty through malice prepense; and partly for the sake of what is added to it, that two witnesses are required in such a case, where a man's life is at stake, to prove the fact against him; which shows how careful the Lord is, and men should be, of the lives of his creatures, that no man suffer wrongfully; which is repeated again and again, that it might be observed, see ( Deuteronomy 17:6 ) ( 19:15 ) but one witness shall not testify against any person, to cause him to die; which looks as if in other cases, in pecuniary matters, and the like, where life is not concerned, one witness may be sufficient; though it is always best and safest to have more if they can be had, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses everything may be established, ( Deuteronomy 19:15 ) ( Matthew 18:16 ) .

Numbers 35:30 In-Context

28 The killer must live in his refuge city until the high priest's death. After the high priest's death the killer may return to the land he owns.

29 These will be the regulations and case laws for all time in all your settlements.

30 Anyone who kills another will be executed on the evidence of witnesses. But one witness alone cannot testify against a person for a death sentence.

31 You may not accept a ransom for the life of a killer, who is guilty of a capital crime, for he must definitely be put to death.

32 You may not accept a ransom for someone who has fled to his refuge city so that he can return and live in the land before the priest's death.