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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>Joshua 20:4 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/joshua/20-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/06_Jos_20_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Joshua 20:4 - Six Cities of Refuge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><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/joshua/20-4.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/joshua/20-4.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="/joshua/">Joshua</a> > <a href="/joshua/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 4</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="/ad4.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="/joshua/20-3.htm" title="Joshua 20:3">◄</a> Joshua 20:4 <a href="/joshua/20-5.htm" title="Joshua 20:5">►</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/joshua/20.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/joshua/20.htm">New International Version</a> When they flee to one of these cities, they are to stand in the entrance of the city gate and state their case before the elders of that city. Then the elders are to admit the fugitive into their city and provide a place to live among them. <a href="/nlt/joshua/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Upon reaching one of these cities, the one who caused the death will appear before the elders at the city gate and present his case. They must allow him to enter the city and give him a place to live among them. <a href="/esv/joshua/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> He shall flee to one of these cities and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city and explain his case to the elders of that city. Then they shall take him into the city and give him a place, and he shall remain with them. <a href="/bsb/joshua/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/joshua/20.htm">King James Bible</a> And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. <a href="/nkjv/joshua/20.htm">New King James Version</a> And when he flees to one of those cities, and stands at the entrance of the gate of the city, and declares his case in the hearing of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city as one of them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. <a href="/nasb_/joshua/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then he shall flee to one of these cities, and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city, and state his case in the presence of the elders of that city; and they shall receive him into the city to them and give him a place, so that he may remain among them. <a href="/nasb/joshua/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8216He shall flee to one of these cities, and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city and state his case in the hearing of the elders of that city; and they shall take him into the city to them and give him a place, so that he may dwell among them. <a href="/nasb77/joshua/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> ‘And he shall flee to one of these cities, and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city and state his case in the hearing of the elders of that city; and they shall take him into the city to them and give him a place, so that he may dwell among them. <a href="/lsb/joshua/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And he shall flee to one of these cities and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city and speak his case in the hearing of the elders of that city; and they shall take him into the city to them and give him a place, so that he may live among them. <a href="/amp/joshua/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> He shall flee to one of these cities, and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city and explain his case to the elders of that city; and they shall take him into [the protection of] the city and give him a place [to stay], so that he may live among them. <a href="/csb/joshua/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When someone flees to one of these cities, stands at the entrance of the city gate, and states his case before the elders of that city, they are to bring him into the city and give him a place to live among them. <a href="/hcsb/joshua/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When someone flees to one of these cities, stands at the entrance of the city gate, and states his case before the elders of that city, they are to bring him into the city and give him a place to live among them. <a href="/asv/joshua/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> And he shall flee unto one of those cities, and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city, and declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city; and they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. <a href="/erv/joshua/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> And he shall flee unto one of those cities, and shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city; and they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. <a href="/gwt/joshua/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> " 'A person who kills someone accidentally can run to one of these cities. There he will stand at the entrance to the city, where court is held, and present his case to the leaders of that city. Then they will take him into their city and give him a place to live with them. <a href="/gnt/joshua/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> You can run away to one of these cities, go to the place of judgment at the entrance to the city, and explain to the leaders what happened. Then they will let you into the city and give you a place to live in, so that you can stay there. <a href="/isv/joshua/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> He may run to one of those cities, stand at the entrance to the city gate, and tell his side of the story to the elders of the city. They are to bring him inside the city with them and provide him a place to live among them. <a href="/msb/joshua/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/joshua/20.htm">NET Bible</a> The one who committed manslaughter should escape to one of these cities, stand at the entrance of the city gate, and present his case to the leaders of that city. They should then bring him into the city, give him a place to stay, and let him live there. <a href="/nheb/joshua/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He shall flee to one of those cities, and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city, and declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city. They shall take him into the city with them, and give him a place, that he may live among them. <a href="/wbt/joshua/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And when he that doth flee to one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city to them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. <a href="/web/joshua/20.htm">World English Bible</a> He shall flee to one of those cities, and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city, and declare his case in the ears of the elders of that city. They shall take him into the city with them, and give him a place, that he may live among them. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/joshua/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> When [one] has fled to one of these cities, and has stood [at] the opening of the gate of the city, and has spoken his matter in the ears of [the] elderly of that city, then they have gathered him into the city to them, and have given a place to him, and he has dwelt with them. <a href="/ylt/joshua/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> When one hath fled unto one of these cities, and hath stood at the opening of the gate of the city, and hath spoken in the ears of the elders of that city his matter, then they have gathered him into the city unto them, and have given to him a place, and he hath dwelt with them. <a href="/slt/joshua/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he fled to one of these cities and stood at the door of the gate of the city, and spake in the ears of the old men of that city, his words, and they received him into the city to them, and they gave to him a place, and he dwelt with them.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/joshua/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when he shall flee to one of these cities: he shall stand before the gate of the city, and shall speak to the ancients of that city, such things as prove him innocent: and so shall they receive him, and give him a place to dwell in. <a href="/cpdv/joshua/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And when he will have fled to one of these cities, he shall stand before the gate of the city, and he shall speak to the ancients of that city, the things that prove him innocent. And so shall they receive him, and give him a place in which to live. <a href="/nabre/joshua/20.htm">New American Bible</a> To one of these cities the killer shall flee, and standing at the entrance of the city gate, shall plead his case in the hearing of the elders of the city, who must receive him and assign him a place in which to live among them. <a href="/nrsvce/joshua/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The slayer shall flee to one of these cities and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city, and explain the case to the elders of that city; then the fugitive shall be taken into the city, and given a place, and shall remain with them.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/joshua/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And when he that shall flee to one of these cities shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city, and shall speak to the elders of that city and explain his case, they shall take him into the city with them and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. <a href="/hpbt/joshua/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And he will flee into one of these cities and he shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city and he shall speak before the Elders of that city, and he shall speak his words to them in the city and they will give to him a place to dwell with them<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/joshua/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And he shall flee unto one of those cities, and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city, and declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city; and they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. <a href="/parallel/joshua/20-4.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/p91zXIGB0Rk?start=5170" 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/joshua/20.htm">Six Cities of Refuge</a> …3so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood. 4<a href="/hebrew/5127.htm" title="5127: wə·nās (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To flee, escape. A primitive root; to flit, i.e. Vanish away.">When someone flees</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: ’a·ḥaṯ (Number-fs) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">one</a> <a href="/hebrew/428.htm" title="428: hā·’êl·leh (Art:: Pro-cp) -- These. Prolonged from 'el; these or those.">of these</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: mê·he·‘ā·rîm (Prep-m, Art:: N-fp) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">cities,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: wə·‘ā·maḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">stands</a> <a href="/hebrew/6607.htm" title="6607: pe·ṯaḥ (N-msc) -- Opening, doorway, entrance. From pathach; an opening, i.e. Door or entrance way.">at the entrance</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: hā·‘îr (Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">of the city</a> <a href="/hebrew/8179.htm" title="8179: ša·‘ar (N-msc) -- A gate. From sha'ar in its original sense; an opening, i.e. Door or gate.">gate,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: wə·ḏib·ber (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">and states</a> <a href="/hebrew/241.htm" title="241: bə·’ā·zə·nê (Prep-b:: N-fdc) -- An ear. From 'azan; broadness. I.e. the ear."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: də·ḇā·rāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">his case</a> <a href="/hebrew/2205.htm" title="2205: ziq·nê (Adj-mpc) -- Old. From zaqen; old.">before its elders,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: ha·hî (Art:: Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. "></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/5892.htm" title="5892: hā·‘îr- (Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense."></a> <a href="/hebrew/622.htm" title="622: wə·’ā·sə·p̄ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To gather, remove. A primitive root; to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e. Remove.">they are to bring</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯōw (DirObjM:: 3ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">him</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: hā·‘î·rāh (Art:: N-fs:: 3fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">into the city</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: wə·nā·ṯə·nū- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">and give</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">him</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/3427.htm" title="3427: wə·yā·šaḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">to live</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·mām (Prep:: 3mp) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">among them.</a> 5Now 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.…<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="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Deuteronomy 19:4-5</a> 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: / If 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. <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/35-22.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="/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Deuteronomy 4:41-43</a> 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. <a href="/hebrews/6-18.htm">Hebrews 6:18</a> 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. <a href="/acts/17-31.htm">Acts 17:31</a> For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.” <a href="/psalms/46-1.htm">Psalm 46:1</a> 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. <a href="/isaiah/25-4.htm">Isaiah 25:4</a> For You have been a refuge for the poor, a stronghold for the needy in distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like rain against a wall, <a href="/1_john/1-9.htm">1 John 1:9</a> If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. <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="/romans/8-1.htm">Romans 8:1</a> Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. <a href="/galatians/3-13.htm">Galatians 3:13</a> Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” <a href="/1_corinthians/6-11.htm">1 Corinthians 6:11</a> And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. <a href="/hebrews/10-19.htm">Hebrews 10:19-22</a> Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, / by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body, / and since we have a great priest over the house of God, ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And when he that does flee to one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city to them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them.at the entering<a href="/revelation/4-1.htm">Revelation 4:1,2</a> After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter… <a href="/job/5-4.htm">Job 5:4</a> His children are far from safety, and they are crushed in the gate, neither is there any to deliver them.<a href="/job/29-7.htm">Job 29:7</a> When I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street!take<a href="/psalms/26-9.htm">Psalm 26:9</a> Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men:that he may<a href="/hebrews/6-18.htm">Hebrews 6:18</a> That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/40-15.htm">Admit</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-1.htm">Case</a> <a href="/joshua/18-1.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/joshua/20-2.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/joshua/19-50.htm">City</a> <a href="/joshua/7-19.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/joshua/17-16.htm">Dwell</a> <a href="/joshua/9-9.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/joshua/9-11.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/joshua/18-3.htm">Entering</a> <a href="/joshua/13-5.htm">Entrance</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-7.htm">Explain</a> <a href="/joshua/11-1.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/joshua/18-5.htm">Live</a> <a href="/joshua/10-19.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/exodus/14-27.htm">State</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/27-5.htm">Admit</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-4.htm">Case</a> <a href="/joshua/20-5.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/joshua/20-9.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/joshua/20-6.htm">City</a> <a href="/judges/4-12.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/joshua/20-6.htm">Dwell</a> <a href="/judges/7-3.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/joshua/23-2.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/joshua/23-1.htm">Entering</a> <a href="/judges/1-24.htm">Entrance</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-3.htm">Explain</a> <a href="/joshua/22-12.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/judges/1-16.htm">Live</a> <a href="/joshua/20-6.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-7.htm">State</a><div class="vheading2">Joshua 20</div>1. <a href="/joshua/20-1.htm">God commands</a> 7. <a href="/joshua/20-7.htm">and the children of Israel appoint the six cities of refuge</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/joshua/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/joshua/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>When someone flees to one of these cities The cities referred to are the cities of refuge, established by God through Moses and Joshua as places where individuals who committed unintentional manslaughter could seek asylum. This provision is found in <a href="/numbers/35-9.htm">Numbers 35:9-15</a> and <a href="/deuteronomy/19.htm">Deuteronomy 19:1-13</a>. The concept underscores God's justice and mercy, providing protection for those who accidentally caused death, distinguishing between murder and manslaughter. These cities were strategically located throughout Israel to be accessible to all, symbolizing God's provision and care for His people.stands at the entrance of the city gate The city gate was a place of legal transactions and public affairs in ancient Israelite society. It was here that elders and leaders would gather to make judgments and decisions. This setting emphasizes the formal and legal nature of the asylum request. The gate served as a place of justice, where the fugitive would present his case, reflecting the importance of due process and the rule of law in Israelite culture.and states his case before its elders The elders were respected leaders and judges within the community, responsible for maintaining justice and order. By stating his case, the fugitive had the opportunity to explain the circumstances of the accidental death, ensuring that his actions were not premeditated. This process highlights the biblical principle of fair hearing and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, aligning with the broader scriptural theme of justice and righteousness.they are to bring him into the city Once the elders determined the validity of the fugitive's claim, they were to offer him protection by bringing him into the city. This act of acceptance into the city of refuge symbolizes God's provision of safety and sanctuary. It reflects the biblical theme of God as a refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (<a href="/psalms/46.htm">Psalm 46:1</a>).and give him a place to live among them The provision of a place to live indicates not only protection but also integration into the community. The fugitive was to be treated with dignity and respect, living among the people of the city. This reflects the biblical call to love and care for the stranger and the sojourner, as seen in <a href="/leviticus/19-34.htm">Leviticus 19:34</a>. It also prefigures the New Testament teaching of the church as a community of believers, offering refuge and acceptance to all who seek it in Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/c/cities_of_refuge.htm">Cities of Refuge</a> Designated cities where individuals who committed unintentional manslaughter could seek asylum and receive a fair trial. 2. <a href="/topical/e/elders_of_the_city.htm">Elders of the City</a> Leaders responsible for hearing the case of the fugitive and deciding whether to grant asylum. 3. <a href="/topical/f/fugitive.htm">Fugitive</a> The person who accidentally caused a death and seeks refuge to avoid revenge from the victim's family. 4. <a href="/topical/c/city_gate.htm">City Gate</a> The place where legal matters and community decisions were often made in ancient Israelite society. 5. <a href="/topical/a/asylum_process.htm">Asylum Process</a> The procedure by which the fugitive presents his case to the elders and is granted temporary protection.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/j/justice_and_mercy.htm">Justice and Mercy</a> The cities of refuge illustrate God's balance of justice and mercy, providing protection while ensuring accountability. <a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a> The role of the elders highlights the importance of community involvement in upholding justice and offering support. <a href="/topical/s/seeking_refuge_in_god.htm">Seeking Refuge in God</a> Just as the fugitive sought refuge in the city, believers are encouraged to seek refuge in God through Christ. <a href="/topical/i/intentional_vs._unintentional_sin.htm">Intentional vs. Unintentional Sin</a> The distinction between intentional and unintentional acts calls us to examine our own actions and seek forgiveness where needed. <a href="/topical/w/welcoming_the_stranger.htm">Welcoming the Stranger</a> The command to admit the fugitive into the city challenges us to be welcoming and compassionate to those seeking help.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_joshua_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Joshua 20</a> <a href="/q/why_need_refuge_cities_if_god_stops_injustice.htm">Why would a just God need these specific cities of refuge in Joshua 20 if He could prevent unjust killings in the first place? </a> <a href="/q/how_reconcile_joshua_20's_mercy_with_6's_violence.htm">How can the compassionate approach to accidental killers in Joshua 20 be reconciled with the violent conquests described earlier, such as in Joshua 6? </a> <a href="/q/does_stoning_a_son_conflict_with_'do_not_murder'.htm">Deuteronomy 21:18-21: Does the mandate to stone a rebellious son conflict with the commandment against murder (Exodus 20:13)?</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><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/joshua/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities. This passage is in accordance with the instructions given in <a href="/numbers/35.htm">Numbers 35</a>, but is not a quotation from it. The passage may be translated, "and he shall flee ... and shall stand." Shall declare his cause. Literally, shall speak. This was to be clone at the "gate of the city," the place where all legal business was transacted (see <a href="/ruth/4-1.htm">Ruth 4:1</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/15-2.htm">2 Samuel 15:2</a>). <a href="/commentaries/joshua/20-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>When someone flees וְנָ֞ס (wə·nās) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5127.htm">Strong's 5127: </a> To flit, vanish away to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to one אַחַ֣ת ׀ (’a·ḥaṯ) Number - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> United, one, first of these הָאֵ֗לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh) Article | Pronoun - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_428.htm">Strong's 428: </a> These, those cities, מֵהֶעָרִ֣ים (mê·he·‘ā·rîm) Preposition-m, Article | Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement stands וְעָמַד֙ (wə·‘ā·maḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> To stand, in various relations at the entrance פֶּ֚תַח (pe·ṯaḥ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6607.htm">Strong's 6607: </a> An opening, door, entrance way of the gate שַׁ֣עַר (ša·‘ar) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8179.htm">Strong's 8179: </a> An opening, door, gate of the city, הָעִ֔יר (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement and states וְדִבֶּ֛ר (wə·ḏib·ber) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue his case דְּבָרָ֑יו (də·ḇā·rāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause before [its] elders, זִקְנֵ֥י־ (ziq·nê) Adjective - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2205.htm">Strong's 2205: </a> Old they are to bring וְאָסְפ֨וּ (wə·’ā·sə·p̄ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_622.htm">Strong's 622: </a> To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, remove him into the city הָעִ֙ירָה֙ (hā·‘î·rāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement and give וְנָתְנוּ־ (wə·nā·ṯə·nū-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set him a place מָק֖וֹם (mā·qō·wm) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4725.htm">Strong's 4725: </a> A standing, a spot, a condition to live וְיָשַׁ֥ב (wə·yā·šaḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry among them. עִמָּֽם׃ (‘im·mām) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/20-4.htm">Joshua 20:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/joshua/20-4.htm">Joshua 20:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/joshua/20-4.htm">Joshua 20:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/joshua/20-4.htm">Joshua 20:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/joshua/20-4.htm">Joshua 20:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/20-4.htm">Joshua 20:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/20-4.htm">Joshua 20:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/20-4.htm">Joshua 20:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/20-4.htm">Joshua 20:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/joshua/20-4.htm">Joshua 20:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/joshua/20-4.htm">OT History: Joshua 20:4 He shall flee to one of those (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/20-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 20:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 20:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/20-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 20:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 20:5" /></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>