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then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />However, if he did not lie in wait, but God delivered <i>him</i> into his hand, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Yet if he did not lie in wait <i>for him,</i> but God caused <i>him</i> to fall into his hand, then I will appoint you a place to which he may flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220But if he did not lie in wait for him, but God let him fall into his hand, then I will appoint you a place to which he may flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“But if he did not lie in wait <i>for him,</i> but God let <i>him</i> fall into his hand, then I will appoint you a place to which he may flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But if he did not lie in wait <i>for him</i>, but God let <i>him</i> fall into his hand, then I will appoint you a place to which he may flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />However, if he did not lie in wait [for him], but God allowed him to fall into his hand, then I will establish for you a place to which he may escape [for protection until duly tried].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if he didn&#8217t intend any harm, and yet God caused it to happen by his hand, I will appoint a place for you where he may flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But if you did not intend to kill someone, and I, the LORD, let it happen anyway, you may run for safety to a place that I have set aside. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If it wasn't done intentionally, but God let it happen, the killer should flee to a place I will set aside for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But if it was an accident and he did not mean to kill him, he can escape to a place which I will choose for you, and there he will be safe. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />If he didn't lie in wait, but God let him fall into his reach, then I'll appoint for you a place to which he may flee. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But if he does not do it with premeditation, but it happens by accident, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />but not if it is unintentional, but God allows it to happen: then I will appoint you a place where he shall flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And if a man shall not lie in wait, but God shall deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />but not if it is unintentional, but God allows it to happen; then I will appoint you a place where he shall flee. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />as for him who has not laid wait, but God has brought [him] to his hand, I have even set a place for you to where he flees.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> as to him who hath not laid wait, and God hath brought to his hand, I have even set for thee a place whither he doth flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And when he hunted not after, and God let fall into his hand, and I set to thee a place where he shall flee there.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But he that did not lie in wait for him, but God delivered him into his hands: I will appoint thee a place to which he must flee. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But if he did not lie in wait for him, but God delivered him into his hands, then I will appoint for you a place to which he must flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />However, regarding the one who did not hunt another down, but God caused death to happen by his hand, I will set apart for you a place to which that one may flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If it was not premeditated, but came about by an act of God, then I will appoint for you a place to which the killer may flee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But if he did not lie in wait for him, but God delivered him into his hand, then I will appoint for you a place to which he may flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he who did not lie in ambush for him and God handed him over into his hand, make for you a place that he may flee there.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And if a man lie not in wait, but God cause it to come to hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he may flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />But as for him that did it not willingly, but God delivered him into his hands, I will give thee a place whither the slayer may flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/21-13.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/kVae3PiKqhs?start=5244" 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/exodus/21.htm">Personal Injury Laws</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12</span>Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death. <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: wa·’ă·šer (Conj-w:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">If, however,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">he did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6658.htm" title="6658: ṣā·ḏāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To chase, to desolate. A primitive root; to chase; by implication, to desolate.">lie in wait,</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: wə·hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Conj-w, Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">but God</a> <a href="/hebrew/579.htm" title="579: ’in·nāh (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- To be opportune, to meet, encounter opportunely. A primitive root; to approach; hence, to meet in various senses.">allowed it to happen,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: lə·yā·ḏōw (Prep-l:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)"></a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: wə·śam·tî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cs) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">then I will appoint</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- ">for you</a> <a href="/hebrew/4725.htm" title="4725: mā·qō·wm (N-ms) -- Or maqom; also mqowmah; or mqomah; from quwm; properly, a standing, i.e. A spot; but used widely of a locality; also of a condition.">a place</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.">where</a> <a href="/hebrew/5127.htm" title="5127: yā·nūs (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To flee, escape. A primitive root; to flit, i.e. Vanish away.">he may flee.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām·māh (Adv:: 3fs) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence."></a> </span><span class="reftext">14</span>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.…<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="/numbers/35-9.htm">Numbers 35:9-15</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, / designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-1.htm">Deuteronomy 19:1-13</a></span><br />When the LORD your God has cut off the nations whose land He is giving you, and when you have driven them out and settled in their cities and houses, / then you are to set apart for yourselves three cities within the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess. / 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="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/20-1.htm">Joshua 20:1-9</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Joshua, / “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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-28.htm">1 Kings 2:28-34</a></span><br />When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/3-27.htm">2 Samuel 3:27-30</a></span><br />When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel. / Afterward, David heard about this and said, “I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner. / May it whirl over the head of Joab and over the entire house of his father, and may the house of Joab never be without one having a discharge or skin disease, or one who leans on a staff or falls by the sword or lacks food.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/9-6.htm">Genesis 9:6</a></span><br />Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/24-17.htm">Leviticus 24:17</a></span><br />And if a man takes the life of anyone else, he must surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/35-22.htm">Numbers 35:22-25</a></span><br />But if anyone pushes a person suddenly, without hostility, or throws an object at him unintentionally, / or without looking drops a heavy stone that kills him, but he was not an enemy and did not intend to harm him, / then the congregation must judge between the slayer and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Deuteronomy 4:41-43</a></span><br />Then Moses set aside three cities across the Jordan to the east / to which a manslayer could flee after killing his neighbor unintentionally without prior malice. To save one’s own life, he could flee to one of these cities: / Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau belonging to the Reubenites, Ramoth in Gilead belonging to the Gadites, or Golan in Bashan belonging to the Manassites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/14-6.htm">2 Samuel 14:6-7</a></span><br />And your maidservant had two sons who were fighting in the field with no one to separate them, and one struck the other and killed him. / Now the whole clan has risen up against your maidservant and said, ‘Hand over the one who struck down his brother, that we may put him to death for the life of the brother whom he killed. Then we will cut off the heir as well!’ So they would extinguish my one remaining ember by not preserving my husband’s name or posterity on the earth.”<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="/acts/7-24.htm">Acts 7:24-28</a></span><br />And when he saw one of them being mistreated, Moses went to his defense and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian who was oppressing him. / He assumed his brothers would understand that God was using him to deliver them, but they did not. / The next day he came upon two Israelites who were fighting, and he tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why are you mistreating each other?’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Romans 13:4</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/10-28.htm">Hebrews 10:28-29</a></span><br />Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. / How much more severely do you think one deserves to be punished who has trampled on the Son of God, profaned the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and insulted the Spirit of grace?<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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint you a place where he shall flee.</p><p class="hdg">lie not</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Numbers 35:11,22</a></b></br> Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Deuteronomy 19:4-6,11</a></b></br> And this <i>is</i> the case of the slayer, which shall flee thither, that he may live: Whoso killeth his neighbour ignorantly, whom he hated not in time past; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/micah/7-2.htm">Micah 7:2</a></b></br> The good <i>man</i> is perished out of the earth: and <i>there is</i> none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.</p><p class="hdg">God</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/24-4.htm">1 Samuel 24:4,10,18</a></b></br> And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/16-10.htm">2 Samuel 16:10</a></b></br> And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/10-7.htm">Isaiah 10:7</a></b></br> Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but <i>it is</i> in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few.</p><p class="hdg">I will appoint</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Numbers 35:11</a></b></br> Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Deuteronomy 4:41-43</a></b></br> Then Moses severed three cities on this side Jordan toward the sunrising; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/19-1.htm">Deuteronomy 19:1-3,9</a></b></br> When the LORD thy God hath cut off the nations, whose land the LORD thy God giveth thee, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their cities, and in their houses; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/14-22.htm">Allows</a> <a href="/genesis/41-34.htm">Appoint</a> <a href="/exodus/20-24.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/exodus/18-8.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/exodus/18-11.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/isaiah/62-2.htm">Designate</a> <a href="/exodus/21-8.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/exodus/15-16.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/exodus/14-25.htm">Flee</a> <a href="/exodus/14-5.htm">Flight</a> <a href="/exodus/19-13.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/exodus/16-20.htm">However</a> <a href="/numbers/35-20.htm">Intentionally</a> <a href="/exodus/19-7.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/genesis/47-30.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/exodus/20-7.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/numbers/15-26.htm">Unintentional</a> <a href="/exodus/12-39.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/genesis/37-30.htm">Whither</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/leviticus/15-3.htm">Allows</a> <a href="/exodus/21-23.htm">Appoint</a> <a href="/exodus/21-19.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/exodus/22-7.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/leviticus/6-2.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/numbers/34-7.htm">Designate</a> <a href="/exodus/22-28.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/exodus/21-33.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-17.htm">Flee</a> <a href="/exodus/23-27.htm">Flight</a> <a href="/exodus/21-16.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/exodus/21-14.htm">However</a> <a href="/numbers/35-20.htm">Intentionally</a> <a href="/exodus/21-30.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/exodus/22-27.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/exodus/21-14.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/numbers/15-26.htm">Unintentional</a> <a href="/exodus/24-12.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/exodus/29-42.htm">Whither</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-1.htm">Laws for men servants</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-5.htm">For the servant whose ear is bored</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-7.htm">For women servants</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-12.htm">For manslaughter</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-16.htm">For kidnappers</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-17.htm">For cursers of parents</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-18.htm">For smiters</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-22.htm">For a hurt by chance</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-28.htm">For an ox that gores</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/21-33.htm">For him who is an occasion of harm</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/exodus/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>If, however, he did not lie in wait</b><br>This phrase addresses the distinction between premeditated murder and accidental killing. In ancient Israelite law, intent was crucial in determining guilt. The concept of "lying in wait" implies a deliberate and premeditated act, which is condemned in the Ten Commandments (<a href="/exodus/20-13.htm">Exodus 20:13</a>). This distinction is important in understanding the justice system of ancient Israel, which sought to differentiate between different levels of culpability.<p><b>but God allowed it to happen</b><br>This acknowledges divine sovereignty over all events, including accidental deaths. The belief that God allows certain events to occur reflects a worldview where nothing happens outside of God's control. This aligns with other biblical passages that affirm God's sovereignty, such as <a href="/proverbs/16-33.htm">Proverbs 16:33</a> and <a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a>. It suggests that even in cases of accidental death, there is a divine purpose or allowance, which can be a source of comfort and understanding for those involved.<p><b>then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee</b><br>This refers to the establishment of cities of refuge, as detailed in <a href="/numbers/35-9.htm">Numbers 35:9-34</a> and <a href="/deuteronomy/19.htm">Deuteronomy 19:1-13</a>. These cities provided asylum for those who committed manslaughter, protecting them from the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted. The cities of refuge illustrate God's provision for justice and mercy, ensuring that the innocent are protected while awaiting judgment. This system foreshadows the refuge found in Christ, who offers protection and salvation to those who seek Him, as seen in <a href="/hebrews/6-18.htm">Hebrews 6:18</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate authority who allows events to happen according to His sovereign will.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_accidental_killer.htm">The Accidental Killer</a></b><br>A person who has caused the death of another unintentionally, without premeditation.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_appointed_place.htm">The Appointed Place</a></b><br>A city of refuge where the accidental killer can flee for safety from the avenger of blood.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites who is receiving and conveying God's laws to the people.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_avenger_of_blood.htm">The Avenger of Blood</a></b><br>A family member seeking justice for the death of a relative, as was customary in ancient Israelite society.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_justice.htm">God's Sovereignty and Justice</a></b><br>God is in control of all events, even those that seem accidental. His justice provides a way for both protection and accountability.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/mercy_in_the_law.htm">Mercy in the Law</a></b><br>The provision of a city of refuge demonstrates God's mercy within His justice system, allowing for protection of those who have caused harm unintentionally.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_intent.htm">The Importance of Intent</a></b><br>The distinction between intentional and unintentional acts is crucial in God's law, highlighting the importance of the heart's intent in moral and legal matters.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/christ_as_our_refuge.htm">Christ as Our Refuge</a></b><br>Just as the cities of refuge provided safety, Christ offers us refuge from the consequences of sin, inviting us to find safety and rest in Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a></b><br>The establishment of cities of refuge required community involvement, reminding us of our responsibility to uphold justice and mercy in our communities today.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_view_on_execution.htm">What is the Bible's stance on capital punishment?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_laws_in_the_covenant_code.htm">What are the laws in the Covenant Code?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_jehoshaphat's_army_win_by_singing.htm">How did Jehoshaphat's army manage to march forth singing and then gather the spoils without engaging in a standard military offensive (2 Chronicles 20:21-25)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_harden_pharaoh's_heart_if_free_will.htm">If God created humans with free will, why does He harden Pharaoh's heart (Exodus 9:12)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) <span class= "bld">If a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand.</span>--If, that is, without malice aforethought, a man happen upon his enemy, God's providence bringing the two into contact without man's contrivance, and the result is that one slay the other, then the law of the refuge or asylum shall come in. A place is to be provided whither the man-slayer may flee, and where he may be safe, at any rate until the cause is inquired into. Hitherto, throughout the East, it had been regarded as the duty of the next of kin to avenge homicide of whatever kind, and blood had been exacted for blood, however sudden, however provoked, however excusable had been the homicide. No right of asylum, so far as we know, had ever been established before. The Sinaitic legislation for the first time interposed the "city of refuge," between the "avenger of blood" and his victim. It was for the elders of the city to see that the privilege was not abused. Where the case was doubtful, the man-slayer had to be remitted for trial to the elders of his own town (<a href="/context/numbers/35-22.htm" title="But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or have cast on him any thing without laying of wait,">Numbers 35:22-25</a>); where the elders considered his claim made out, he was entitled to protection.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 13.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">God deliver him into his hand</span>. This does not seem to mean more than, "if he chance upon him without seeking him." God' s providence does in fact bring about the meetings which men call accidental. <span class="cmt_word">I will appoint thee a place</span>. When we first hear of the actual appointment, the number of the places was six - three on either side of Jordan. (See <a href="/joshua/20-7.htm">Joshua 20:7, 8</a>; and compare <a href="/numbers/35-10.htm">Numbers 35:10-15</a>, and <a href="/deuteronomy/19-2.htm">Deuteronomy 19:2</a>.) Thus there was always a city of refuge at a reasonable distance. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/21-13.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">But if</span><br /><span class="heb">וַאֲשֶׁר֙</span> <span class="translit">(wa·’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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">he did not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lie in wait,</span><br /><span class="heb">צָדָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(ṣā·ḏāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6658.htm">Strong's 6658: </a> </span><span class="str2">To chase, to desolate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but God</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָאֱלֹהִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural<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">allowed it to happen,</span><br /><span class="heb">אִנָּ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(’in·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_579.htm">Strong's 579: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be opportune, to meet, encounter opportunely</span><br /><br /><span class="word">then I will appoint</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשַׂמְתִּ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·śam·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> </span><span class="str2">Put -- to put, place, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for you</span><br /><span class="heb">לְךָ֙</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">a place</span><br /><span class="heb">מָק֔וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(mā·qō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4725.htm">Strong's 4725: </a> </span><span class="str2">A standing, a spot, a condition</span><br /><br /><span class="word">where</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">he may flee.</span><br /><span class="heb">יָנ֖וּס</span> <span class="translit">(yā·nūs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/21-13.htm">Exodus 21:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/21-13.htm">Exodus 21:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/21-13.htm">Exodus 21:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/21-13.htm">Exodus 21:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/21-13.htm">Exodus 21:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/21-13.htm">Exodus 21:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/21-13.htm">Exodus 21:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/21-13.htm">Exodus 21:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/21-13.htm">Exodus 21:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/21-13.htm">Exodus 21:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/21-13.htm">OT Law: Exodus 21:13 But not if it is unintentional (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/21-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 21:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 21:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/21-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 21:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 21:14" /></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>