Numbers 35:30

30 Whoever kills a man, thou shalt slay the murderer on the testimony of witnesses; and one witness shall not testify against a soul that he should die.

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 For he ought to have remained in the city of refuge till the high-priest died; and after the death of the high-priest the slayer shall return to the land of his possession.

29 And these things shall be to you for an ordinance of judgment throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

30 Whoever kills a man, thou shalt slay the murderer on the testimony of witnesses; and one witness shall not testify against a soul that he should die.

31 And ye shall not accept ransoms for life from a murderer who is worthy of death, for he shall be surely put to death.

32 Ye shall not accept a ransom his fleeing to the city of refuge, so that he should again dwell in the land, until the death of the high-priest.

Footnotes

• [a]. smites a life.
• [b]. by witnesses.