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◄ Numbers 35:33►

New International Version
“’Do not pollute the land where you are. Bloodshed pollutes the land, and atonement cannot be made for the land on which blood has been shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it.

New Living Translation
This will ensure that the land where you live will not be polluted, for murder pollutes the land. And no sacrifice except the execution of the murderer can purify the land from murder.

English Standard Version
You shall not pollute the land in which you live, for blood pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land for the blood that is shed in it, except by the blood of the one who shed it.

Berean Standard Bible
Do not pollute the land where you live, for bloodshed pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it.

King James Bible
So ye shall not pollute the land wherein yeare: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it.

New King James Version
So you shall not pollute the land where youare; for blood defiles the land, and no atonement can be made for the land, for the blood that is shed on it, except by the blood of him who shed it.

New American Standard Bible
So you shall not defile the land in which youlive; for blood defiles the land, and no atonement can be made for the land for the blood that is shed on it, except by the blood of the one who shed it.

NASB 1995
‘So you shall not pollute the land in which you are; for blood pollutes the land and no expiation can be made for the land for the blood that is shed on it, except by the blood of him who shed it.

NASB 1977
‘So you shall not pollute the land in which you are; for blood pollutes the land and no expiation can be made for the land for the blood that is shed on it, except by the blood of him who shed it.

Legacy Standard Bible
So you shall not pollute the land in which you are; for blood pollutes the land, and no propitiation can be made for the land for the blood that is shed on it, except by the blood of him who shed it.

Amplified Bible
So you shall not polluteand defile the land in which you live; for [the shedding of innocent] blood pollutesand defiles the land. No atonement (expiation) can be made for the land for the [innocent] blood shed in it, except by the blood (execution) of him who shed it.

Christian Standard Bible
“Do not defile the land where you live, for bloodshed defiles the land, and there can be no atonement for the land because of the blood that is shed on it, except by the blood of the person who shed it.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Do not defile the land where you are, for bloodshed defiles the land, and there can be no atonement for the land because of the blood that is shed on it, except by the blood of the person who shed it.

American Standard Version
So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood, it polluteth the land; and no expiation can be made for the land for the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it.

English Revised Version
So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood, it polluteth the land: and no expiation can be made for the land for the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"You must not pollute the land where you live. Murder is what pollutes the land. The land where a murder was committed can never make peace with the LORD except through the death of the murderer.

Good News Translation
If you did this, you would defile the land where you are living. Murder defiles the land, and except by the death of the murderer there is no way to perform the ritual of purification for the land where someone has been murdered.

International Standard Version
You are not to pollute the land where you live, because blood defiles the land, and the land cannot atone for blood that has been spilled on it, except through the blood of the one who spilled it.

NET Bible
"You must not pollute the land where you live, for blood defiles the land, and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed there, except by the blood of the person who shed it.

New Heart English Bible
"'So you shall not pollute the land in which you are: for blood, it pollutes the land; and no expiation can be made for the land for the blood that is shed in it, but by the blood of him who shed it.

Webster's Bible Translation
So ye shall not pollute the land in which ye are: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed in it, but by the blood of him that shed it.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
Do not pollute the land where you live, for bloodshed pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it.

World English Bible
“‘So you shall not pollute the land where you live; for blood pollutes the land. No atonement can be made for the land for the blood that is shed in it, but by the blood of him who shed it.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And you do not profane the land which you [are] in, for blood profanes the land; as for the land, it is not pardoned for blood which is shed in it except by the blood of him who sheds it;

Young's Literal Translation
And ye profane not the land which ye are in, for blood profaneth the land; as to the land, it is not pardoned for blood which is shed in it except by the blood of him who sheddeth it;

Smith's Literal Translation
And ye shall not pollute the land which ye are in it: for blood it will pollute the land: and for the land it will not be expiated for the blood which was poured out upon it but by the blood of him shedding.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Defile not the land of your habitation, which is stained with the blood of the innocent: neither can it otherwise be expiated, but by his blood that hath shed the blood of another.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Do not pollute the land of your habitation, so as to stain it with the blood of the innocent; neither is it able to be expiated in any way other than by the blood of him who has shed the blood of another.

New American Bible
You will not pollute the land where you live. For bloodshed pollutes the land, and the land can have no expiation for the blood shed on it except through the blood of the one who shed it.

New Revised Standard Version
You shall not pollute the land in which you live; for blood pollutes the land, and no expiation can be made for the land, for the blood that is shed in it, except by the blood of the one who shed it.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
So you shall not pollute the land in which you live; for blood defiles the land; and the land in which blood is shed cannot be cleansed except by the shedding of the blood of him who shed it.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And you shall not defile the land in which you dwell, because blood defiles the land, and the land where blood is shed will not be spared for it unless the blood of him who shed it is shed in it.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are; for blood, it polluteth the land; and no expiation can be made for the land for the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
So shall ye not pollute with murder the land in which ye dwell; for this blood pollutes the land, and the land shall not be purged from the blood shed upon it, but by the blood of him that shed it.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Six Cities of Refuge
…32Nor should you accept a ransom for the person who flees to a city of refuge and allow him to return and live on his own land before the death of the high priest.33Do not pollute the land where you live,for bloodshed pollutes the land,and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed,except by the blood of the one who shed it.34Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell. For I, the LORD, dwell among the Israelites.”…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Genesis 9:6
Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind.

Deuteronomy 19:10
Thus innocent blood will not be shed in the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that you will not be guilty of bloodshed.

Deuteronomy 21:1-9
If one is found slain, lying in a field in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess, and it is not known who killed him, / your elders and judges must come out and measure the distance from the victim to the neighboring cities. / Then the elders of the city nearest the victim shall take a heifer that has never been yoked or used for work, ...

Psalm 106:38
They shed innocent blood—the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood.

Isaiah 26:21
For behold, the LORD is coming out of His dwelling to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity. The earth will reveal her bloodshed and will no longer conceal her slain.

Jeremiah 7:6
if you no longer oppress the foreigner and the fatherless and the widow, and if you no longer shed innocent blood in this place or follow other gods to your own harm,

Jeremiah 22:3
This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place.

Ezekiel 22:3-4
and tell her that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘O city who brings her own doom by shedding blood within her walls and making idols to defile herself, / you are guilty of the blood you have shed, and you are defiled by the idols you have made. You have brought your days to a close and have come to the end of your years. Therefore I have made you a reproach to the nations and a mockery to all the lands.

Ezekiel 24:7-8
For the blood she shed is still within her; she poured it out on the bare rock; she did not pour it on the ground to cover it with dust. / In order to stir up wrath and take vengeance, I have placed her blood on the bare rock, so that it would not be covered.’

Matthew 23:35
And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.

Luke 11:50-51
As a result, this generation will be charged with the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the foundation of the world, / from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, all of it will be charged to this generation.

Romans 13:4
For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.

Hebrews 12:24
to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

Revelation 6:10
And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge those who dwell upon the earth and avenge our blood?”

Revelation 18:24
And there was found in her the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who had been slain on the earth.

Treasury of Scripture

So you shall not pollute the land wherein you are: for blood it defiles the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it.

it defileth

Leviticus 18:25
And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants.

Deuteronomy 21:1-8,23
Ifone be found slain in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it, lying in the field,and it be not known who hath slain him: …

2 Kings 23:26
Notwithstanding the LORD turned not from the fierceness of his great wrath, wherewith his anger was kindled against Judah, because of all the provocations that Manasseh had provoked him withal.

the land cannot be cleansed.

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Atonement Blood Bloodshed Cause Cleansed Death Defileth Except Expiation Live Makes Making Pardoned Polluteth Profane Profaneth Shed Sheddeth Therein Unholy Way Wherein

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Numbers 35

1.Forty-eight cities for the Levites, with their suburbs, and measure thereof
6.Six of them are to be cities of refuge
9.The laws of murder and manslaughter
31.No satisfaction for murder

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

Do not pollute the land where you live
This command emphasizes the sanctity of the land given to the Israelites. The land is not just a physical space but a divine inheritance from God, meant to be kept holy. The concept of pollution here is not environmental but moral and spiritual, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and His people. The Israelites were to maintain purity in the land as a reflection of their obedience to God’s laws.

for bloodshed pollutes the land
Bloodshed, particularly murder, is seen as a grave sin that defiles the land. In ancient Israel, the shedding of innocent blood was a serious offense that disrupted the community's relationship with God. This reflects the belief that life is sacred, as humans are made in the image of God (Genesis 9:6). The land itself is affected by such acts, indicating a deep connection between the moral actions of the people and the physical state of the land.

and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed
Atonement refers to the process of making amends or reparation for sin. In the context of ancient Israel, atonement was typically achieved through sacrifices and offerings. However, this phrase indicates that certain sins, like murder, have such severe consequences that they cannot be easily rectified. The land remains defiled until justice is served, highlighting the seriousness of the crime and the need for divine justice.

except by the blood of the one who shed it
This principle of justice is rooted in the concept of retributive justice, often summarized as "an eye for an eye" (Exodus 21:23-25). The only way to cleanse the land from the pollution of murder is through the execution of the murderer. This reflects the idea that the punishment must fit the crime, ensuring that justice is served. In a broader theological context, this can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed to atone for the sins of humanity, fulfilling the need for justice and reconciliation with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1.The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were given the Law through Moses and were journeying to the Promised Land.

2.The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to Abraham and his descendants. It was to be a holy place where God would dwell among His people.

3.Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who received the Law from God and communicated it to the people.

4.The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who desires holiness and justice among His people.

5.Cities of Refuge
Designated cities where those accused of manslaughter could seek asylum until a fair trial, emphasizing justice and the sanctity of life.

Teaching Points

The Sanctity of Life
The verse emphasizes the importance of valuing human life. As believers, we are called to uphold the sanctity of life in all circumstances, recognizing that life is a gift from God.

God's Presence Among His People
Just as God dwelt among the Israelites, He dwells within us through the Holy Spirit. We must live in a way that honors His presence, avoiding actions that defile our spiritual "land."

The Call to Holiness
The Israelites were called to maintain the purity of the land. Similarly, Christians are called to live holy lives, set apart for God's purposes, reflecting His character in a fallen world.

Justice and Righteousness
The provision of cities of refuge highlights God's concern for justice. We are called to pursue justice and righteousness in our communities, ensuring fairness and protection for all.

Community Responsibility
The defilement of the land was a communal concern. As a church, we share responsibility for maintaining spiritual and moral integrity within our community.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Numbers 35:33?

2.How does Numbers 35:33 emphasize the sanctity of life in God's eyes?

3.What does "bloodshed pollutes the land" teach about justice and righteousness?

4.How can believers today ensure their actions honor God's command in Numbers 35:33?

5.Connect Numbers 35:33 with Genesis 9:6 on the consequences of taking a life.

6.How should the church respond to societal issues of violence, based on this verse?

7.How does Numbers 35:33 relate to the concept of justice in the Bible?

8.What does Numbers 35:33 imply about the sanctity of life?

9.How does Numbers 35:33 address the consequences of murder?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 35?

11.Deuteronomy 21:1–9: How does sacrificing a heifer in a remote valley effectively resolve guilt for an unsolved murder?

12.Why does Jeremiah 3:2 claim the land is “polluted” by idolatry when archaeological records provide no definitive evidence of such ecological devastation?

13.Is littering considered a sin?

14.How does the system of protection for manslaughter in Joshua 20:1–6 align or conflict with other Mosaic laws on homicide and justice?

What Does Numbers 35:33 Mean

Do not pollute the land where you live

- The command comes before Israel enters Canaan; God’s gift of land carries moral obligations.

-Leviticus 18:24-25 warns, “The land has become defiled; therefore I punished its iniquity”. The same idea—the ground itself reacts to sin.

-Genesis 2:15 shows mankind placed in a garden “to work it and keep it,” underscoring stewardship.

- Practical takeaway: believers protect both environment and community because God still cares how people treat His world.

for bloodshed pollutes the land

- Murder uniquely stains creation.Genesis 4:10 records, “Your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground”.

-Psalm 106:38 laments, “They shed innocent blood … and the land was polluted with blood”.

- God links life and land so tightly that spilled blood soaks spiritual as well as physical soil.

- Today, violence, abortion, and hatred still “cry out.” God hears.

no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed

- Sin has consequences that rituals or compensation cannot erase.

-Leviticus 17:11 affirms, “It is the blood that makes atonement for the soul”.

-Hebrews 9:22 echoes, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness”.

- The verse stresses that guilt is objective, not negotiable; it demands justice.

except by the blood of the one who shed it

- Capital punishment for murder upholds life’s sanctity.Genesis 9:6: “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed”.

-Deuteronomy 19:13 adds, “Show no pity … purge from Israel the guilt of innocent blood”.

- The cities of refuge (Numbers 35) protected the innocent yet handed the guilty to the avenger, balancing mercy and justice.

- Ultimately Jesus, though innocent, bore our penalty—fulfilling the principle while offering grace (1 Peter 2:24).

summary

Numbers 35:33 teaches that life is sacred, murder defiles God’s good earth, and true justice requires the lifeblood of the offender. The principle underscores human stewardship, societal responsibility, and the need for atoning blood—finally and perfectly supplied in Christ, whose sacrifice both satisfies divine justice and cleanses all who trust Him.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 33. -The land cannot be cleansed. Literally, "there is no expiation (יְכֻפַר) for the land." Septuagint,οὐχ ἐξιλασθήσεται ἡ γῆ. By these expressions the Lord places the sin of murder in its true light, as a sin against himself. The land, his land, is defiled with the blood of the slain, and nothing can do away with the guilt which cleaves to it but the strict execution of Divine justice upon the murderer. Money might satisfy the relatives of the slain, but cannot satisfy his Maker.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Do not
וְלֹֽא־(wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no

pollute
תַחֲנִ֣יפוּ(ṯa·ḥă·nî·p̄ū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 2610:To be polluted or profane

the land
הָאָ֗רֶץ(hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, land

where
אֲשֶׁ֤ר(’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

you
אַתֶּם֙(’at·tem)
Pronoun - second person masculine plural
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and you

live,
בָּ֔הּ(bāh)
Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's Hebrew

for
כִּ֣י(kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunction

bloodshed
הַדָּ֔ם(had·dām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1818:Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed

pollutes
יַחֲנִ֖יף(ya·ḥă·nîp̄)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2610:To be polluted or profane

the land,
הָאָ֑רֶץ(hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, land

and no
לֹֽא־(lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no

atonement can be made
יְכֻפַּ֗ר(yə·ḵup·par)
Verb - Pual - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3722:To cover, to expiate, condone, to placate, cancel

for the land
וְלָאָ֣רֶץ(wə·lā·’ā·reṣ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, land

on which the blood
לַדָּם֙(lad·dām)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1818:Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed

is shed,
שֻׁפַּךְ־(šup·paḵ-)
Verb - QalPass - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8210:To spill forth, to expend, to sprawl out

except
כִּי־(kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunction

by the blood
בְּדַ֥ם(bə·ḏam)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1818:Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed

of the one who shed it.
שֹׁפְכֽוֹ׃(šō·p̄ə·ḵōw)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8210:To spill forth, to expend, to sprawl out

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OT Law: Numbers 35:33 So you shall not pollute the land (Nu Num.)