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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 19:6 Otherwise, the avenger of blood might pursue the manslayer in a rage, overtake him if the distance is great, and strike him dead though he did not deserve to die, since he did not intend any harm.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/19-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/05_Deu_19_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 19:6 - Cities of Refuge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Otherwise, the avenger of blood might pursue the manslayer in a rage, overtake him if the distance is great, and strike him dead though he did not deserve to die, since he did not intend any harm." /><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/19-6.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/19-6.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 6</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="/ad6.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/19-5.htm" title="Deuteronomy 19:5">◄</a> Deuteronomy 19:6 <a href="/deuteronomy/19-7.htm" title="Deuteronomy 19:7">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/19.htm">New International Version</a> Otherwise, the avenger of blood might pursue him in a rage, overtake him if the distance is too great, and kill him even though he is not deserving of death, since he did it to his neighbor without malice aforethought. <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/19.htm">New Living Translation</a> “If the distance to the nearest city of refuge is too far, an enraged avenger might be able to chase down and kill the person who caused the death. Then the slayer would die unfairly, since he had never shown hostility toward the person who died. <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/19.htm">English Standard Version</a> lest the avenger of blood in hot anger pursue the manslayer and overtake him, because the way is long, and strike him fatally, though the man did not deserve to die, since he had not hated his neighbor in the past. <a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Otherwise, the avenger of blood might pursue the manslayer in a rage, overtake him if the distance is great, and strike him dead though he did not deserve to die, since he did not intend any harm. <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/19.htm">King James Bible</a> Lest the avenger of the blood pursue the slayer, while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and slay him; whereas he was not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past. <a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/19.htm">New King James Version</a> lest the avenger of blood, while his anger is hot, pursue the manslayer and overtake him, because the way is long, and kill him, though he was not deserving of death, since he had not hated the victim in time past. <a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Otherwise, the avenger of blood might pursue him in the heat of his anger, and overtake him because the way is long, and take his life, though he was not sentenced to death since he had not hated him previously. <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/19.htm">NASB 1995</a> otherwise the avenger of blood might pursue the manslayer in the heat of his anger, and overtake him, because the way is long, and take his life, though he was not deserving of death, since he had not hated him previously. <a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a> lest the avenger of blood pursue the manslayer in the heat of his anger, and overtake him, because the way is long, and take his life, though he was not deserving of death, since he had not hated him previously. <a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> lest the avenger of blood pursue the manslayer when his heart is angry, and overtake him, because the way is long, and strike down his life, though he was not deserving of death, since he had not hated him previously. <a href="/amp/deuteronomy/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a> otherwise the avenger of blood might pursue the offender in the heat of anger, and overtake him, because it is a long way, and take his life, even though he did not deserve to die, since he did not hate his neighbor beforehand. <a href="/csb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Otherwise, the avenger of blood in the heat of his anger might pursue the one who committed manslaughter, overtake him because the distance is great, and strike him dead. Yet he did not deserve to die, since he did not previously hate his neighbor. <a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Otherwise, the avenger of blood in the heat of his anger might pursue the one who committed manslaughter, overtake him because the distance is great, and strike him dead. Yet he did not deserve to die, since he did not previously hate his neighbor. <a href="/asv/deuteronomy/19.htm">American Standard Version</a> lest the avenger of blood pursue the manslayer, while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and smite him mortally; whereas he was not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past. <a href="/cev/deuteronomy/19.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You don't deserve to die, since you did not mean to harm your friend. But he did get killed, and his relatives might be very angry. They might even choose one of the men from their family to track you down and kill you. If it is too far to one of the Safe Towns, the victim's relative might be able to catch you and kill you. <a href="/erv/deuteronomy/19.htm">English Revised Version</a> lest the avenger of blood pursue the manslayer, while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and smite him mortally; whereas he was not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past. <a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Otherwise, in a rage the relative who has the authority to avenge the death will pursue him. If the place is too far away, the relative may catch up with him and take his life even though he didn't deserve the death penalty, because in the past he never hated the person he killed. <a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Good News Translation</a> If there were only one city, the distance to it might be too great, and the relative who is responsible for taking revenge for the killing might catch you and angrily kill an innocent person. After all, it was by accident that you killed someone who was not your enemy. <a href="/isv/deuteronomy/19.htm">International Standard Version</a> While the distance may be great and the angry avenger pursues the killer, he may overtake him and kill him, in which case there will be no justice in his death, because he did not hate his friend previously. <a href="/msb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Otherwise, the avenger of blood might pursue the manslayer in a rage, overtake him if the distance is great, and strike him dead though he did not deserve to die, since he did not intend any harm. <a href="/net/deuteronomy/19.htm">NET Bible</a> Otherwise the blood avenger will chase after the killer in the heat of his anger, eventually overtake him, and kill him, though this is not a capital case since he did not hate him at the time of the accident. <a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> lest the avenger of blood pursue the manslayer, while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and strike him mortally; whereas he was not worthy of death, inasmuch as he did not hate him in time past. <a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Lest the avenger of blood shall pursue the slayer, while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and slay him; whereas he was not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past. <a href="/web/deuteronomy/19.htm">World English Bible</a> Otherwise, the avenger of blood might pursue the man slayer while hot anger is in his heart and overtake him, because the way is long, and strike him mortally, even though he was not worthy of death, because he didn’t hate him in time past. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> lest the redeemer of blood pursue after the manslayer when his heart is hot and has overtaken him, because the way is great, and has struck his life, and he has no sentence of death, for he is not hating him before; <a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</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; <a href="/slt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Lest the nearest relative of blood shall pursue after the slayer when his heart shall be warm, and overtaking him, for the way shall be great, and he smote him in soul; and to him not the judgment of death for he hated him not from yesterday the third day.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Lest perhaps the next kinsman of him whose blood was shed, pushed on by his grief should pursue, and apprehend him. if the way be too long, and take away the life of him who is not guilty of death, because he is proved to have had no hatred before against him that was slain. <a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Otherwise, perhaps the near relative of him whose blood was shed, impelled by his grief, might pursue and apprehend him, unless the way is too long, and he might strike down the life of him who is not guilty unto death, since he had demonstrated that he had no prior hatred against him who was slain. <a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/19.htm">New American Bible</a> Should the distance be too great, the avenger of blood might in hot anger pursue, overtake, and strike the killer dead, even though that one does not deserve the death penalty since there had been no previous hatred; <a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But if the distance is too great, the avenger of blood in hot anger might pursue and overtake and put the killer to death, although a death sentence was not deserved, since the two had not been at enmity before.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Lest the avenger of the blood pursue the slayer, while his anger is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and slay him; though he was not worthy of death, because he hated him not in time past. <a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Lest the avenger of blood will chase after the killer in the heat of his heart and he apprehends him when the road will be long and he will kill him when he did not owe a sentence of death, for he had not hated him from yesterday or from the day before yesterday.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/19.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> lest the avenger of blood pursue the manslayer, while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and smite him mortally; whereas he was not deserving of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past. <a href="/sep/deuteronomy/19.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Lest the avenger of blood pursue after the slayer, because his heart is hot, and overtake him, if the way be too long, and slay him, though there is to this man no sentence of death, because he hated him not in time past. <a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=5316" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Cities of Refuge</a> …5If he goes into the forest with his neighbor to cut timber and swings his axe to chop down a tree, but the blade flies off the handle and strikes and kills his neighbor, he may flee to one of these cities to save his life. 6<a href="/hebrew/6435.htm" title="6435: pen- (Conj) -- Lest. From panah; properly, removal; used only adverb as conjunction, lest.">Otherwise,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1350.htm" title="1350: gō·’êl (V-Qal-Prtcpl-msc) -- To redeem, act as kinsman. A primitive root, to redeem, i.e. To be the next of kin.">the avenger</a> <a href="/hebrew/1818.htm" title="1818: had·dām (Art:: N-ms) -- Blood. From damam; blood of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively bloodshed.">of blood</a> <a href="/hebrew/7291.htm" title="7291: yir·dōp̄ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To pursue, chase, persecute. A primitive root; to run after (of time) gone by).">might pursue</a> <a href="/hebrew/7523.htm" title="7523: hā·rō·ṣê·aḥ (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To murder, slay. A primitive root; properly, to dash in pieces, i.e. Kill, especially to murder.">the manslayer</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê (Prep) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3824.htm" title="3824: lə·ḇā·ḇōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Inner man, mind, will, heart. From labab; the heart; used also like leb.">in a rage,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2552.htm" title="2552: yê·ḥam (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To be or become warm. A primitive root; to be hot."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5381.htm" title="5381: wə·hiś·śî·ḡōw (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To reach, overtake. A primitive root; to reach.">overtake him</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">if</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.">the distance</a> <a href="/hebrew/7235.htm" title="7235: yir·beh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To be or become much, many or great. A primitive root; to increase.">is great,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: wə·hik·kā·hū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">and strike him</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nā·p̄eš (N-fs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">dead</a> <a href="/hebrew/wə·lōw (Conj-w:: Prep:: 3ms) -- ">though he</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ên (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/4941.htm" title="4941: miš·paṭ- (N-msc) -- Judgment. ">deserve</a> <a href="/hebrew/4194.htm" title="4194: mā·weṯ (N-ms) -- Death. From muwth; death; concretely, the dead, their place or state; figuratively, pestilence, ruin.">to die,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">since</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">he</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></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.">did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/8130.htm" title="8130: śō·nê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To hate. A primitive root; to hate.">intend any harm.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8543.htm" title="8543: mit·tə·mō·wl (Prep-m:: Adv) -- Or tmol; probably for 'ethmowl; properly, ago, i.e. A time since; especially yesterday, or day before yesterday."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8032.htm" title="8032: šil·šō·wm (Adv) -- Three days ago, day before, yesterday. Or shilshom; from the same as Shelesh; trebly, i.e. day before yesterday."></a> 7This is why I am commanding you to set apart for yourselves three cities.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Numbers 35:11-12</a> designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. / You are to have these cities as a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly. <a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Joshua 20:3-5</a> 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. / Now if the avenger of blood pursues him, they must not surrender the manslayer into his hand, because that man killed his neighbor accidentally without prior malice. <a href="/exodus/21-13.htm">Exodus 21:13</a> 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. <a href="/numbers/35-15.htm">Numbers 35:15</a> These six cities will serve as a refuge for the Israelites and for the foreigner or stranger among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there. <a href="/numbers/35-22.htm">Numbers 35:22-25</a> 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. ... <a href="/1_kings/2-28.htm">1 Kings 2:28-34</a> 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.” ... <a href="/2_samuel/3-27.htm">2 Samuel 3:27</a> 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. <a href="/2_samuel/14-6.htm">2 Samuel 14:6-7</a> 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.” <a href="/1_samuel/24-11.htm">1 Samuel 24:11</a> See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. Know and see that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life. <a href="/1_samuel/26-9.htm">1 Samuel 26:9</a> But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” <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. 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. <a href="/matthew/5-38.htm">Matthew 5:38-39</a> You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ / But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; <a href="/acts/7-24.htm">Acts 7:24-28</a> 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?’ ... <a href="/acts/22-20.htm">Acts 22:20</a> And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’ <a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a> 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.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Lest the avenger of the blood pursue the slayer, while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and slay him; whereas he was not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past.the avenger<a href="/numbers/35-12.htm">Numbers 35:12</a> And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment.<a href="/joshua/20-5.htm">Joshua 20:5</a> And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime.<a href="/2_samuel/14-7.htm">2 Samuel 14:7</a> And, behold, the whole family is risen against thine handmaid, and they said, Deliver him that smote his brother, that we may kill him, for the life of his brother whom he slew; and we will destroy the heir also: and so they shall quench my coal which is left, and shall not leave to my husband neither name nor remainder upon the earth.slay him [heb] smite him in life <a href="/deuteronomy/21-22.htm">Deuteronomy 21:22</a> And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree:<a href="/jeremiah/26-15.htm">Jeremiah 26:15,16</a> But know ye for certain, that if ye put me to death, ye shall surely bring innocent blood upon yourselves, and upon this city, and upon the inhabitants thereof: for of a truth the LORD hath sent me unto you to speak all these words in your ears… <a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Deuteronomy 19:4</a> And this is 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;<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/35-25.htm">Avenger</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-8.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-20.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">Deserving</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Hated</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-22.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/9-19.htm">Hot</a> <a href="/numbers/14-43.htm">Inasmuch</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Manslayer</a> <a href="/numbers/35-30.htm">Mortally</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/9-28.htm">Otherwise</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-25.htm">Overtake</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Past</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-20.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/9-28.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Slayer</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-15.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-15.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Time</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-3.htm">Way</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/9-4.htm">Whereas</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Worthy</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/19-12.htm">Avenger</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-10.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-10.htm">Death</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-26.htm">Deserving</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-11.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-15.htm">Hated</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-3.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/joshua/9-12.htm">Hot</a> <a href="/ruth/3-10.htm">Inasmuch</a> <a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Manslayer</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-11.htm">Mortally</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-5.htm">Otherwise</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-2.htm">Overtake</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-7.htm">Past</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-22.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/27-25.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Slayer</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-11.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-11.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-14.htm">Time</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-4.htm">Way</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-62.htm">Whereas</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-22.htm">Worthy</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 19</div>1. <a href="/deuteronomy/19-1.htm">The cities of refuge</a> 4. <a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">The privilege thereof for the manslayer</a> 14. <a href="/deuteronomy/19-14.htm">The landmark is not to be removed</a> 15. <a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">At least two witnesses are required</a> 16. <a href="/deuteronomy/19-16.htm">the punishment of a false witness</a> </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>  <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 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>Otherwise, the avenger of blood might pursue the manslayer in a rage In ancient Israelite society, the "avenger of blood" was typically a close relative of a person who had been killed. This role was part of the kinship-based justice system, where family members were responsible for avenging wrongs done to their kin. The concept of the avenger of blood is rooted in the principle of lex talionis, or the law of retaliation, which is also seen in <a href="/exodus/21-23.htm">Exodus 21:23-25</a>. The avenger's pursuit in a "rage" underscores the emotional and personal nature of justice in this context, contrasting with the more impersonal legal systems of today.overtake him if the distance is great The cities of refuge were strategically located throughout Israel to ensure accessibility. <a href="/numbers/35-6.htm">Numbers 35:6-15</a> and <a href="/joshua/20-7.htm">Joshua 20:7-9</a> detail the establishment of these cities. The phrase "if the distance is great" highlights the importance of these cities being within reach to prevent the avenger from catching the manslayer before he could reach safety. This reflects God's provision for justice tempered with mercy, ensuring that the manslayer had a fair chance to explain his actions.and strike him dead though he did not deserve to die This phrase emphasizes the distinction between murder and manslaughter. The manslayer did not "deserve to die" because the act was unintentional, lacking premeditation or malice. This distinction is crucial in biblical law, as seen in <a href="/exodus/21-12.htm">Exodus 21:12-14</a>, which differentiates between intentional and accidental killings. The provision for cities of refuge illustrates God's justice, which considers intent and circumstances, not just actions.since he did not intend any harm The lack of intent is a key factor in determining the manslayer's innocence. This reflects the biblical principle that God judges the heart and intentions, as seen in <a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>. The provision for unintentional killers to find refuge foreshadows the grace found in Christ, who provides refuge and forgiveness for those who repent, regardless of their past actions. This concept of refuge and grace is echoed in <a href="/hebrews/6-18.htm">Hebrews 6:18</a>, where believers are encouraged to "take hold of the hope set before us."<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/manslayer.htm">Manslayer</a> An individual who has unintentionally caused the death of another person. In the context of ancient Israel, this person could seek refuge in a city of refuge to avoid retribution. 2. <a href="/topical/a/avenger_of_blood.htm">Avenger of Blood</a> A family member of the deceased who seeks justice or retribution for the death. This role was part of the ancient Near Eastern customs of familial duty and justice. 3. <a href="/topical/c/city_of_refuge.htm">City of Refuge</a> Designated places where someone who committed manslaughter could flee to avoid being killed by the avenger of blood. These cities provided a fair trial and protection until the high priest's death. 4. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The nation to whom these laws were given, emphasizing justice, mercy, and the sanctity of life within the community. 5. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The leader and prophet who delivered God's laws to the Israelites, including the instructions for cities of refuge.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/j/justice_and_mercy.htm">Justice and Mercy</a> The provision of cities of refuge highlights God's balance of justice and mercy. While justice demands accountability, mercy provides protection and a chance for a fair trial. <a href="/topical/i/intent_matters.htm">Intent Matters</a> The distinction between intentional murder and unintentional manslaughter underscores the importance of intent in God's law. This principle can guide us in understanding justice and forgiveness in our own lives. <a href="/topical/g/god's_provision_for_safety.htm">God's Provision for Safety</a> Just as God provided physical places of refuge, He provides spiritual refuge in Christ. Believers can find safety and peace in Him amidst life's trials. <a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a> The role of the avenger of blood and the cities of refuge illustrates the community's responsibility in upholding justice and protecting the innocent. We are called to be active participants in promoting justice and mercy in our communities. <a href="/topical/p/pursuit_of_peace.htm">Pursuit of Peace</a> The law encourages the pursuit of peace and reconciliation, reminding us to seek peaceful resolutions and avoid vengeance in our relationships.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_19.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 19</a> <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 href="/q/what_are_the_infancy_gospels.htm">Who is the Avenger of Blood in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/was_the_avenger_system_fair_in_ancient_times.htm">How plausible is it that the avenger of blood system (Numbers 35:19) was enforced fairly in the context of ancient Near Eastern tribal justice?</a> <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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a> <a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Otherwise, פֶּן־ (pen-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6435.htm">Strong's 6435: </a> Removal, lest the avenger גֹּאֵ֨ל (gō·’êl) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1350.htm">Strong's 1350: </a> To redeem, act as kinsman of blood הַדָּ֜ם (had·dām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1818.htm">Strong's 1818: </a> Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed might pursue יִרְדֹּף֩ (yir·dōp̄) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7291.htm">Strong's 7291: </a> To pursue, chase, persecute the manslayer הָרֹצֵ֗חַ (hā·rō·ṣê·aḥ) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7523.htm">Strong's 7523: </a> To dash in pieces, kill, to murder in a rage, לְבָבוֹ֒ (lə·ḇā·ḇōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3824.htm">Strong's 3824: </a> Inner man, mind, will, heart overtake him וְהִשִּׂיג֛וֹ (wə·hiś·śî·ḡōw) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5381.htm">Strong's 5381: </a> To reach, overtake since the distance הַדֶּ֖רֶךְ (had·de·reḵ) Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> A road, a course of life, mode of action is great, יִרְבֶּ֥ה (yir·beh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7235.htm">Strong's 7235: </a> To be or become much, many or great and strike וְהִכָּ֣הוּ (wə·hik·kā·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> To strike him dead נָ֑פֶשׁ (nā·p̄eš) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion though he did not אֵ֣ין (’ên) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle deserve מִשְׁפַּט־ (miš·paṭ-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4941.htm">Strong's 4941: </a> A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style to die, מָ֔וֶת (mā·weṯ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4194.htm">Strong's 4194: </a> Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin since כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction he ה֛וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are did not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no intend any harm. שֹׂנֵ֥א (śō·nê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8130.htm">Strong's 8130: </a> To hate <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Deuteronomy 19:6 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Deuteronomy 19:6 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Deuteronomy 19:6 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Deuteronomy 19:6 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Deuteronomy 19:6 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Deuteronomy 19:6 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Deuteronomy 19:6 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Deuteronomy 19:6 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Deuteronomy 19:6 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Deuteronomy 19:6 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 19:6 Lest the avenger of blood pursue (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 19:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 19:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 19:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 19:7" /></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>