Deuteronomy 19:11

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:

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}:

"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;

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

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

Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:11 (KJV)

Deuteronomy 19:11 is a critical verse within the Old Testament law, specifically addressing the distinction between accidental killing and premeditated murder in the context of the cities of refuge. This verse describes the scenario of a deliberate killer, contrasting sharply with the accidental slayer discussed earlier in the chapter.

Context

This verse is part of Moses' final instructions to Israel before entering the Promised Land, reiterating and expanding upon laws given at Mount Sinai. Deuteronomy 19 outlines the establishment and function of three cities of refuge in Canaan, in addition to the three already appointed east of the Jordan. These cities were designed to provide a safe haven for someone who had unintentionally caused the death of another, protecting them from the "avenger of blood" until their case could be judged. However, Deuteronomy 19:11 makes it clear that this protection did not extend to those who acted with malice and premeditation. The preceding verses, like Deuteronomy 19:4-5, specifically describe the scenario of an accidental death, setting the stage for the stark contrast presented in this verse.

Key Themes

  • Intent vs. Accident: The primary theme is the crucial legal and moral distinction between an unintentional death and one committed with hostile intent. God's law places significant emphasis on the motive behind an action.
  • Malice and Hatred: The verse highlights the role of deep-seated animosity ("hate his neighbour") as the driving force behind the act, indicating a heart condition that is contrary to God's command to love one's neighbor.
  • Premeditation: Phrases like "lie in wait for him" and "rise up against him" clearly denote a planned, deliberate act, not a spontaneous accident. This premeditation disqualifies the offender from the protection of the cities of refuge.
  • Justice and Accountability: The verse underscores God's demand for righteous judgment and accountability for heinous crimes. Such a murderer was to be handed over to the avenger of blood, ensuring that justice was served and the land was not defiled by innocent blood.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Hate his neighbour" (ืฉึธื‚ื ึตื - *sane*): This Hebrew word indicates a strong, active hatred, not just dislike. It points to a deep-seated enmity that motivates the destructive act.
  • "Lie in wait for him" (ืึนืจึตื‘ - *orev*): This term specifically means to ambush or lie in hiding, emphasizing the calculated and deceptive nature of the attack. It strongly conveys the idea of premeditation.
  • "Smite him mortally that he die" (ื•ึฐื”ึดื›ึธึผื”ื•ึผ ื ึถืคึถืฉื - *v'hikahu nefesh*): Literally "strike him a soul/life," this phrase vividly describes the act of taking a life, underscoring the severity of the offense.

Practical Application

While the specific legal framework of the cities of refuge is not directly applicable today, Deuteronomy 19:11 offers timeless principles regarding justice, motives, and the sanctity of human life:

  • Importance of Motive: This verse reminds us that God looks not only at our actions but also at the intentions of our hearts. Hatred, even if it doesn't lead to physical violence, is a serious matter in God's eyes (1 John 3:15).
  • Consequences of Hatred: It serves as a stark warning about the destructive path that unchecked hatred can lead to, culminating in severe and irreversible actions like murder.
  • Divine Justice: The passage reflects God's unwavering commitment to justice and His abhorrence of premeditated violence. It affirms that those who intentionally take a life must face the full consequences of their actions.
  • Value of Life: The meticulous distinction made in the law between accidental and intentional killing elevates the value of human life and emphasizes the gravity of unlawfully taking it.
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Cross-References

  • Numbers 35:16 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Exodus 21:12 (2 votes)

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

  • Exodus 21:14 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Genesis 9:6 (2 votes)

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