Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 35:17 mean?
A: Numbers 35:17 discusses the laws of murder in Jewish law. It states that if someone kills another person intentionally by striking them with a stone (or any lethal object), they are considered a murderer and are subject to the death penalty. This verse is part of the Torah's detailed laws about intentional vs. unintentional killing, emphasizing the sanctity of human life.
Q: Why is this verse about murder important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it establishes the Torah's strict stance against murder, reinforcing the principle that human life is sacred (based on Genesis 9:6, 'Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed'). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 72a) and Rambam (Hilchot Rotzeach 1:1) elaborate on these laws, explaining the conditions under which capital punishment applies, showing how seriously Judaism treats the taking of innocent life.
Q: How does Jewish law determine if a killing was intentional?
A: Jewish law (based on this verse and further explained in the Talmud, Sanhedrin) examines the circumstances of the act. If the killer used a lethal weapon (like a stone, as mentioned here), acted with clear intent, and had no justifiable reason (e.g., self-defense), it is considered murder. Witnesses and warning (hatra'ah) are also required for conviction, ensuring a fair legal process.
Q: Does this law about the death penalty still apply today?
A: While the Torah mandates the death penalty for intentional murder, the Talmud (Makkot 7a) states that a Jewish court that executed someone once in 70 years was called 'destructive.' In practice, the requirements for evidence and procedure were so strict that capital punishment became extremely rare. Today, even in halachic (Jewish legal) discussions, other forms of justice and repentance are emphasized over execution.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 35:17 today?
A: This verse teaches the infinite value of human life and the severity of taking it unlawfully. Rashi explains that the Torah uses the example of a stone (a simple object) to show that even with an ordinary tool, intentional killing is a grave sin. Today, this reminds us to respect life, avoid violence, and uphold justice with wisdom—principles that remain central to Jewish ethics.
Verse Context in the Torah
This verse (Bamidbar 35:17) appears in the context of the laws concerning the cities of refuge (ערי מקלט) and the distinction between intentional and unintentional killing. The Torah outlines scenarios where a person who kills another must be judged as a murderer (רוצח) and subject to capital punishment.
Interpretation of the Act
Rashi explains that the phrase "בְּאֶבֶן יָד" ("with a stone in hand") refers to an object large enough to cause death when wielded with intent. The emphasis on the stone being held in the hand indicates premeditation, as opposed to an accidental strike (Rashi on Bamidbar 35:17). The Rambam (Hilchos Rotzeach 2:2) further clarifies that any lethal weapon used with intent qualifies under this law, not just a stone.
Legal Criteria for Murder
The Talmud (Sanhedrin 78b) derives from this verse that for a killing to be classified as murder, three conditions must be met:
Moral and Ethical Implications
The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:4) teaches that this law underscores the gravity of taking a life. The phrase "מוֹת יוּמַת הָרֹצֵחַ" ("the murderer shall surely be put to death") reflects the Torah's insistence on justice for the victim and the preservation of societal order. The Sforno adds that capital punishment serves as a deterrent, reinforcing the sanctity of human life (Sforno on Bamidbar 35:17).
Distinction from Unintentional Killing
This verse contrasts with the preceding verses (Bamidbar 35:15-16), which discuss accidental killing. The difference lies in the presence of intent (כוונה), as elaborated by the Ramban. An accidental killer may flee to a city of refuge, but an intentional murderer has no such recourse (Ramban on Bamidbar 35:17).