· Translation: KJV

Numbers 35:13The cities which you shall give shall be for you six cities of refuge.

The setting

Final wilderness encampment, ~1406 BC. Moses detailing the practical implementation of mercy, east of the Jordan River, modern-day Jordan...

The emotion here: methodical care recording God's comprehensive planning for human failure

The original word

šēš (שש) — six, the number of incompleteness requiring divine completion (seven)

Why it matters

Three cities were east of Jordan (already established by Moses) and three west (to be established by Joshua)

Read with care

What most readers miss in Numbers 35:13

Six cities meant no matter where the accident happened in Israel, refuge was always within reach

Common misconceptionPeople see this as just numbers, but six cities means God planned geographically so every tribe had equal access to mercy.

Bible Genome reading

Numbers 35:13 — Bible Genome reading

SpeakerGod
Eraexodus
Primary emotionresting
Literary typelaw
MarkCommand

Emotional genome

Comfort power60%
Quotability40%
Memorability60%
Crisis relevance60%
Standalone40%
Themes:completenessprovisionsanctuary

In context

No verse stands alone.

Read the conversation around it.

Open Numbers 35

Numbers 35:13 comes from the book of Numbers, written during the exodus period. These words are attributed to God. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 60% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the law genre of biblical literature. Key themes include completeness, provision, sanctuary. Notable phrases: six cities of refuge. This verse contains a command.

Your reflection

What does Numbers 35:13 mean to you, today?

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