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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.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/19-11.htm" title="Deuteronomy 19:11">◄</a> Deuteronomy 19:12 <a href="/deuteronomy/19-13.htm" title="Deuteronomy 19:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/19.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/19.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />the killer shall be sent for by the town elders, be brought back from the city, and be handed over to the avenger of blood to die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/19.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />In that case, the elders of the murderer’s hometown must send agents to the city of refuge to bring him back and hand him over to the dead person’s avenger to be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/19.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />then the elders of his city shall send and take him from there, and hand him over to the avenger of blood, so that he may die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />the elders of his city must send for him, bring him back, and hand him over to the avenger of blood to die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/19.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/19.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />then the elders of his city shall send and bring him from there, and deliver him over to the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />then the elders of his city shall send <i>men</i> and take him from there, and hand him over to the avenger of blood, so that he may die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/19.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />then the elders of his city shall send and take him from there and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />then the elders of his city shall send and take him from there and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />then the elders of his city shall send and take him from there and give him over into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/deuteronomy/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />then the elders of his own city shall send for him and have him taken back from there and turn him over to the avenger of blood, so that he may be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />the elders of his city are to send for him, take him from there, and hand him over to the avenger of blood and he will die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />the elders of his city must send for him, take him from there, and hand him over to the avenger of blood and he will die. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/deuteronomy/19.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/deuteronomy/19.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If that happens, the leaders of your town must send messengers to bring you back from the Safe Town. They will hand you over to one of the victim's relatives, who will put you to death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/deuteronomy/19.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If someone does this, the leaders of your city must send for that person. They must take him from that city and hand him over to the relative who has the authority to avenge the death. He must die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />In that case, the leaders of your own town are to send for you and hand you over to the relative responsible for taking revenge for the murder, so that you may be put to death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/deuteronomy/19.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />then the elders of his own city shall send for him, remove him from there, and deliver him to the related avenger for execution. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />the elders of his city must send for him, bring him back, and hand him over to the avenger of blood to die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/19.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The elders of his own city must send for him and remove him from there to deliver him over to the blood avenger to die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />then the elders of his city shall send and bring him there, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then the elders of his city shall send and bring him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/deuteronomy/19.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />then the elders of his city shall send and bring him there, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and [the] elderly of his city have sent and taken him from there, and given him into the hand of the redeemer of blood, and he has died;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> then the elders of his city have sent and taken him from thence, and given him into the hand of the redeemer of blood, and he hath died;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the old men of his city sent and took him from there and gave him into the hand of the nearest relative of blood, and he died.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The ancients of his city shall send, and take him out of the place of refuge, and shall deliver him into the hand of the kinsman of him whose blood was shed, and he shall die. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />the elders of his city shall send, and they shall take him from the place of refuge, and they shall deliver him into the hand of the relative of him whose blood was shed, and he shall die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/19.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />the elders of the killer’s own city shall send and have the killer taken from there, to be handed over to the avenger of blood and slain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />then the elders of the killer’s city shall send to have the culprit taken from there and handed over to the avenger of blood to be put to death.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him from there, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, and he shall slay him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The Elders of his town shall send and they shall take him from there and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood and they shall kill him.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/19.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/deuteronomy/19.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />then shall the elders of his city send, and take him thence, and they shall deliver him into the hands of the avengers of blood, and he shall die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/19-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=5379" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Cities of Refuge</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>If, however, a man hates his neighbor and lies in wait, attacks him and kills him, and then flees to one of these cities, <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2205.htm" title="2205: ziq·nê (Adj-mpc) -- Old. From zaqen; old.">the elders</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: ‘î·rōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">of his city</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: wə·šā·lə·ḥū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">must send for him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: wə·lā·qə·ḥū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">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/8033.htm" title="8033: miš·šām (Prep-m:: Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">back,</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 hand him over to</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯōw (DirObjM:: 3ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yaḏ (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)"></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/4191.htm" title="4191: wā·mêṯ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">to die.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>You must show him no pity. You are to purge from Israel the guilt of shedding innocent blood, that it may go well with you.…<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/35-19.htm">Numbers 35:19-21</a></span><br />The avenger of blood is to put the murderer to death; when he finds him, he is to kill him. / Likewise, if anyone maliciously pushes another or intentionally throws an object at him and kills him, / or if in hostility he strikes him with his hand and he dies, the one who struck him must surely be put to death; he is a murderer. When the avenger of blood finds the murderer, he is to kill him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Joshua 20:3-6</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/21-12.htm">Exodus 21:12-14</a></span><br />Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death. / 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. / But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/35-24.htm">Numbers 35:24-25</a></span><br />then the congregation must judge between the slayer and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances. / The assembly is to protect the manslayer from the hand of the avenger of blood. Then the assembly will return him to the city of refuge to which he fled, and he must live there until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil.<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="/numbers/35-11.htm">Numbers 35:11-12</a></span><br />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.<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="/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="/romans/13-4.htm">Romans 13:4</a></span><br />For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">Matthew 5:21-22</a></span><br />You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ / But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/25-11.htm">Acts 25:11</a></span><br />If, however, I am guilty of anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if there is no truth to their accusations against me, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/10-28.htm">Hebrews 10:28</a></span><br />Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-15.htm">1 John 3:15</a></span><br />Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-52.htm">Matthew 26:52</a></span><br />“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/13-10.htm">Revelation 13:10</a></span><br />“If anyone is destined for captivity, into captivity he will go; if anyone is to die by the sword, by the sword he must be killed.” Here is a call for the perseverance and faith of the saints.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him there, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/2-5.htm">1 Kings 2:5,6,28-34</a></b></br> Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, <i>and</i> what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that <i>was</i> about his loins, and in his shoes that <i>were</i> on his feet… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Avenger</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-10.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-5.htm">City</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-11.htm">Death</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-24.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-11.htm">Die</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-20.htm">Died</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-23.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-5.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-6.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/numbers/35-27.htm">Redeemer</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-10.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-3.htm">Right</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/10-7.htm">Thence</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Avenger</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-13.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">City</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-13.htm">Death</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-14.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-5.htm">Die</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-21.htm">Died</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-2.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-21.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-18.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/joshua/20-5.htm">Redeemer</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-2.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-9.htm">Right</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-8.htm">Thence</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 19</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-1.htm">The cities of refuge</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">The privilege thereof for the manslayer</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-14.htm">The landmark is not to be removed</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">At least two witnesses are required</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-16.htm">the punishment of a false witness</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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They were responsible for maintaining justice and order, often serving as judges in legal matters. This reflects the communal nature of Israelite society, where local governance was crucial. The role of elders is seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in <a href="/ruth/4-2.htm">Ruth 4:2</a>, where they witness Boaz's redemption of Ruth, and in <a href="/numbers/11-16.htm">Numbers 11:16</a>, where they assist Moses in leading the people.<p><b>must send for him</b><br>This phrase indicates a legal obligation, emphasizing the importance of justice and due process in Israelite law. The elders were required to act in accordance with the law, ensuring that the accused was brought to trial. This reflects the broader biblical theme of justice, as seen in <a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a>, which calls for justice, mercy, and humility.<p><b>bring him back</b><br>The act of bringing the accused back to the city underscores the seriousness of the crime and the need for accountability. It also highlights the community's role in upholding the law. This process ensured that justice was not left to personal vendettas but was handled within the legal framework established by God, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/16-18.htm">Deuteronomy 16:18-20</a>, which commands the appointment of judges and officials to administer justice.<p><b>and hand him over to the avenger of blood</b><br>The "avenger of blood" was typically a close relative of the deceased, responsible for executing justice on behalf of the family. This practice was part of the ancient Near Eastern legal system, where family honor and retribution were significant. The concept of the avenger of blood is also addressed in <a href="/numbers/35-19.htm">Numbers 35:19</a>, which provides guidelines for cities of refuge to protect those who killed unintentionally.<p><b>to die</b><br>The death penalty for murder reflects the sanctity of life as established in <a href="/genesis/9-6.htm">Genesis 9:6</a>, where God declares that whoever sheds human blood must have their blood shed. This principle underscores the seriousness of taking a life and the need for justice. It also points to the ultimate justice and redemption found in Jesus Christ, who, through His death and resurrection, offers forgiveness and life to all who believe, fulfilling the law's demands for justice and mercy.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/elders_of_the_city.htm">Elders of the City</a></b><br>These are the leaders or judges responsible for maintaining justice and order within the community. They play a crucial role in ensuring that the laws given by God are upheld.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_city_of_refuge.htm">The City of Refuge</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the context involves cities of refuge where someone who committed unintentional manslaughter could flee for safety until a fair trial.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/avenger_of_blood.htm">Avenger of Blood</a></b><br>This person is typically a close relative of the deceased, responsible for ensuring justice by avenging the death of their family member, according to ancient customs.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_accused.htm">The Accused</a></b><br>The individual who has fled to the city of refuge after committing manslaughter, seeking protection from the avenger of blood.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_act_of_deliverance.htm">The Act of Deliverance</a></b><br>The process by which the elders hand over the accused to the avenger of blood if found guilty of intentional murder.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/j/justice_and_mercy.htm">Justice and Mercy</a></b><br>The system of cities of refuge highlights the balance between justice and mercy. While justice demands accountability, mercy provides protection for those who acted unintentionally.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_community_leaders.htm">Role of Community Leaders</a></b><br>The elders' responsibility underscores the importance of wise and fair leadership in maintaining justice. Leaders today are called to uphold truth and righteousness in their communities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_provision_for_safety.htm">God's Provision for Safety</a></b><br>The cities of refuge symbolize God's provision for safety and due process, reminding us of His care for both justice and compassion.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_seriousness_of_life_and_death.htm">The Seriousness of Life and Death</a></b><br>This passage reflects the gravity of taking a life and the serious consequences that follow, urging us to value and respect life as God does.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/forgiveness_and_vengeance.htm">Forgiveness and Vengeance</a></b><br>While the Old Testament law allowed for an avenger of blood, the New Testament calls believers to forgive and trust God for ultimate justice, challenging us to live out this principle in our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_19.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 19</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/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/who's_the_avenger_of_blood.htm">Who is the Avenger of Blood in the Bible?</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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_doesn't_david_punish_joab.htm">2 Samuel 3:27–30: Why doesn’t David punish Joab immediately for murdering Abner if he truly opposes the act? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/19-12.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">the elders</span><br /><span class="heb">זִקְנֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(ziq·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2205.htm">Strong's 2205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Old</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of his city</span><br /><span class="heb">עִיר֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(‘î·rōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">must send for him,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשָֽׁלְחוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(wə·šā·lə·ḥū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">bring</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלָקְח֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lā·qə·ḥū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">him</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹת֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Direct object marker | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><br /><span class="word">back,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשָּׁ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(miš·šām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> </span><span class="str2">There, then, thither</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and hand him over to</span><br /><span class="heb">וְנָתְנ֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·nā·ṯə·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the avenger</span><br /><span class="heb">גֹּאֵ֥ל</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">הַדָּ֖ם</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">to die.</span><br /><span class="heb">וָמֵֽת׃</span> <span class="translit">(wā·mêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/19-12.htm">Deuteronomy 19:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/19-12.htm">Deuteronomy 19:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/19-12.htm">Deuteronomy 19:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/19-12.htm">Deuteronomy 19:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/19-12.htm">Deuteronomy 19:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/19-12.htm">Deuteronomy 19:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/19-12.htm">Deuteronomy 19:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/19-12.htm">Deuteronomy 19:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/19-12.htm">Deuteronomy 19:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/19-12.htm">Deuteronomy 19:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/19-12.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 19:12 Then the elders of his city shall (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 19:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 19:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 19:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 19:13" /></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>