Numbers 35:11 Meaning and Explanation
“Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Six cities of refuge protect those who kill unintentionally.
The Context of Numbers 35:11
Cities of refuge protect those guilty of unintentional killing.
What Does Numbers 35:11 Mean?
Accidental killing requires protection from blood-revenge. The refuge city provides temporary safety and a place for judicial investigation, ensuring justice rather than vendetta.
The word 'unawares' is crucial—the law distinguishes between intentional murder and accidental death. The refuge system embodies the principle that the consequence must fit the crime.
Numbers 35:11 in the Original Language
unawares (שׁוְגָגָה, shegagah) — an error, mistake, or act performed without knowledge or intent.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 35:11
What does Numbers 35:11 mean?
Six cities of refuge protect those who kill unintentionally.
What is the context of Numbers 35:11?
Cities of refuge protect those guilty of unintentional killing.