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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//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" /><title>Deuteronomy 19:3 You are to build roads for yourselves and divide into three regions the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that any manslayer can flee to these cities.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/19-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/05_Deu_19_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 19:3 - Cities of Refuge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You are to build roads for yourselves and divide into three regions the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that any manslayer can flee to these cities." /><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><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="/vmenus/deuteronomy/19-3.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="/bmc/deuteronomy/19-3.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="/deuteronomy/">Deuteronomy</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/19.htm">Chapter 19</a> > Verse 3</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><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-2.htm" title="Deuteronomy 19:2">◄</a> Deuteronomy 19:3 <a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm" title="Deuteronomy 19:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/19.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/19.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Determine the distances involved and divide into three parts the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that a person who kills someone may flee for refuge to one of these cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/19.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Survey the territory, and divide the land the LORD your God is giving you into three districts, with one of these cities in each district. Then anyone who has killed someone can flee to one of the cities of refuge for safety.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/19.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />You shall measure the distances and divide into three parts the area of the land that the LORD your God gives you as a possession, so that any manslayer can flee to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />You are to build roads for yourselves and divide into three regions the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that any manslayer can flee to these cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/19.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Thou shalt prepare thee a way, and divide the coasts of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to inherit, into three parts, that every slayer may flee thither.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/19.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />You shall prepare roads for yourself, and divide into three parts the territory of your land which the LORD your God is giving you to inherit, that any manslayer may flee there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />You shall prepare the roads for yourself, and divide into three regions the territory of your land which the LORD your God will give you as an inheritance, so that anyone who commits manslaughter may flee there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/19.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220You shall prepare the roads for yourself, and divide into three parts the territory of your land which the LORD your God will give you as a possession, so that any manslayer may flee there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“You shall prepare the roads for yourself, and divide into three parts the territory of your land, which the LORD your God will give you as a possession, so that any manslayer may flee there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />You shall prepare the roads for yourself, and divide into three parts the territory of your land which Yahweh your God will give you to inherit, so that any manslayer may flee there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/deuteronomy/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />You shall prepare <i>and</i> maintain for yourself the roads [to these cities], and divide the territory of your land into three parts, so that anyone who kills another unintentionally may escape there [for asylum].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You are to determine the distances and divide the land the LORD your God is granting you as an inheritance into three regions, so that anyone who commits manslaughter can flee to these cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You are to determine the distances and divide the land the LORD your God is granting you as an inheritance into three regions, so that anyone who commits manslaughter can flee to these cities.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/deuteronomy/19.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Thou shalt prepare thee the way, and divide the borders of thy land, which Jehovah thy God causeth thee to inherit, into three parts, that every manslayer may flee thither.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/deuteronomy/19.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Thou shalt prepare thee the way, and divide the borders of thy land, which the LORD thy God causeth thee to inherit, into three parts, that every manslayer may flee thither.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Provide a route to each of these cities and divide the land that the LORD your God is giving you into three regions. Whoever kills someone may run to one of these cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/deuteronomy/19.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Build roads throughout the land that the LORD your God is providing as an inheritance, and then divide it into three districts so that any killer may flee there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />You are to build roads for yourselves and divide into three regions the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that any manslayer can flee to these cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/19.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You shall build a roadway and divide into thirds the whole extent of your land that the LORD your God is providing as your inheritance; anyone who kills another person should flee to the closest of these cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />You shall prepare you the way, and divide the borders of your land, which the LORD your God causes you to inherit, into three parts, that every manslayer may flee there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt prepare thee a way, and divide the limits of thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee to inherit, into three parts, that every slayer may flee thither.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/deuteronomy/19.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />You shall prepare the way, and divide the borders of your land which Yahweh your God causes you to inherit into three parts, that every man slayer may flee there. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />You prepare the way for yourself, and have divided into three parts the border of your land which your God YHWH causes you to inherit, and it has been for the fleeing there of every manslayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt prepare to thee the way, and divide into three parts the boundary of thy land which Jehovah thy God causes thee to inherit; and it was for every slayer to flee there.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Paving diligently the way: and thou shalt divide the whole province of thy land equally into three parts: that he who is forced to flee for manslaughter, may have near at hand whither to escape. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />paving the road carefully. And you shall divide the entire province of your land equally into three parts, so that he who is forced to flee because of manslaughter may have a place nearby to which he may be able to escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/19.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You shall measure the distances and divide into three regions the land of which the LORD, your God, is giving you possession, so that every homicide will be able to find a refuge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />You shall calculate the distances and divide into three regions the land that the LORD your God gives you as a possession, so that any homicide can flee to one of them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />You shall prepare for you a highway, and divide into three parts the land which the LORD your God gives you to inherit, that any slayer may flee thither.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Prepare a road and divide the borders of the land into three, that LORD JEHOVAH your God causes you to inherit, that any killer may be escaping there.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/19.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Thou shalt prepare thee the way, and divide the borders of thy land, which the LORD thy God causeth thee to inherit, into three parts, that every manslayer may flee thither.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/deuteronomy/19.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Take a survey of thy way, and thou shalt divide the coasts of thy land, which the Lord thy God apportions to thee, into three parts, and there shall be there a refuge for every manslayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/19-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=5275" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Cities of Refuge</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>then you are to set apart for yourselves three cities within the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3559.htm" title="3559: tā·ḵîn (V-Hifil-Imperf-2ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to be erect; hence to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal, or figurative.">You are to build</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: had·de·reḵ (Art:: N-cs) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">roads</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- ">for yourselves</a> <a href="/hebrew/8027.htm" title="8027: wə·šil·laš·tā (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjPerf-2ms) -- A primitive root perhaps originally to intensify, i.e. Treble; but apparently used only as denominative from shalowsh, to be triplicate.">and divide into three regions</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1366.htm" title="1366: gə·ḇūl (N-msc) -- Border, boundary, territory. Or gbul; from gabal; properly, a cord, i.e. a boundary; by extens. The territory inclosed."></a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’ar·ṣə·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">the land</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">your God</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5157.htm" title="5157: yan·ḥî·lə·ḵā (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms:: 2ms) -- A primitive root; to inherit (figurative) mode of descent), or to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or distribute, instate.">is giving you as an inheritance,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">so that any</a> <a href="/hebrew/7523.htm" title="7523: rō·ṣê·aḥ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To murder, slay. A primitive root; properly, to dash in pieces, i.e. Kill, especially to murder.">manslayer</a> <a href="/hebrew/5127.htm" title="5127: lā·nūs (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To flee, escape. A primitive root; to flit, i.e. Vanish away.">can flee</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām·māh (Adv:: 3fs) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">to these cities.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>Now this is the situation regarding the manslayer who flees to one of these cities to save his life, having killed his neighbor accidentally, without intending to harm him:…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/20-2.htm">Joshua 20:2-9</a></span><br />“Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, / so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood. / When someone flees to one of these cities, stands at the entrance of the city gate, and states his case before its elders, they are to bring him into the city and give him a place to live among them. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/35-6.htm">Numbers 35:6-34</a></span><br />Six of the cities you give the Levites are to be appointed as cities of refuge, to which a manslayer may flee. In addition to these, give the Levites forty-two other cities. / The total number of cities you give the Levites will be forty-eight, with their corresponding pasturelands. / The cities that you apportion from the territory of the Israelites should be given to the Levites in proportion to the inheritance of each tribe: more from a larger tribe and less from a smaller one.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/21-13.htm">Exodus 21:13</a></span><br />If, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/6-18.htm">Hebrews 6:18</a></span><br />Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-38.htm">Acts 2:38</a></span><br />Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">Matthew 5:21-22</a></span><br />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. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-15.htm">1 John 3:15</a></span><br />Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a></span><br />Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/46-1.htm">Psalm 46:1</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/35-8.htm">Isaiah 35:8</a></span><br />And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it—only those who walk in the Way—and fools will not stray onto it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/14-14.htm">2 Samuel 14:14</a></span><br />For we will surely die and be like water poured out on the ground, which cannot be recovered. Yet God does not take away a life, but He devises ways that the banished one may not be cast out from Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-17.htm">Proverbs 28:17</a></span><br />A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-32.htm">Ezekiel 18:32</a></span><br />For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-28</a></span><br />But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">Matthew 18:21-22</a></span><br />Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” / Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">You shall prepare you a way, and divide the coasts of your land, which the LORD your God gives you to inherit, into three parts, that every slayer may flee thither.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/35-8.htm">Isaiah 35:8</a></b></br> And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it <i>shall be</i> for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err <i>therein</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/57-14.htm">Isaiah 57:14</a></b></br> And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/62-10.htm">Isaiah 62:10</a></b></br> Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/8-3.htm">Area</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-20.htm">Border</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-4.htm">Borders</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-21.htm">Build</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-16.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-10.htm">Causes</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-10.htm">Causeth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/3-14.htm">Coasts</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/14-7.htm">Divide</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/14-7.htm">Divided</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-2.htm">Heritage</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-20.htm">Inherit</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-2.htm">Inheritance</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-42.htm">Kills</a> <a href="/numbers/35-26.htm">Limits</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-42.htm">Manslayer</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-3.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-14.htm">Possession</a> <a href="/numbers/29-39.htm">Prepare</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-22.htm">Roads</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-42.htm">Slayer</a> <a href="/numbers/35-28.htm">Taker</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-4.htm">Territory</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-11.htm">Thither</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-2.htm">Three</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-16.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/13-5.htm">Area</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-8.htm">Border</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-12.htm">Borders</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-20.htm">Build</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-8.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-16.htm">Causes</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-16.htm">Causeth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-40.htm">Coasts</a> <a href="/joshua/1-6.htm">Divide</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-8.htm">Divided</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-10.htm">Heritage</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-14.htm">Inherit</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-10.htm">Inheritance</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Kills</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-8.htm">Limits</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Manslayer</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-1.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-20.htm">Possession</a> <a href="/joshua/1-11.htm">Prepare</a> <a href="/judges/5-6.htm">Roads</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Slayer</a> <a href="/joshua/20-5.htm">Taker</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-8.htm">Territory</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Thither</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-7.htm">Three</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 19</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-1.htm">The cities of refuge</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">The privilege thereof for the manslayer</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-14.htm">The landmark is not to be removed</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">At least two witnesses are required</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-16.htm">the punishment of a false witness</a></span><br></div></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/19.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/deuteronomy/19.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>You are to build roads for yourselves</b><br>In ancient Israel, the construction of roads was a practical necessity for facilitating travel and communication. The roads to the cities of refuge were to be well-maintained to ensure that those seeking asylum could reach them quickly. This reflects God's provision and care for justice and mercy, ensuring that even those who accidentally caused harm had a clear path to safety. The emphasis on "for yourselves" indicates communal responsibility, highlighting the importance of collective action in maintaining justice.<p><b>and divide into three regions the land</b><br>The division of the land into three regions for the cities of refuge was a strategic measure to ensure accessibility. This division reflects the organizational structure of the Israelite society and their understanding of equitable distribution. It also underscores the importance of justice being accessible to all, regardless of their location within the Promised Land. The number three often symbolizes completeness and divine order in biblical numerology.<p><b>that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance</b><br>The land is described as an inheritance from God, emphasizing the divine gift and covenant relationship between God and Israel. This inheritance is not just a physical possession but a spiritual legacy, reminding the Israelites of their identity as God's chosen people. The concept of inheritance also points to the future hope and fulfillment of God's promises, which is a recurring theme throughout the Bible.<p><b>so that any manslayer can flee to these cities</b><br>The provision for a manslayer to flee to a city of refuge highlights God's justice and mercy. It distinguishes between intentional murder and accidental killing, providing protection for those who committed manslaughter. This system prefigures the grace found in Christ, who offers refuge and forgiveness to sinners. The cities of refuge are a type of Christ, who is our ultimate refuge and advocate before God. The emphasis on "any manslayer" underscores the inclusivity of God's mercy, available to all who seek it.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites who is delivering God's laws and instructions to the people.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, who are receiving the laws and preparing to enter the Promised Land.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The God of Israel, who is giving the land as an inheritance and establishing laws for justice and mercy.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/c/cities_of_refuge.htm">Cities of Refuge</a></b><br>Designated cities where someone who has accidentally killed another person can flee for safety and await a fair trial.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_promised_land.htm">The Promised Land</a></b><br>The land that God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which the Israelites are about to enter and possess.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_provision_for_justice_and_mercy.htm">God's Provision for Justice and Mercy</a></b><br>The cities of refuge illustrate God's balance of justice and mercy, providing a way for the innocent to be protected while awaiting trial.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_and_responsibility.htm">Preparation and Responsibility</a></b><br>The command to build roads and divide the land shows the importance of preparation and responsibility in ensuring justice is accessible to all.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_safety.htm">Community and Safety</a></b><br>The establishment of these cities emphasizes the role of community in protecting individuals and maintaining societal order.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_refuge_in_christ.htm">Spiritual Refuge in Christ</a></b><br>Just as the cities provided physical refuge, Christ offers spiritual refuge and salvation for those who seek Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_commands.htm">Obedience to God's Commands</a></b><br>The Israelites' obedience in setting up these cities reflects our call to obey God's commands in our lives, ensuring His principles of justice and mercy are upheld.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_19.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 19</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/purpose_of_biblical_cities_of_refuge.htm">What were the biblical Cities of Refuge for?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_israel's_cities_of_refuge.htm">Deuteronomy 19:2-3: Is there any archaeological evidence of Israel establishing and maintaining these cities of refuge as described?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_the_colt_stay_calm_in_the_crowd.htm">In Luke 19:35-36, how could a previously unridden colt remain calm amid a jubilant crowd without any training or acclimatization?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_allow_a_'blood_avenger'_for_accidents.htm">Deuteronomy 19:6: Why would God allow a 'blood avenger' to pursue someone innocent of intentional murder, and where is this justice in historical context?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Thou shalt prepare thee a way.</span> In the East, the roads were for the most part mere tracks made by the feet of animals used as beasts of burden or for traveling; and this continues to be the case in Palestine and many other parts of the East even at the present day. That roads, however, properly so called, were not unknown to the Hebrews, even in early times, is evident, not only from this passage, but also from <a href="/leviticus/26-22.htm">Leviticus 26:22</a>; <a href="/numbers/20-17.htm">Numbers 20:17</a>; <a href="/numbers/21-22.htm">Numbers 21:22</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/2-27.htm">Deuteronomy 2:27</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/6-12.htm">1 Samuel 6:12</a>. The design of the injunction here was that every facility should be afforded to the fugitive to escape to the place of refuge. In later times, it was enacted that the roads leading to these cities should be repaired every year in the month Adar, and every obstruction removed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/19-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">You are to build</span><br /><span class="heb">תָּכִ֣ין</span> <span class="translit">(tā·ḵîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3559.htm">Strong's 3559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be erect</span><br /><br /><span class="word">roads</span><br /><span class="heb">הַדֶּרֶךְ֒</span> <span class="translit">(had·de·reḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for yourselves</span><br /><span class="heb">לְךָ֮</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">and divide into three regions</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשִׁלַּשְׁתָּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(wə·šil·laš·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8027.htm">Strong's 8027: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do a third time, divide into three parts</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the land</span><br /><span class="heb">אַרְצְךָ֔</span> <span class="translit">(’ar·ṣə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">which</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is giving you as an inheritance,</span><br /><span class="heb">יַנְחִֽילְךָ֖</span> <span class="translit">(yan·ḥî·lə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5157.htm">Strong's 5157: </a> </span><span class="str2">To inherit, to occupy, to bequeath, distribute, instate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so that any</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">manslayer</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹצֵֽחַ׃</span> <span class="translit">(rō·ṣê·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7523.htm">Strong's 7523: </a> </span><span class="str2">To dash in pieces, kill, to murder</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can flee</span><br /><span class="heb">לָנ֥וּס</span> <span class="translit">(lā·nūs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5127.htm">Strong's 5127: </a> </span><span class="str2">To flit, vanish away</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to these cities.</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁ֖מָּה</span> <span class="translit">(šām·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> </span><span class="str2">There, then, thither</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/19-3.htm">Deuteronomy 19:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/19-3.htm">Deuteronomy 19:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/19-3.htm">Deuteronomy 19:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/19-3.htm">Deuteronomy 19:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/19-3.htm">Deuteronomy 19:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/19-3.htm">Deuteronomy 19:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/19-3.htm">Deuteronomy 19:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/19-3.htm">Deuteronomy 19:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/19-3.htm">Deuteronomy 19:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/19-3.htm">Deuteronomy 19:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/19-3.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 19:3 You shall prepare you the way (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 19:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 19:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 19:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 19:4" /></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="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>