Numbers 35:18Or if he struck him with a weapon of wood in the hand, by which a man may die, and he died, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.
The setting
Wilderness camp, ~1445 BC. God continues defining what constitutes murder versus accident as Moses prepares laws for settled life in Canaan...
The emotion here: sobered by recording God's serious view of taking human life
The original word
keli (כְּלִי) — tool or weapon, emphasizing the deliberate choice of instrument
Why it matters
Ancient Near Eastern law codes often didn't distinguish between intentional and accidental killing
Read with care
What most readers miss in Numbers 35:18
The phrase 'weapon of wood in hand' shows premeditation - someone armed themselves deliberately
Common misconceptionSome think this verse promotes violence, but it actually protects society by clearly defining what deserves ultimate punishment.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Numbers 35:18
Bible Genome reading
Numbers 35:18 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Numbers 35:18 comes from the book of Numbers, written during the exodus period. These words are attributed to God. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 20% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the law genre of biblical literature. Key themes include justice, capital punishment. Notable phrases: weapon of wood; he is a murderer. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Numbers 35:18 mean to you, today?
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