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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Man-slayer</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/m/man-slayer.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/john/8-44.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/m/man-slayer.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Man-slayer</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/m/manslayer.htm" title="Manslayer">◄</a> Man-slayer <a href="/topical/m/manslayers.htm" title="Manslayers">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>The term "man-slayer" in biblical context refers to an individual who has caused the death of another person, either intentionally or unintentionally. The distinction between murder and manslaughter is significant in biblical law, with different consequences and provisions for each. Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "man-slayer" is "ratsach," which can mean to kill, slay, or murder. The Mosaic Law provides specific guidelines for dealing with cases of manslaughter, distinguishing it from premeditated murder. Cities of Refuge A key provision for the man-slayer is the establishment of cities of refuge. These cities were designated places where someone who had killed another unintentionally could seek asylum. <a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Numbers 35:11-12</a> states, "Select for yourselves cities to be your cities of refuge, so that a manslayer who kills a person unintentionally may flee there. These cities will be your places of refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly." The cities of refuge served as a protective measure against the "avenger of blood," a family member seeking retribution for the death. The man-slayer was required to remain in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest, after which he could return home without fear of retribution (<a href="/numbers/35-25.htm">Numbers 35:25-28</a>). Distinction from Murder The Bible makes a clear distinction between manslaughter and murder. Murder, being a premeditated act, was punishable by death, as stated in <a href="/exodus/21-12.htm">Exodus 21:12-14</a> : "Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death. But if he did not intend any harm, and yet God allowed it to happen, I will appoint a place for you where he may flee. But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death." New Testament Context While the New Testament does not specifically address the concept of cities of refuge, it upholds the sanctity of life and the seriousness of taking a life. Jesus expands on the commandment "You shall not murder" by addressing the heart's intentions, equating unjust anger with murder in <a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">Matthew 5:21-22</a> : "You have heard that it was said to the ancients, 'Do not murder,' and 'Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment." Theological Implications The provision for the man-slayer in the Old Testament reflects God's justice and mercy. It acknowledges human fallibility and the potential for accidental harm, while also providing a means of protection and due process. The cities of refuge symbolize God's provision of grace and a place of safety, prefiguring the ultimate refuge found in Christ. In summary, the concept of the man-slayer in the Bible underscores the value of human life, the importance of justice tempered with mercy, and the provision of refuge for those who have caused unintended harm.<a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/409.htm">409. androphonos -- a manslayer</a> ... Spelling: (an-drof-on'-os) Short Definition: a murderer Definition: a murderer, man-slayer. Word Origin from aner and phonos Definition a manslayer NASB Word ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/409.htm - 6k<a href="/greek/443.htm">443. anthropoktonos -- a manslayer</a> ... pok-ton'-os) Short Definition: a murderer Definition: a murderer, man-slayer. Word Origin from anthropos and kteino (to kill) Definition a manslayer NASB Word ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/443.htm - 6k<a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/7523.htm">7523. ratsach -- to murder, slay</a> ... ratsach. 7524 . to murder, slay. Transliteration: ratsach Phonetic Spelling: (raw-tsakh') Short Definition: manslayer. ... put to death, kill, manslayer, murderer. ... /hebrew/7523.htm - 6k<a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><a href="/library/chrysostom/homilies_on_acts_and_romans/homily_xvi_rom_ix_1.htm">Rom. Ix. 1</a> ... For if we do not look narrowly into the causes, we shall call Elijah a manslayer, and Abraham not a manslayer only, but a murderer of his son. ... /.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xvi rom ix 1.htm<a href="/library/macduff/the_cities_of_refuge_or_the_name_of_jesus/iii_the_gospel_refuge.htm">The Gospel Refuge.</a> ... If you read the Bible account, you will find that the manslayer had his liberty restored to him upon the death of the High Priest.[57] When the tidings of the ... /.../macduff/the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/iii the gospel refuge.htm<a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_15_1869/the_believer_a_new_creature.htm">The Believer a New Creature</a> ... The city of refuge no sooner received the manslayer than he was perfectly free from the avenger who pursued him. Once within the ... /.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 15 1869/the believer a new creature.htm<a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_g/two_fortresses.htm">Two Fortresses</a> ... and catch up their children in their arms, and set their wives upon their mules, and make all haste to some fortified place; or as when the manslayer in Israel ... /.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/two fortresses.htm<a href="/library/augustine/homilies_on_the_gospel_of_john/tractate_xlii_john_chapter_viii.htm">John Chapter viii. 37-47</a> ... Abraham was no manslayer. ... From the very time that murder [manslaughter] could possibly be committed, he was a murderer [manslayer]. ... /.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xlii john chapter viii.htm<a href="/library/macduff/the_cities_of_refuge_or_the_name_of_jesus/title_page.htm">The Cities of Refuge: or, The Name of Jesus</a> ... Title Page. THE CITIES OF REFUGE. [Illustration: The Man-Slayer]. OR,. The Name of Jesus. A SUNDAY BOOK FOR THE YOUNG. BY. REV. JOHN ... /.../macduff/the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/title page.htm<a href="/library/macduff/the_cities_of_refuge_or_the_name_of_jesus/i_when_travelling_lately_through.htm">When travelling lately through the Simplon</a> ... Retreats," I could not help being reminded of the wonderful Cities of Refuge which God graciously provided of old in Palestine for the unfortunate manslayer. ... /.../the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/i when travelling lately through.htm<a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_29_1883/in_him_like_him.htm">In Him: Like Him</a> ... that makes us Christians: by union with him as our life we truly live,"live in the favour of God."We are in Christ, dear brethren, as the manslayer was in ... /.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/in him like him.htm<a href="/library/augustine/on_lying/section_22_what_then_if.htm">What Then, if a Homicide Seek Refuge with a Christian...</a> ... knowest and hast seen? Art thou then prepared to bear false witness, and to slay thy soul that a manslayer may not be slain? Or, up to ... //christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on lying/section 22 what then if.htm<a href="/library/tertullian/the_shows_or_de_spectaculis/chapter_xxi_the_heathen_who.htm">The Heathen, who have not a Full Revelation of the Truth...</a> ... suffer for their crime, drives the unwilling gladiator to the murderous deed with rods and scourges; and one who demands the lion for every manslayer of deeper ... /.../tertullian/the shows or de spectaculis/chapter xxi the heathen who.htm<a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/m/manslayer.htm">Manslayer (20 Occurrences)</a> ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MANSLAYER. man ... See MURDER. Frank E. Hirsch. Multi-Version Concordance Manslayer (20 Occurrences). Numbers ... /m/manslayer.htm - 15k<a href="/topical/m/man-slayer.htm">Man-slayer (20 Occurrences)</a> Man-slayer. Manslayer, Man-slayer. Manslayers . Multi-Version Concordance Man-slayer (20 Occurrences). ... Manslayer, Man-slayer. Manslayers . Reference Bible /m/man-slayer.htm - 13k<a href="/topical/s/slayer.htm">Slayer (23 Occurrences)</a> ... (YLT). Numbers 35:11 then you shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you, that the manslayer who kills any person unwittingly may flee there. ... /s/slayer.htm - 13k<a href="/topical/a/accused.htm">Accused (29 Occurrences)</a> ... Numbers 35:12 The cities shall be to you for refuge from the avenger, that the manslayer not die, until he stands before the congregation for judgment. ... /a/accused.htm - 15k<a href="/topical/r/refuge.htm">Refuge (111 Occurrences)</a> ... instituted. Open highways were to be maintained along, which the manslayer might have an unobstructed course to the city gate. 3 ... /r/refuge.htm - 41k<a href="/topical/a/avenger.htm">Avenger (18 Occurrences)</a> ... refuge (Exodus 21:13; Numbers 35:13; Deuteronomy 19:1, 9). These were in different parts of the country, and every facility was afforded the manslayer that he ... /a/avenger.htm - 17k<a href="/topical/u/unintentionally.htm">Unintentionally (20 Occurrences)</a> ... Numbers 35:11 then you shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you, that the manslayer who kills any person unwittingly may flee there. (See NAS). ... /u/unintentionally.htm - 12k<a href="/topical/f/fleeing.htm">Fleeing (38 Occurrences)</a> ... cause thee to inherit, and it hath been for the fleeing thither of every man-slayer. (YLT). Deuteronomy 19:4 And this is the case of the manslayer, that shall ... /f/fleeing.htm - 18k<a href="/topical/e/enmity.htm">Enmity (23 Occurrences)</a> ... 22, where the absence of enmity on the part of the man-slayer modifies the ... Deuteronomy 4:42 that the manslayer might flee there, who kills his neighbor unawares ... /e/enmity.htm - 15k<a href="/topical/k/kills.htm">Kills (38 Occurrences)</a> ... Numbers 35:11 then you shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you, that the manslayer who kills any person unwittingly may flee there. (WEB RSV). ... /k/kills.htm - 17k<a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-snakes.html">What does the Bible say about snakes? Are snakes evil? | GotQuestions.org</a> <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/is-God-man-made.html">Is God man-made? Did man create the idea of God? | GotQuestions.org</a> <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/God-is-not-a-man.html">How can Jesus be God, when Numbers 23:19 says that God is not a man or a son of man? | GotQuestions.org</a> <a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div>Man-slayer (20 Occurrences)<a href="/john/8-44.htm">John 8:44</a> Ye are of a father -- the devil, and the desires of your father ye will to do; he was a man-slayer from the beginning, and in the truth he hath not stood, because there is no truth in him; when one may speak the falsehood, of his own he speaketh, because he is a liar -- also his father. (YLT)<a href="/numbers/35-6.htm">Numbers 35:6</a> And among the cities which ye shall give to the Levites there shall be six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the man-slayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities. (WBS YLT)<a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Numbers 35:11</a> and have prepared to yourselves cities -- cities of refuge they are to you -- then fled thither hath a man-slayer, smiting a person unawares, (YLT)<a href="/numbers/35-12.htm">Numbers 35:12</a> And they shall be to you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the man-slayer may not die, until he stands before the congregation in judgment. (WBS YLT)<a href="/numbers/35-25.htm">Numbers 35:25</a> And the company have delivered the man-slayer out of the hand of the redeemer of blood, and the company have caused him to turn back unto the city of his refuge, whither he hath fled, and he hath dwelt in it till the death of the chief priest, who hath been anointed with the holy oil. (YLT)<a href="/numbers/35-26.htm">Numbers 35:26</a> And if the man-slayer at all go out 'from' the border of the city of his refuge whither he fleeth, (YLT)<a href="/numbers/35-27.htm">Numbers 35:27</a> and the redeemer of blood hath found him at the outside of the border of the city of his refuge, and the redeemer of blood hath slain the man-slayer, blood is not for him; (YLT)<a href="/numbers/35-28.htm">Numbers 35:28</a> for in the city of his refuge he doth dwell till the death of the chief priest; and after the death of the chief priest doth the man-slayer turn back unto the city of his possession. (YLT)<a href="/deuteronomy/4-42.htm">Deuteronomy 4:42</a> for the fleeing thither of the man-slayer, who slayeth his neighbour unknowingly, and he is not hating him heretofore, and he hath fled unto one of these cities, and he hath lived: (YLT)<a href="/deuteronomy/19-3.htm">Deuteronomy 19:3</a> Thou dost prepare for thee the way, and hast divided into three parts the border of thy land which Jehovah thy God doth cause thee to inherit, and it hath been for the fleeing thither of every man-slayer. (YLT)<a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Deuteronomy 19:4</a> And this 'is' the matter of the man-slayer who fleeth thither, and hath lived: He who smiteth his neighbour unknowingly, and is not hating him heretofore, (YLT)<a href="/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Deuteronomy 19:6</a> lest the redeemer of blood pursue after the man-slayer when his heart is hot, and hath overtaken him (because the way is great), and hath smitten him -- the life, and he hath no sentence of death, for he is not hating him heretofore; (YLT)<a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Joshua 20:3</a> for the fleeing thither of a man-slayer smiting life inadvertently, without knowledge; and they have been to you for a refuge from the redeemer of blood. (YLT)<a href="/joshua/20-5.htm">Joshua 20:5</a> And when the redeemer of blood doth pursue after him, then they do not shut up the man-slayer into his hand, for without knowledge he hath smitten his neighbour, and is not hating him hitherto; (YLT)<a href="/joshua/20-6.htm">Joshua 20:6</a> and he hath dwelt in that city till his standing before the company for judgment, till the death of the chief priest who is in those days -- then doth the man-slayer turn back and hath come unto his city, and unto his house, unto the city whence he fled.' (YLT)<a href="/joshua/21-13.htm">Joshua 21:13</a> And to the sons of Aaron the priest they have given the city of refuge 'for' the man-slayer, Hebron and its suburbs, and Libnah and its suburbs, (YLT)<a href="/joshua/21-21.htm">Joshua 21:21</a> and they give to them the city of refuge 'for' the man-slayer, Shechem and its suburbs, in the hill-country of Ephraim, and Gezer and its suburbs, (YLT)<a href="/joshua/21-27.htm">Joshua 21:27</a> And for the sons of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the half of the tribe of Manasseh, the city of refuge 'for' the man-slayer, Golan in Bashan and its suburbs, and Beeshterah and its suburbs -- two cities. (YLT)<a href="/joshua/21-32.htm">Joshua 21:32</a> And out of the tribe of Naphtali, the city of refuge 'for' the man-slayer, Kedesh in Galilee and its suburbs, and Hammoth-Dor and its suburbs, and Kartan and its suburbs -- three cities; (YLT)<a href="/joshua/21-38.htm">Joshua 21:38</a> And out of the tribe of Gad, the city of refuge 'for' the man-slayer, Ramoth in Gilead and its suburbs, and Mahanaim and its suburbs, (YLT)<a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><a href="/topical/m/man-slayer.htm">Man-slayer</a><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><a href="/topical/m/man-slayer.htm">Man-slayer (20 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/u/ungodly.htm">Ungodly (41 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/u/unholy.htm">Unholy (23 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/l/lawless.htm">Lawless (16 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/i/insubordinate.htm">Insubordinate (3 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/r/realizing.htm">Realizing (7 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/m/murderers.htm">Murderers (9 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/m/man-slayers.htm">Man-slayers (1 Occurrence)</a><a href="/topical/m/mothers.htm">Mothers (27 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/p/profane.htm">Profane (69 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/d/disobedient.htm">Disobedient (30 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/sinners.htm">Sinners (132 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/u/understanding.htm">Understanding (248 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/f/fathers.htm">Fathers (572 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/f/fact.htm">Fact (98 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/k/kill.htm">Kill (310 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/r/righteous.htm">Righteous (407 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/m/manslayer.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Manslayer"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Manslayer" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/m/manslayers.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Manslayers"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Manslayers" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>