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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Deuteronomy 19:4 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:</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/19-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/05_Deu_19_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 19:4 - Cities of Refuge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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:" /><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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If anyone kills his neighbor unintentionally without having hated him in the past—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</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:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/19.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And this <i>is</i> the case of the slayer, which shall flee thither, that he may live: Whoso killeth his neighbour ignorantly, whom he hated not in time past;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/19.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“And this <i>is</i> the case of the manslayer who flees there, that he may live: Whoever kills his neighbor unintentionally, not having hated him in time past—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Now this is the case of the one who commits manslaughter, who may flee there and live: when he kills his friend unintentionally, not hating him previously—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/19.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Now this is the case of the manslayer who may flee there and live: when he kills his friend unintentionally, not hating him previously—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Now this is the case of the manslayer who may flee there and live: when he kills his friend unintentionally, not hating him previously—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“Now this is the case of the manslayer who may flee there and live: when he strikes down his friend without premeditation, not hating him previously—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/deuteronomy/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Now this is the case of the offender (manslayer) who may escape there and live [protected from vengeance]: when he kills his neighbor unintentionally, not having hated him previously—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Here is the law concerning a case of someone who kills a person and flees there to save his life, having killed his neighbor accidentally without previously hating him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Here is the law concerning a case of someone who kills a person and flees there to save his life, having killed his neighbor accidentally without previously hating him: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/deuteronomy/19.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And this is the case of the manslayer, that shall flee thither and live: whoso killeth his neighbor unawares, and hated him not in time past;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/deuteronomy/19.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And this is the case of the manslayer, which shall flee thither and live: whoso killeth his neighbour unawares, and hated him not in time past;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A person who unintentionally kills someone he never hated in the past may run to one of these cities to save his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If you accidentally kill someone who is not your enemy, you may escape to any of these cities and be safe. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/deuteronomy/19.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Now this is the situation for any killer who flees there to live: suppose he strikes his friend unwittingly, not having hated him previously. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</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:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/19.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Now this is the law pertaining to one who flees there in order to live, if he has accidentally killed another without hating him at the time of the accident.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />This is the case of the manslayer, that shall flee there and live: whoever kills his neighbor unawares, and did not hate him in time past;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And this is the case of the slayer, who shall flee thither, that he may live: Whoever killeth his neighbor ignorantly, whom he hated not in time past;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/deuteronomy/19.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />This is the case of the man slayer who shall flee there and live: Whoever kills his neighbor unintentionally, and didn’t hate him in time past— <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And this [is] the matter of the manslayer who flees there, and has lived: he who strikes his neighbor unknowingly, and is not hating him before—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And this is the matter of the man-slayer who fleeth thither, and hath lived: He who smiteth his neighbour unknowingly, and is not hating him heretofore,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And this the word of the slayer which shall flee there, and he lived: whoever shall strike his friend, not knowing, and he hated him not from yesterday the third day;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />This shall be the law of the slayer that fleeth, whose life is to be saved: He that killeth his neighbour ignorantly, and who is proved to have had no hatred against him yesterday and the day before: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />This shall be the law of the killer who flees, whose life is to be saved. Whoever strikes down his neighbor unwillingly, and who has been proven to have had no hatred against him yesterday and the day before,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/19.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />This is the case of a homicide who may take refuge there and live: when someone strikes down a neighbor unintentionally and not out of previous hatred.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Now this is the case of a homicide who might flee there and live, that is, someone who has killed another person unintentionally when the two had not been at enmity before:<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And this is the law in the case of the slayer who kills his neighbor and flees there that he may live, whosoever kills his neighbor unintentionally, whom he hated not in time past;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And this is the right of the killer who killed his neighbor, who lives after he killed his neighbor without it being in his choice, and he had not hated him from yesterday or from the day before yesterday;<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/19.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And this is the case of the manslayer, that shall flee thither and live: whoso killeth his neighbour unawares, and hated him not in time past;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/deuteronomy/19.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And this shall be the ordinance of the manslayer, who shall flee thither, and shall live, whosoever shall have smitten his neighbour ignorantly, whereas he hated him not in times past.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/19-4.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=5288" 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">3</span>You are to build roads for yourselves and divide into three regions the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that any manslayer can flee to these cities. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: wə·zeh (Conj-w:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">Now this</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: də·ḇar (N-msc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">is the situation</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.">regarding the manslayer</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/5127.htm" title="5127: yā·nūs (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To flee, escape. A primitive root; to flit, i.e. Vanish away.">flees</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām·māh (Adv:: 3fs) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">to one of these cities</a> <a href="/hebrew/2421.htm" title="2421: wā·ḥāy (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To live, to revive. A primitive root; to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive.">to save his life,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: yak·keh (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">having 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: biḇ·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/1931.htm" title="1931: wə·hū (Conj-w:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">without</a> <a href="/hebrew/8130.htm" title="8130: śō·nê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To hate. A primitive root; to hate.">intending to harm</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">him:</a> <a href="/hebrew/8543.htm" title="8543: mit·tə·mōl (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·šōm (Adv) -- Three days ago, day before, yesterday. Or shilshom; from the same as Shelesh; trebly, i.e. day before yesterday."></a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/35-9.htm">Numbers 35:9-15</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, / designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/20-1.htm">Joshua 20:1-6</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Joshua, / “Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, / so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/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/35-22.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="/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="/acts/7-54.htm">Acts 7:54-60</a></span><br />On hearing this, the members of the Sanhedrin were enraged, and they gnashed their teeth at him. / But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. / “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/6-18.htm">Hebrews 6:18</a></span><br />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.<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/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/13-9.htm">Romans 13:9</a></span><br />The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a></span><br />The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.<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="/2_samuel/14-5.htm">2 Samuel 14:5-7</a></span><br />“What troubles you?” the king asked her. “Indeed,” she said, “I am a widow, for my husband is dead. / And your maidservant had two sons who were fighting in the field with no one to separate them, and one struck the other and killed him. / Now the whole clan has risen up against your maidservant and said, ‘Hand over the one who struck down his brother, that we may put him to death for the life of the brother whom he killed. Then we will cut off the heir as well!’ So they would extinguish my one remaining ember by not preserving my husband’s name or posterity on the earth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/14-5.htm">2 Kings 14:5-6</a></span><br />As soon as the kingdom was firmly in his grasp, Amaziah executed the servants who had murdered his father the king. / Yet he did not put the sons of the murderers to death, but acted according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, where the LORD commanded: “Fathers must not be put to death for their children, and children must not be put to death for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And this is the case of the slayer, which shall flee thither, that he may live: Whoever kills his neighbor ignorantly, whom he hated not in time past;</p><p class="hdg">the slayer</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/4-42.htm">Deuteronomy 4:42</a></b></br> That the slayer might flee thither, which should kill his neighbour unawares, and hated him not in times past; and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/35-15.htm">Numbers 35:15-24</a></b></br> These six cities shall be a refuge, <i>both</i> for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Deuteronomy 19:6</a></b></br> Lest the avenger of the blood pursue the slayer, while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and slay him; whereas he <i>was</i> not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/31-2.htm">Genesis 31:2</a></b></br> And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it <i>was</i> not toward him as before.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/3-4.htm">Joshua 3:4</a></b></br> Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed <i>this</i> way heretofore.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/35-20.htm">Aforethought</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-9.htm">Case</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-10.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-42.htm">Error</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/9-28.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-22.htm">Hated</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-22.htm">Hating</a> <a href="/numbers/15-28.htm">Ignorantly</a> <a href="/numbers/35-30.htm">Killeth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-3.htm">Kills</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-20.htm">Live</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-42.htm">Malice</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-3.htm">Manslayer</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-42.htm">Man-Slayer</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-8.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-2.htm">Neighbor</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-2.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-42.htm">Past</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-42.htm">Previously</a> <a href="/genesis/45-23.htm">Provision</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-6.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-4.htm">Save</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-3.htm">Slayer</a> <a href="/numbers/35-30.htm">Smiteth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-3.htm">Thither</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-20.htm">Time</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-42.htm">Unawares</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-42.htm">Unintentionally</a> <a href="/numbers/35-15.htm">Unwittingly</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/20-5.htm">Aforethought</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-1.htm">Case</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-11.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Error</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Hated</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-11.htm">Hating</a> <a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Ignorantly</a> <a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Killeth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-11.htm">Kills</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-7.htm">Live</a> <a href="/joshua/20-5.htm">Malice</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Manslayer</a> <a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Man-Slayer</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-5.htm">Neighbor</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-11.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Past</a> <a href="/joshua/20-5.htm">Previously</a> <a href="/joshua/9-5.htm">Provision</a> <a href="/joshua/24-25.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-4.htm">Save</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Slayer</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-11.htm">Smiteth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-12.htm">Thither</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Time</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">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'; </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/deuteronomy/19.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/deuteronomy/19.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Now this is the situation regarding the manslayer</b><br>In ancient Israel, the term "manslayer" refers to someone who has killed another person unintentionally. The concept of a manslayer is distinct from a murderer, who kills with intent. This distinction is crucial in the legal and moral framework of the Old Testament, where intent plays a significant role in determining guilt and punishment. The cities of refuge were established to protect the manslayer from the avenger of blood, a family member seeking retribution, until a fair trial could be conducted.<p><b>who flees to one of these cities to save his life</b><br>The cities of refuge were strategically located throughout Israel to be accessible to anyone in need. There were six cities in total, three on each side of the Jordan River, as outlined in <a href="/numbers/35-9.htm">Numbers 35:9-15</a>. These cities served as a sanctuary where the manslayer could find safety and await trial. The concept of fleeing to a city of refuge underscores the importance of justice and mercy in the legal system, providing a means of protection while ensuring that due process is followed.<p><b>having killed his neighbor accidentally</b><br>The accidental nature of the killing is a key factor in determining the manslayer's eligibility for refuge. The law differentiates between premeditated murder and accidental death, as seen in <a href="/exodus/21-12.htm">Exodus 21:12-14</a>. This distinction reflects the broader biblical principle that God judges the heart and intentions, not just outward actions. The provision for accidental killing highlights the need for compassion and understanding in the administration of justice.<p><b>without intending to harm him</b><br>Intent is a critical element in the biblical legal system. The absence of intent to harm distinguishes the manslayer from a murderer. This principle is echoed in the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the importance of the heart's intentions in moral and ethical behavior (<a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">Matthew 5:21-22</a>). The provision for those who kill without intent underscores the value of human life and the need for a fair and just legal process that considers the circumstances surrounding each case.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/manslayer.htm">Manslayer</a></b><br>An individual who has accidentally caused the death of another person without intent or malice.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/n/neighbor.htm">Neighbor</a></b><br>The person who has been unintentionally killed by the manslayer.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/cities_of_refuge.htm">Cities of Refuge</a></b><br>Designated places where the manslayer could flee to find protection from the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/avenger_of_blood.htm">Avenger of Blood</a></b><br>A family member of the deceased who seeks justice or retribution for the death.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites who conveyed God's laws, including the establishment of cities of refuge.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_justice_and_mercy.htm">Understanding God's Justice and Mercy</a></b><br>The provision of cities of refuge illustrates God's balance of justice and mercy, ensuring protection for those who have caused harm unintentionally.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_intent.htm">The Importance of Intent</a></b><br>This passage highlights the significance of intent in God's law, distinguishing between accidental and premeditated actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_refuge_in_christ.htm">Seeking Refuge in Christ</a></b><br>Just as the manslayer sought refuge in designated cities, believers find spiritual refuge in Christ, who offers protection and salvation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a></b><br>The establishment of cities of refuge underscores the community's role in upholding justice and providing safety for all its members.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/forgiveness_and_reconciliation.htm">Forgiveness and Reconciliation</a></b><br>The concept of refuge encourages us to pursue forgiveness and reconciliation, recognizing human fallibility and the need for grace.<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/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/was_the_avenger_system_fair_in_ancient_times.htm">How plausible is it that the avenger of blood system (Numbers 35:19) was enforced fairly in the context of ancient Near Eastern tribal justice? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_romans_12_14_align_with_ot_warfare.htm">In Romans 12:14, how does 'blessing those who persecute you' align with Old Testament passages that command warfare or retribution?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 4-7.</span> - (Cf. <a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Numbers 35:11</a>, etc.) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/19-4.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 this</span><br /><span class="heb">וְזֶה֙</span> <span class="translit">(wə·zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is the situation</span><br /><span class="heb">דְּבַ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(də·ḇar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">regarding the manslayer</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרֹצֵ֔חַ</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">who</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁר־</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">flees</span><br /><span class="heb">יָנ֥וּס</span> <span class="translit">(yā·nūs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5127.htm">Strong's 5127: </a> </span><span class="str2">To flit, vanish away</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[to one of these cities]</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁ֖מָּה</span> <span class="translit">(šām·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb | third person feminine singular<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">to save his life,</span><br /><span class="heb">וָחָ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(wā·ḥāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2425.htm">Strong's 2425: </a> </span><span class="str2">To live, to revive</span><br /><br /><span class="word">having killed</span><br /><span class="heb">יַכֶּ֤ה</span> <span class="translit">(yak·keh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - 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">רֵעֵ֙הוּ֙</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">בִּבְלִי־</span> <span class="translit">(biḇ·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">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">intending to harm him:</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/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Deuteronomy 19:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Deuteronomy 19:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Deuteronomy 19:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Deuteronomy 19:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Deuteronomy 19:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Deuteronomy 19:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Deuteronomy 19:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Deuteronomy 19:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Deuteronomy 19:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Deuteronomy 19:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 19:4 This is the case of the manslayer (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 19:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 19:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 19:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 19:5" /></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>