Numbers 35:22 Meaning and Explanation
“But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or have cast upon him any thing without laying of wait,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Sudden, unplanned harm without hostile motive or ambush may not be murder.
The Context of Numbers 35:22
Unintentional killing distinguished from premeditated murder.
What Does Numbers 35:22 Mean?
The law now shifts to unintentional harm. A sudden thrust without prior enmity suggests a quarrel or moment of anger, not premeditated malice. Casting something without ambush indicates lack of planning.
These acts, if they result in death, are examined further. The absence of hatred, planning, and malice suggests the killing may be accidental and therefore eligible for refuge.
Numbers 35:22 in the Original Language
suddenly (פִּתְאוֹם, pitom) — unexpectedly, without prior arrangement or design.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 35:22
What does Numbers 35:22 mean?
Sudden, unplanned harm without hostile motive or ambush may not be murder.
What is the context of Numbers 35:22?
Unintentional killing distinguished from premeditated murder.