Deuteronomy 19:11

KJV

But if any man hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth into one of these cities:

KJV (with Strong's)

But if any man {H376} hate {H8130} his neighbour {H7453}, and lie in wait {H693} for him, and rise up {H6965} against him, and smite {H5221} him mortally {H5315} that he die {H4191}, and fleeth {H5127} into one {H259} of these {H411} cities {H5892}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"However, if someone hates his fellow member of the community, lies in wait for him, attacks him, strikes him a death blow, and then flees into one of these cities;

Berean Standard Bible

If, however, a man hates his neighbor and lies in wait, attacks him and kills him, and then flees to one of these cities,

American Standard Version

But if any man hate his neighbor, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally so that he dieth, and he flee into one of these cities;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 19:11 meticulously defines the scenario of premeditated murder, sharply distinguishing it from accidental homicide, which was eligible for protection within the cities of refuge. This verse describes a perpetrator driven by hatred, who deliberately ambushes and kills a neighbor, subsequently attempting to flee to a city of refuge. The Mosaic Law unequivocally states that such an individual, acting with malice aforethought, was not to be granted sanctuary but was to be handed over to the "avenger of blood" to ensure justice was served and the land was not defiled by unpunished bloodshed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 19 is situated within Moses' final discourse to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. This chapter specifically details the establishment and function of the cities of refuge, a critical legal provision for the new nation. Verses [Deuteronomy 19:1-10](/deuteronomy/19-1-10 "Deuteronomy 19:1-10 - Cities of Refuge for Accidental Killing") outline the purpose and procedures for those who accidentally cause another's death, emphasizing the need for a safe haven from the "avenger of blood." [Deuteronomy 19:11](/deuteronomy/19-11 "Deuteronomy 19:11 - The Intentional Murderer") then presents a stark contrast, defining the intentional killer who is explicitly denied this protection. The following verses, [Deuteronomy 19:12-13](/deuteronomy/19-12-13 "Deuteronomy 19:12-13 - Justice for the Murderer"), prescribe the severe consequence for such a murderer: being delivered to the avenger of blood for execution, thereby purging evil from Israel and preventing the defilement of the land. This legal framework underscores God's meticulous concern for justice and the sanctity of human life within the covenant community.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of the "avenger of blood" (Hebrew: *go'el haddam*) was a deeply ingrained cultural practice in ancient Near Eastern societies, where family members were obligated to avenge the death of a relative. Without a formal legal system, this often led to cycles of retaliatory violence. The institution of the cities of refuge, first introduced in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities of Refuge and Levites' Towns"), was a divine innovation designed to regulate and humanize this practice within Israel. It provided a structured legal process to differentiate between accidental death and premeditated murder, preventing arbitrary vengeance while ensuring that true murderers faced justice. The specific mention of "fleeing into one of these cities" highlights the common practice of seeking sanctuary, but the law here clarifies that divine justice would not tolerate the abuse of this sacred provision for malicious acts. The concern for the land not being "defiled" by innocent blood ([Deuteronomy 19:13](/deuteronomy/19-13 "Deuteronomy 19:13 - Purging Evil from the Land")) reflects a profound theological understanding that bloodshed polluted the land, requiring atonement or the execution of the guilty to restore its purity and God's favor.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. The primary theme is the **distinction between intent and accident**, emphasizing that God's law considers the heart and motive behind an action, not merely the outcome. This highlights God's demand for not just outward compliance but inward righteousness. Closely related is the theme of **malice and hatred**, portraying these as deeply destructive forces that lead to heinous crimes and are antithetical to the covenant command to love one's neighbor ([Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself")). The phrases "lie in wait" and "rise up against him" underscore **premeditation**, marking a deliberate and calculated act that negates any claim to accidental killing. Ultimately, [Deuteronomy 19:11](/deuteronomy/19-11 "Deuteronomy 19:11 - The Intentional Murderer") reinforces God's unwavering commitment to **justice and accountability** for capital crimes, asserting that intentional murder, which defiles the land and violates the sanctity of human life, must be met with the severest penalty to maintain the moral and spiritual integrity of the community. This commitment to justice is a recurring motif throughout the Mosaic Law, ensuring a righteous society.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hate (Hebrew, _śānē'_):** This word (H8130) signifies a deep-seated, active animosity, not merely a casual dislike. It denotes a profound enmity and a hostile disposition that precedes and motivates the violent act. In biblical thought, hatred of one's neighbor is a grave offense, often equated with murder in its spiritual essence, as it violates the very core of covenantal love.
* **Lie in wait (Hebrew, _ʼârab_):** This term (H693) vividly describes an ambush or a hidden, deceptive preparation for an attack. It strongly conveys the element of premeditation and calculated malice. The killer does not act in a sudden fit of rage but plans and executes the act with deliberate intent, removing any possibility of claiming accidental death.
* **Mortally (Hebrew, _nephesh_):** This word (H5315), often translated as "soul" or "life," here emphasizes the direct and fatal nature of the blow, indicating that the strike was aimed at the very vitality or being of the person. When combined with "that he die" (H4191, _mûwth_), it underscores that the act was not merely an assault but one specifically intended to take a life, highlighting the gravity of the offense as a direct assault on a person's very being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if any man hate his neighbour,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the internal motive as the root cause of the crime. It is not an impersonal act but one driven by a personal, deep-seated animosity towards another individual within the community. This hatred is the foundational element that distinguishes this scenario from accidental killing.
* **"and lie in wait for him,"**: This phrase introduces the element of premeditation and calculated action. The perpetrator does not act spontaneously but plans the attack, positioning themselves to ambush their victim. This demonstrates a deliberate intention to harm, removing any claim of unforeseen circumstances.
* **"and rise up against him,"**: This clause further emphasizes the active and aggressive nature of the attack. It implies a direct confrontation, initiated by the perpetrator, confirming the hostile intent. Combined with "lie in wait," it paints a picture of a planned and executed assault.
* **"and smite him mortally that he die,"**: This describes the fatal outcome of the attack, directly linking the perpetrator's actions to the victim's death. The phrase "mortally that he die" leaves no ambiguity about the intention and result: the blow was delivered with the specific aim of causing death, and it succeeded.
* **"and fleeth into one of these cities:"**: This final clause describes the perpetrator's attempt to exploit the legal provision of the cities of refuge. However, the preceding conditions of hatred, premeditation, and intentional killing clearly disqualify such an individual from receiving sanctuary, setting the stage for the judgment prescribed in the subsequent verses.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 19:11 primarily employs **Legal Language** and **Case Law**, typical of ancient Near Eastern legal codes. It presents a hypothetical scenario ("But if any man...") followed by a series of conditions that define a specific crime. The detailed enumeration of actions – "hate," "lie in wait," "rise up," "smite him mortally that he die" – creates a precise legal definition of premeditated murder, leaving no room for misinterpretation. The verse also utilizes **Contrast** implicitly with the preceding verses ([Deuteronomy 19:4-5](/deuteronomy/19-4-5 "Deuteronomy 19:4-5 - Example of Accidental Killing")) that describe accidental killing, thereby highlighting the crucial distinction based on intent. The **Repetition** of actions leading to death ("smite him mortally that he die") serves to emphasize the severity and finality of the act. Furthermore, the description functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, setting up the subsequent legal consequences detailed in [Deuteronomy 19:12-13](/deuteronomy/19-12-13 "Deuteronomy 19:12-13 - Delivery to the Avenger of Blood"), where the intentional killer is denied refuge and handed over for execution, ensuring the purging of evil from the land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 19:11 powerfully articulates God's unwavering commitment to justice and the profound sanctity of human life, which is created in His image. The meticulous distinction between accidental and intentional killing reveals that God's law penetrates beyond mere action to the intent of the heart, demonstrating that malice and hatred are as grievous in His sight as the physical act they precipitate. This verse underscores the principle that unpunished bloodshed defiles the land and disrupts the covenant relationship between God and His people, necessitating strict accountability to maintain moral purity and divine favor. It reflects God's character as a righteous judge who demands that evil be purged from the community, ensuring that justice prevails and the innocent are protected, even from those who would abuse sacred provisions like the cities of refuge.

* [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Genesis 9:6 - The Sanctity of Human Life")
* [Numbers 35:16-21](/numbers/35-16-21 "Numbers 35:16-21 - Intentional Murderers to be Put to Death")
* [Matthew 5:21-22](/matthew/5-21-22 "Matthew 5:21-22 - Anger and Murder")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific legal framework of the cities of refuge is no longer directly applicable, Deuteronomy 19:11 offers timeless principles for understanding justice, the nature of sin, and the sanctity of human life. This verse profoundly reminds us that God is concerned not only with our outward actions but, more fundamentally, with the intentions and attitudes of our hearts. Hatred, envy, and malice, even if they do not escalate to physical violence, are serious spiritual offenses that can corrupt our souls and lead to destructive outcomes. The law's strong stance against premeditated murder underscores the immeasurable value God places on human life and His demand for a society where justice is upheld and the innocent are protected. For believers, this calls us to examine our own hearts, confess any seeds of hatred or bitterness, and actively cultivate love, forgiveness, and reconciliation, recognizing that true righteousness begins within and seeks the well-being of our neighbor, not their harm.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on "hating his neighbor" challenge my understanding of sin as primarily external actions, rather than internal attitudes?**
* **In what ways might I be harboring subtle forms of animosity or resentment that, if unchecked, could lead to destructive thoughts or actions?**
* **How does this passage inform my view on the importance of justice and accountability in contemporary society, particularly regarding crimes against life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart of love and forgiveness towards those who may have wronged me, rather than allowing bitterness to take root?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the cities of refuge, and how does Deuteronomy 19:11 relate to it?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the cities of refuge, as detailed in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities of Refuge and Levites' Towns") and [Deuteronomy 19](/deuteronomy/19 "Deuteronomy 19 - Laws of Justice and Cities of Refuge"), was to provide a safe haven for individuals who had unintentionally caused the death of another. In ancient Israel, the "avenger of blood" (a close relative of the deceased) had the right and duty to avenge the death. The cities of refuge protected the accidental killer from immediate retaliation until their case could be fairly judged by the elders. [Deuteronomy 19:11](/deuteronomy/19-11 "Deuteronomy 19:11 - The Intentional Murderer") is crucial because it explicitly defines the scenario of a *premeditated* murderer, making it clear that such an individual was *not* eligible for protection in the cities of refuge. This verse establishes the critical legal distinction between manslaughter and murder, ensuring that the divine provision for sanctuary was not abused by those with malicious intent.

**What was the fate of a person described in Deuteronomy 19:11 who committed premeditated murder?**

Answer: According to [Deuteronomy 19:12](/deuteronomy/19-12 "Deuteronomy 19:12 - Delivery to the Avenger of Blood"), if a man "hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die," and then flees to a city of refuge, the elders of his city were to send and fetch him from there. He was then to be delivered into the hand of the avenger of blood, who would put him to death. The law was clear that such a murderer was not to be shown pity, and his execution was necessary to "put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel" and ensure the land was not defiled ([Deuteronomy 19:13](/deuteronomy/19-13 "Deuteronomy 19:13 - Purging Evil from the Land")). This strict penalty underscored the sanctity of human life and God's demand for justice.

**How is the principle of intent versus action, highlighted in Deuteronomy 19:11, relevant for believers today?**

Answer: The principle of intent versus action, so clearly articulated in [Deuteronomy 19:11](/deuteronomy/19-11 "Deuteronomy 19:11 - The Intentional Murderer"), remains profoundly relevant. It teaches us that God looks beyond our outward deeds to the condition of our hearts. While we no longer operate under the Mosaic legal code, the New Testament reinforces this truth. Jesus taught that anger and hatred in the heart are akin to murder ([Matthew 5:21-22](/matthew/5-21-22 "Matthew 5:21-22 - Anger and Murder")), and the Apostle John states that "everyone who hates his brother is a murderer" ([1 John 3:15](/1_john/3-15 "1 John 3:15 - Hatred as Murder")). This challenges believers to address the root causes of sin—such as hatred, malice, and bitterness—within their hearts, understanding that these internal dispositions are serious in God's sight and can lead to destructive actions if left unchecked. It calls us to cultivate a heart of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation, reflecting God's own character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 19:11, with its stark contrast between accidental killing and premeditated murder, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in Christ. The Mosaic Law, in its meticulous differentiation, foreshadowed the perfect justice of God, a justice that looks not merely at outward actions but penetrates to the very intentions of the heart. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, radically reinterpreted the commandment "You shall not murder," declaring that hatred and anger in the heart are the spiritual equivalent of murder ([Matthew 5:21-22](/matthew/5-21-22 "Matthew 5:21-22 - Anger and Murder")). This reveals that the malice described in [Deuteronomy 19:11](/deuteronomy/19-11 "Deuteronomy 19:11 - The Intentional Murderer") is the universal human condition, where sin originates in the heart, making all humanity guilty before a holy God. Yet, Christ Himself is our ultimate "City of Refuge," the one to whom we flee for safety from the just wrath of God against our sin. Unlike the temporary earthly cities, His refuge is eternal and perfect, offering true atonement for the defilement of our hearts and lives. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the full penalty for our hatred and rebellion, thereby satisfying divine justice and cleansing us from all unrighteousness. Through His atoning sacrifice, we are not merely acquitted but transformed, receiving a new heart that is enabled by the Holy Spirit to love God and neighbor, fulfilling the law's deepest intent ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 35:16

And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he [is] a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.

Numbers 35:21

Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote [him] shall surely be put to death; [for] he [is] a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him.

Deuteronomy 27:24

Cursed [be] he that smiteth his neighbour secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Exodus 21:12

¶ He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.

Exodus 21:14

But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.

Numbers 35:24

Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood according to these judgments:

Genesis 9:6

Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.