Definition: Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person [to cause him] to die.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 35:30. It's a pretty serious statement about taking action when someone commits murder. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse establishes a very strict and severe consequence for killing another person – it’s a death sentence by the mouth of witnesses. It’s designed to be a deterrent, ensuring that murderers are held accountable and don't repeat their crime. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Whoso killeth any person…” : This tells us we’re talking about someone who intentionally kills another human being. “…the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses:” : This is the key part. It means that if someone deliberately murders another, the authorities (likely a king or leader) will have a group of people present to testify and confirm their guilt. “but one witness shall not testify against any person [to cause him] to die.” : This is the crucial part that highlights the severity of the punishment. Only ONE witness – a specific individual – can be responsible for confirming the murder. They are not allowed to share the information with anyone else, and their testimony is absolutely vital in determining if the person is guilty. In simpler terms: Think of it like this: If someone deliberately kills another person, the authorities will call in a group of people to watch and confirm that it happened. Only one person can be responsible for confirming the murder, and they cannot tell anyone else what happened. Important Context (Sometimes Discussed): This verse is found in the Old Testament and relates to a specific situation involving a man named “Abimelech” who was being tormented by God. The verse speaks to how God’s justice would be served through this punishment. It's important to remember that it’s about upholding God’s law and protecting people from harm. Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation is based on common interpretations of the biblical text. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer? For example, would you like me to: Explain its historical context more deeply? Discuss why it’s considered a significant passage in the Bible?