Overview
The Bible addresses cities of refuge across 9 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Numbers and Deuteronomy. Closely related themes include Homicide, Murder, Avenger of Blood and Metals. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Moses.
Key Bible verses about cities of refuge
Old Testament
Numbers
And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.
And if he smite him with throwing a stone, wherewith he may die, and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death. with: Heb. with a stone of the hand
Or if he smite him with an hand weapon of wood, wherewith he may die, and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.
The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him.
But if he thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die;
Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him.
Deuteronomy
Then Moses severed three cities on this side Jordan toward the sunrising;
That the slayer might flee thither, which should kill his neighbour unawares, and hated him not in times past; and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live:
Namely, Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites.
People in the Bible and cities of refuge
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying cities of refuge for yourself
- Begin with Numbers 35:16, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Numbers and Deuteronomy each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Moses and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Homicide, Murder, Avenger of Blood and Metals.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about cities of refuge?
The Bible addresses cities of refuge across 9 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Numbers and Deuteronomy. Closely related themes include Homicide, Murder, Avenger of Blood and Metals. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Moses.
How many Bible verses are about cities of refuge?
The Bible references cities of refuge in 9 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention cities of refuge?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Numbers 35:16: “And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with cities of refuge?
Moses.
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