Numbers 35:16 Meaning and Explanation
“And 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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Killing with an iron instrument constitutes murder and carries a death sentence.
The Context of Numbers 35:16
Specific weapons distinguish murder from unintentional killing.
What Does Numbers 35:16 Mean?
Iron weapons are tools of war and serious violence. If someone strikes another with iron and death results, the law presumes intentional harm, not accident. The consequence is execution.
The severity of the weapon indicates willful intent. The law assumes that anyone who brings a lethal weapon to bear knows the risk and accepts responsibility for the outcome.
Numbers 35:16 in the Original Language
smite (נָכָה, nakah) — to strike down with force, implying aggressive action.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 35:16
What does Numbers 35:16 mean?
Killing with an iron instrument constitutes murder and carries a death sentence.
What is the context of Numbers 35:16?
Specific weapons distinguish murder from unintentional killing.