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Numbers 35:23

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
Or with any stone, wherewith a man may die, seeing him not, and cast it upon him, that he die, and was not his enemy, neither sought his harm:
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

Or if someone throws a stone that could kill a person, without seeing them, and it hits them and they die—even though the thrower wasn't their enemy and had no intention of hurting them:

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

This verse is describing accidental killing—when someone causes another person's death without meaning to harm them or even knowing they were there.

📚 Historical Context

This verse is part of God's instructions to Moses about cities of refuge, special places where people who accidentally killed someone could flee for safety. In ancient Israel, family members had the right and duty to avenge a relative's death, but God established these cities to protect those who killed by accident from revenge killing. The law carefully distinguished between intentional murder and accidental manslaughter.

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