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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 20:5 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/joshua/20-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/06_Jos_20_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Joshua 20:5 - Six Cities of Refuge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><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'; 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because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/joshua/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then if the avenger of blood pursues him, they shall not deliver the slayer into his hand, because he struck his neighbor unintentionally, but did not hate him beforehand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/joshua/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now if the avenger of blood pursues him, then they are not to hand the one who committed manslaughter over to him, since he struck his neighbor without premeditation and did not hate him previously.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/joshua/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8216Now if the avenger of blood pursues him, then they shall not deliver the manslayer into his hand, because he struck his neighbor without premeditation and did not hate him beforehand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/joshua/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />‘Now if the avenger of blood pursues him, then they shall not deliver the manslayer into his hand, because he struck his neighbor without premeditation and did not hate him beforehand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/joshua/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now if the avenger of blood pursues him, then they shall not surrender the manslayer into his hand because he struck his neighbor without premeditation and did not hate him beforehand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/joshua/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />If the blood avenger pursues him, they shall not hand the offender (manslayer) over to him, because he killed his neighbor unintentionally <i>and</i> without premeditation and did not hate him beforehand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/joshua/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And if the avenger of blood pursues him, they must not hand the one who committed manslaughter over to him, for he killed his neighbor accidentally and did not hate him beforehand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/joshua/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And if the avenger of blood pursues him, they must not hand the one who committed manslaughter over to him, for he killed his neighbor accidentally and did not hate him beforehand. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/joshua/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver up the manslayer into his hand; because he smote his neighbor unawares, and hated him not beforetime.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/joshua/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />One of the victim's relatives might come to the town, looking for revenge. But the town leaders must not simply hand over the person accused of murder. After all, the accused and the victim had been neighbors, not enemies. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/joshua/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver up the manslayer into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unawares, and hated him not beforetime.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/joshua/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />" 'If the relative who can avenge the death pursues him, the leaders must not hand him over to the relative because he didn't intend to kill the other person. He didn't even hate the person he killed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/joshua/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If the one looking for revenge follows you there, the people of the city must not hand you over to that one. They must protect you because you killed the person accidentally and not out of anger. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/joshua/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Now if the closely related avenger pursues him, then they are not to hand the killer over to him, because he killed his neighbor without premeditation and without hating him beforehand. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/joshua/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/joshua/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When the avenger of blood comes after him, they must not hand over to him the one who committed manslaughter, for he accidentally killed his fellow man without premeditation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/joshua/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />If the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver up the manslayer into his hand; because he struck his neighbor unintentionally, and did not hate him before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/joshua/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And if the avenger of blood shall pursue him, then they shall not deliver the slayer into his hand; because he smote his neighbor ignorantly, and had not hated him before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/joshua/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />If the avenger of blood pursues him, then they shall not deliver up the man slayer into his hand; because he struck his neighbor unintentionally, and didn’t hate him before. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/joshua/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And when the redeemer of blood pursues after him, then they do not shut up the manslayer into his hand, for he has struck his neighbor without knowledge, and is not hating him until now;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/joshua/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'And when the redeemer of blood doth pursue after him, then they do not shut up the man-slayer into his hand, for without knowledge he hath smitten his neighbour, and is not hating him hitherto;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/joshua/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And if the nearest relation of blood shall pursue after him, and they shall not deliver over the slayer into his hand; for without knowing he smote his friend, and he hated him not from yesterday the third day.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/joshua/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when the avenger of blood shall pursue him, they shall not deliver him into his hands, because he slew his neighbour unawares, and is not proved to have been his enemy two or three days before. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/joshua/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And if the avenger of blood will have pursued him, they shall not deliver him into his hands. For he struck down his neighbor unknowingly, one who was not proven to have been his enemy two or three days before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/joshua/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Though the avenger of blood pursues him, they shall not deliver up to him the one who killed a neighbor unintentionally, when there had been no hatred previously.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/joshua/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And if the avenger of blood is in pursuit, they shall not give up the slayer, because the neighbor was killed by mistake, there having been no enmity between them before.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/joshua/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And when the avenger of blood pursues him, then they shall not deliver the slayer into his hand; because he slew his neighbor unwittingly, and did not hate him beforehand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/joshua/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And they shall take him in when the seeker of vengeance of blood will chase after him and they shall not deliver the slayer into his hands, because unknowingly he struck his neighbor and was not hating him from former days<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/joshua/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver up the manslayer into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unawares, and hated him not beforetime.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/joshua/20-5.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/p91zXIGB0Rk?start=5184" 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/joshua/20.htm">Six Cities of Refuge</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>When someone flees to one of these cities, stands at the entrance of the city gate, and states his case before its elders, they are to bring him into the city and give him a place to live among them. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: wə·ḵî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">Now if</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/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after."></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).">pursues him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">they must not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5462.htm" title="5462: yas·gi·rū (V-Hifil-Imperf-3mp) -- To shut, close. A primitive root; to shut up; figuratively, to surrender.">surrender</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/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yā·ḏōw (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">into his hand,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: hik·kāh (V-Hifil-Perf-3ms) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">that man killed</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/7453.htm" title="7453: rê·‘ê·hū (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Friend, companion, fellow. Or reya2; from ra'ah; an associate.">his neighbor</a> <a href="/hebrew/1097.htm" title="1097: ḇiḇ·lî- (Prep-b:: Adv) -- From balah; properly, failure, i.e. Nothing or destruction; usually without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc.">accidentally</a> <a href="/hebrew/1847.htm" title="1847: ḏa·‘aṯ (N-fs) -- Knowledge. From yada'; knowledge."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">without</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.">prior</a> <a href="/hebrew/8130.htm" title="8130: śō·nê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To hate. A primitive root; to hate.">malice.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>He is to stay in that city until he stands trial before the assembly and until the death of the high priest serving at that time. Then the manslayer may return to his own home in the city from which he fled.”…<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/35-22.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/19-4.htm">Deuteronomy 19:4-6</a></span><br />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. / 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/21-13.htm">Exodus 21:13</a></span><br />If, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/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</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/14-11.htm">2 Samuel 14:11</a></span><br />“Please,” she replied, “may the king invoke the LORD your God to prevent the avenger of blood from increasing the devastation, so that my son may not be destroyed!” “As surely as the LORD lives,” he vowed, “not a hair of your son’s head will fall to the ground.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-12.htm">1 Samuel 24:12</a></span><br />May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD take vengeance on you, but my hand will never be against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-10.htm">1 Samuel 26:10</a></span><br />David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish.<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="/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="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a></span><br />Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/10-30.htm">Hebrews 10:30</a></span><br />For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.”<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="/acts/22-19.htm">Acts 22:19-20</a></span><br />‘Lord,’ I answered, ‘they know very well that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in You. / 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.’</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbor unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/35-12.htm">Numbers 35:12,25</a></b></br> 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… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Aforethought</a> <a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Avenger</a> <a href="/jude/1-17.htm">Beforehand</a> <a href="/joshua/15-15.htm">Beforetime</a> <a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/joshua/20-4.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/joshua/13-22.htm">Death</a> <a href="/joshua/11-6.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-12.htm">Designing</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-42.htm">Enmity</a> <a href="/joshua/20-2.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-11.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/24-3.htm">Hated</a> <a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Ignorantly</a> <a href="/joshua/13-22.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Malice</a> <a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Manslayer</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/27-24.htm">Neighbor</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/27-24.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/27-24.htm">Neighbour's</a> <a href="/joshua/16-6.htm">Past</a> <a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Premeditation</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Previously</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-43.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/joshua/10-19.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-37.htm">Pursues</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-12.htm">Redeemer</a> <a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Right</a> <a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Slayer</a> <a href="/joshua/19-47.htm">Smote</a> <a href="/joshua/19-47.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-24.htm">Surrender</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-3.htm">Taker</a> <a href="/joshua/14-15.htm">Times</a> <a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Unawares</a> <a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Unintentionally</a> <a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Unwittingly</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/35-20.htm">Aforethought</a> <a href="/joshua/20-9.htm">Avenger</a> <a href="/job/41-11.htm">Beforehand</a> <a href="/judges/1-10.htm">Beforetime</a> <a href="/joshua/20-9.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/joshua/22-25.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/joshua/20-6.htm">Death</a> <a href="/joshua/24-10.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-9.htm">Designing</a> <a href="/psalms/81-12.htm">Enmity</a> <a href="/joshua/20-9.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/judges/11-7.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/judges/11-7.htm">Hated</a> <a href="/acts/17-23.htm">Ignorantly</a> <a href="/judges/3-29.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/job/6-30.htm">Malice</a> <a href="/joshua/20-6.htm">Manslayer</a> <a href="/ruth/4-7.htm">Neighbor</a> <a href="/ruth/4-7.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/job/31-9.htm">Neighbour's</a> <a href="/judges/3-26.htm">Past</a> <a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Premeditation</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-11.htm">Previously</a> <a href="/joshua/22-17.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/joshua/23-10.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/psalms/143-3.htm">Pursues</a> <a href="/ruth/3-9.htm">Redeemer</a> <a href="/joshua/23-6.htm">Right</a> <a href="/joshua/20-6.htm">Slayer</a> <a href="/judges/1-4.htm">Smote</a> <a href="/judges/1-4.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/judges/20-13.htm">Surrender</a> <a href="/joshua/21-13.htm">Taker</a> <a href="/judges/1-10.htm">Times</a> <a href="/joshua/20-9.htm">Unawares</a> <a href="/joshua/20-9.htm">Unintentionally</a> <a href="/leviticus/4-22.htm">Unwittingly</a><div class="vheading2">Joshua 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/20-1.htm">God commands</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/20-7.htm">and the children of Israel appoint the six cities of refuge</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/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><b>Now if the avenger of blood pursues him</b><br>In ancient Israel, the "avenger of blood" was typically a close relative of a person who had been killed, tasked with avenging the death. This practice is rooted in the cultural and legal traditions of the time, where family honor and justice were paramount. The concept of the avenger of blood is also seen in <a href="/numbers/35-19.htm">Numbers 35:19</a>, which outlines the role and responsibilities of this individual. The pursuit indicates a legal and familial obligation to seek justice, reflecting the societal norms of retribution.<p><b>they must not surrender the manslayer into his hand</b><br>The cities of refuge were established to provide protection for those who had killed someone unintentionally. This command underscores the importance of due process and the protection of the innocent, even in a society where blood vengeance was common. The refusal to surrender the manslayer emphasizes the sanctity of life and the need for a fair trial, as outlined in <a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Deuteronomy 19:4-6</a>. It reflects God's justice and mercy, ensuring that rash vengeance does not prevail over truth.<p><b>because that man killed his neighbor accidentally</b><br>This phrase highlights the distinction between accidental and premeditated killing. The Hebrew law made a clear differentiation between murder and manslaughter, as seen in <a href="/exodus/21-12.htm">Exodus 21:12-14</a>. The accidental nature of the act is crucial in determining the manslayer's eligibility for refuge. This provision reflects the biblical principle that intent matters in the administration of justice, aligning with God's character as just and fair.<p><b>without prior malice</b><br>The absence of "prior malice" indicates that the act was not premeditated or driven by hatred. This aligns with 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 requirement for no prior malice ensures that only those truly deserving of protection receive it, maintaining the integrity of the justice system. This concept is echoed in the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the importance of the heart's intentions in <a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">Matthew 5:21-22</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/manslayer.htm">Manslayer</a></b><br>An individual who has unintentionally killed another person. In the context of ancient Israel, this person could seek refuge in a city of refuge to avoid retribution from the avenger of blood.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/avenger_of_blood.htm">Avenger of Blood</a></b><br>A family member of the deceased who seeks to avenge the death. This role was part of the ancient justice system, where family members were responsible for avenging wrongs done to their kin.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/cities_of_refuge.htm">Cities of Refuge</a></b><br>Designated cities in ancient Israel where individuals who committed manslaughter could seek asylum. These cities provided protection until a fair trial could be conducted.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/joshua.htm">Joshua</a></b><br>The leader of Israel at the time, responsible for implementing God's laws and ensuring the establishment of cities of refuge as commanded by God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people of Israel, who were given the law regarding cities of refuge as part of their covenant with God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_justice_and_mercy.htm">God's Justice and Mercy</a></b><br>The cities of refuge illustrate God's balance of justice and mercy. While justice demands accountability, mercy provides protection and a fair trial for those who have acted without malice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_sanctity_of_life.htm">The Sanctity of Life</a></b><br>The provision for cities of refuge underscores the value God places on human life, ensuring that even accidental death is treated with seriousness and care.<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 for the manslayer, Christ offers spiritual refuge for sinners. Believers can find safety and forgiveness in Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a></b><br>The system of cities of refuge required community involvement and responsibility, reminding us of our duty to uphold justice and mercy within our communities today.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_joshua_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Joshua 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_infancy_gospels.htm">Who is the Avenger of Blood in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_terrorism.htm">What is the Bible's stance on terrorism?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_joshua_20_1-6_align_with_mosaic_laws.htm">How does the system of protection for manslaughter in Joshua 20:1-6 align or conflict with other Mosaic laws on homicide and justice?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_allow_a_'blood_avenger'_for_accidents.htm">Deuteronomy 19:6: Why would God allow a 'blood avenger' to pursue someone innocent of intentional murder, and where is this justice in historical context?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/joshua/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And if.</span> Or, "and <span class="accented">when." <span class="cmt_word"></span>Deliver</span>. Literally, <span class="accented">cause to shut up</span> (<span class="greek">συγκλείσουσι</span>, LXX.), implying the completeness of the deliverance, from which no escape was possible. <span class="cmt_word">And hated him not before time.</span> Daun, cited in Keil's Commentary here, remarks on the difference between the Jewish law of sanctuary and that of the Greeks and Romans. The former was not designed to save the criminal from the penalty he had deserved, but only the victim of an accident from consequences far exceeding the offence. The Greeks and Romans, on the contrary, provided the real criminal with a mode of escape from a punishment which he had justly merited. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/joshua/20-5.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">Now if</span><br /><span class="heb">וְכִ֨י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the avenger</span><br /><span class="heb">גֹּאֵ֤ל</span> <span class="translit">(gō·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1350.htm">Strong's 1350: </a> </span><span class="str2">To redeem, act as kinsman</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of blood</span><br /><span class="heb">הַדָּם֙</span> <span class="translit">(had·dām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1818.htm">Strong's 1818: </a> </span><span class="str2">Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed</span><br /><br /><span class="word">pursues him,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִרְדֹּ֜ף</span> <span class="translit">(yir·dōp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7291.htm">Strong's 7291: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pursue, chase, persecute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they must not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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">deliver</span><br /><span class="heb">יַסְגִּ֥רוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yas·gi·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5462.htm">Strong's 5462: </a> </span><span class="str2">To shut up, to surrender</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the manslayer</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרֹצֵ֖חַ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·rō·ṣê·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7523.htm">Strong's 7523: </a> </span><span class="str2">To dash in pieces, kill, to murder</span><br /><br /><span class="word">into his hands,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּיָד֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·yā·ḏōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[that man] killed</span><br /><span class="heb">הִכָּ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(hik·kāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his neighbor</span><br /><span class="heb">רֵעֵ֔הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(rê·‘ê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7453.htm">Strong's 7453: </a> </span><span class="str2">Friend, companion, fellow</span><br /><br /><span class="word">accidentally</span><br /><span class="heb">בִבְלִי־</span> <span class="translit">(ḇiḇ·lî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> </span><span class="str2">Failure, nothing, destruction, without, not yet, because not, as long as</span><br /><br /><span class="word">without</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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">prior</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁלְשֽׁוֹם׃</span> <span class="translit">(šil·šō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8032.htm">Strong's 8032: </a> </span><span class="str2">Three days ago, day before, yesterday</span><br /><br /><span class="word">malice.</span><br /><span class="heb">שֹׂנֵ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(śō·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8130.htm">Strong's 8130: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hate</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/20-5.htm">Joshua 20:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/joshua/20-5.htm">Joshua 20:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/joshua/20-5.htm">Joshua 20:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/joshua/20-5.htm">Joshua 20:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/joshua/20-5.htm">Joshua 20:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/20-5.htm">Joshua 20:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/20-5.htm">Joshua 20:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/20-5.htm">Joshua 20:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/20-5.htm">Joshua 20:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/joshua/20-5.htm">Joshua 20:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/joshua/20-5.htm">OT History: Joshua 20:5 If the avenger of blood pursue after (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/20-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 20:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 20:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/20-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 20:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 20:6" /></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>