King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Wherefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt separate three cities for thee.
Complete Jewish Bible:
This is why I am ordering you to set aside for yourselves three cities.
Berean Standard Bible:
This is why I am commanding you to set apart for yourselves three cities.
American Standard Version:
Wherefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt set apart three cities for thee.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Wherefore I command{H6680} thee, saying{H559}, Thou shalt separate{H914} three{H7969} cities{H5892} for thee.
Cross-References (KJV):
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Commentary for Deuteronomy 19:7
Deuteronomy 19:7 is part of a larger section in the book of Deuteronomy that deals with the establishment of "cities of refuge." These cities were to be designated places where individuals who had unintentionally committed manslaughter could flee to escape the avenger of blood, typically a relative of the person who was killed. The concept of an avenger of blood reflects the ancient practice of retributive justice, where family members were expected to avenge the death of their kinsman.
In the historical context of ancient Israel, the establishment of these cities was an innovative legal provision to ensure that a person guilty of unintentional manslaughter would not be put to death without a fair trial. The verse specifically commands the Israelites to set aside three cities in the land that God is giving them, which would serve as sanctuaries. This reflects the themes of justice, mercy, and the sanctity of life that are woven throughout the Pentateuch.
The broader context of Deuteronomy 19 also includes instructions for proper witnessing and legal procedures, emphasizing the importance of due process and the careful examination of evidence before determining guilt or innocence. The cities of refuge thus played a crucial role in the administration of justice in ancient Israel, providing a system for protecting the innocent and ensuring that punishment was proportionate to the crime. This verse and its surrounding context highlight the value placed on human life and the pursuit of equity within the legal framework established by the Mosaic Law.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H6680
There are 475 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: צָוָה
Transliteration: tsâvâh
Pronunciation: tsaw-vaw'
Description: a primitive root; (intensively) to constitute, enjoin; appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. - Strong's Number: H559
There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָמַר
Transliteration: ʼâmar
Pronunciation: aw-mar'
Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. - Strong's Number: H914
There are 40 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בָּדַל
Transliteration: bâdal
Pronunciation: baw-dal'
Description: a primitive root; to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.); (make, put) difference, divide (asunder), (make) separate (self, -ation), sever (out), [idiom] utterly. - Strong's Number: H7969
There are 381 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁלוֹשׁ
Transliteration: shâlôwsh
Pronunciation: shaw-loshe'
Description: or שָׁלֹשׁ; masculine שְׁלוֹשָׁה; or שְׁלֹשָׁה; a primitive number; three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice; [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare שָׁלִישׁ. - Strong's Number: H5892
There are 937 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עִיר
Transliteration: ʻîyr
Pronunciation: eer
Description: or (in the plural) עָר; or עָיַר; (Judges 10:4), from עוּר; a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post); Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town.