Deuteronomy 19:13

KJV

Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away [the guilt of] innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thine eye {H5869} shall not pity {H2347} him, but thou shalt put away {H1197} the guilt of innocent {H5355} blood {H1818} from Israel {H3478}, that it may go well {H2895} with thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are not to pity him. Rather, you must put an end to the shedding of innocent blood in Isra'el. Then things will go well with you.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away the innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 19:13 delivers a stern command regarding the administration of justice for premeditated murder within ancient Israel. It unequivocally demands that personal compassion must not impede the execution of a proven murderer, emphasizing the profound defilement that innocent blood brings upon the land and the community. This statute underscores God's absolute commitment to the sanctity of human life and the necessity of purging such grievous sin to ensure the nation's well-being and continued divine favor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 19:13 is situated within a broader legal section of Deuteronomy (chapters 19-21) that meticulously details various aspects of civil and criminal justice. Specifically, it follows the establishment of the [cities of refuge](/deuteronomy/19-1 "Deuteronomy 19:1 - The Purpose of Cities of Refuge"), which were designed to protect those who committed accidental manslaughter from the "avenger of blood." The preceding verses (Deuteronomy 19:1-10) outline the parameters for these cities, ensuring that only unintentional killers could find asylum. Verse 11, however, immediately contrasts this by addressing the case of a deliberate murderer who lies in wait for his victim. Verse 12 then mandates that such a murderer be taken from the city of refuge and handed over to the avenger of blood to be put to death. Thus, verse 13 serves as the culminating judicial principle for premeditated murder, reinforcing the absolute necessity of capital punishment without mercy to cleanse the land of its defilement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concept of blood vengeance was widespread, often leading to cycles of retribution. God's law, as revealed in Deuteronomy, sought to regulate and refine this practice, introducing a structured legal framework that distinguished between accidental and intentional killing. The establishment of cities of refuge was a unique and merciful provision, but it was balanced by the stringent demand for justice in cases of deliberate murder. The emphasis on "putting away innocent blood from Israel" reflects a deeply held belief that unpunished bloodshed defiled the land and incurred divine wrath, a concept also seen in other ancient cultures but here tied directly to Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. The promise "that it may go well with thee" is a classic Deuteronomic motif, linking national prosperity and blessing directly to obedience to God's statutes, particularly those upholding justice and righteousness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. It highlights the **sanctity of life**, emphasizing that human life, created in God's image, is supremely valuable and its unlawful taking is a direct affront to God (compare [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Genesis 9:6 - The Sanctity of Life and Capital Punishment")). The command "Thine eye shall not pity him" underscores the theme of **impartial justice**, demanding that personal sentiment must never compromise the strict application of God's righteous laws, especially in capital cases. Furthermore, the phrase "put away [the guilt of] innocent blood from Israel" speaks to the theme of **communal purity and responsibility**. Unpunished sin, particularly bloodshed, was understood to defile the land and the community, requiring a purging action to restore the nation's covenant standing and ensure God's continued blessing (as seen in [Numbers 35:33-34](/numbers/35-33 "Numbers 35:33-34 - Blood Defiles the Land")). Finally, the concluding promise "that it may go well with thee" reinforces the Deuteronomic theme of **blessing through obedience**, demonstrating that national flourishing is contingent upon upholding God's moral and judicial standards.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pity (Hebrew, _ḥûs_):** This verb means "to spare," "to show compassion," or "to hold back." In this context, it is used in the negative imperative, explicitly forbidding any judicial leniency or emotional sympathy towards a proven murderer. This command underscores the absolute nature of justice required for such a heinous crime, prioritizing divine righteousness over human sentimentality.
* **Put away (Hebrew, _bāʿar_):** This verb carries the sense of "to remove," "to purge," "to consume," or "to burn away." It implies a thorough and decisive act of cleansing. The phrase "put away [the guilt of] innocent blood" signifies that the community must actively and completely rid itself of the moral defilement and corporate guilt incurred by unpunished murder. This act of purging is essential for the restoration of the nation's purity and its right standing before God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thine eye shall not pity him":** This striking command emphasizes the absolute impartiality required in the administration of justice for premeditated murder. "Thine eye" functions as a metonymy for the judicial authority or the community's collective conscience. It means that personal feelings, sentimentality, or compassion for the offender must be entirely set aside. The severity of the crime demands a resolute and unwavering application of God's law, without any emotional compromise that might undermine justice.
* **"but thou shalt put away [the guilt of] innocent blood from Israel":** This clause reveals the profound theological consequence of unpunished murder. The shedding of innocent blood was not merely a crime against an individual but a defilement of the entire land and community. The act of "putting away" or purging this blood guilt through the execution of the murderer was seen as a necessary act of communal cleansing, removing the moral stain and corporate responsibility from Israel. This ensured that the nation remained holy and acceptable in God's sight.
* **"that it may go well with thee":** This concluding phrase articulates a common Deuteronomic promise, linking obedience to God's commands with national well-being and prosperity. By rigorously upholding justice and purging the land of the guilt of innocent blood, Israel would secure God's blessing, ensuring their flourishing, peace, and continued favor in the land He was giving them. It underscores that societal health and divine blessing are intrinsically tied to righteous governance and the unwavering pursuit of justice.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 19:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The phrase "Thine eye shall not pity him" utilizes **Metonymy**, where "eye" stands for the entire person or, more specifically, the judicial faculty responsible for judgment, emphasizing that the *entire being* of the judge or community must be devoid of sentimental pity in this context. The verse also functions as a powerful **Imperative Command**, directly instructing the people and their judges on how to act, highlighting the divine authority behind the law. There is a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship established: the act of "putting away innocent blood" is the cause, and "that it may go well with thee" is the direct, divinely promised effect. This structure reinforces the theological principle that national well-being is contingent upon moral and judicial rectitude. Furthermore, the verse embodies **Theological Implication**, revealing God's character as supremely just and holy, demanding that His people reflect His nature in their societal structures and legal proceedings, particularly concerning the sanctity of human life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 19:13 profoundly underscores the sanctity of human life and the critical importance of divine justice. It reveals that the shedding of innocent blood is not merely a personal tragedy but a cosmic defilement that pollutes the land and incurs corporate guilt upon the community if left unpunished. This principle highlights God's unwavering commitment to righteousness and His demand that His people reflect His character by upholding justice without compromise. The law serves as a stark reminder that true societal flourishing ("that it may go well with thee") is intrinsically linked to the resolute purging of grievous sin, particularly those offenses that violate the very image of God in humanity.

* [Numbers 35:33](/numbers/35-33 "Numbers 35:33 - Blood Defiles the Land")
* [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Genesis 9:6 - The Sanctity of Life and Capital Punishment")
* [Proverbs 28:17](/proverbs/28-17 "Proverbs 28:17 - The Burden of a Murderer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 19:13, while rooted in ancient Israel's judicial system, offers enduring principles for all societies and individuals. It challenges us to confront the reality of evil and the necessity of justice, reminding us that true compassion does not excuse heinous crimes but rather seeks to uphold righteousness and protect the vulnerable. For a society, it underscores the moral imperative to establish and maintain just legal systems that hold perpetrators accountable, ensuring that the shedding of innocent blood does not go unpunished, lest the moral fabric of the community be corrupted. For individuals, it calls us to cultivate a deep reverence for human life, recognizing its inherent value as created in God's image, and to advocate for justice in all spheres. This verse serves as a sober reminder that unchecked evil can have detrimental effects on a community's moral health and well-being, and that a truly blessed society is one that is resolute in addressing and purging the most grievous forms of unrighteousness from its midst.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the command "Thine eye shall not pity him" challenge modern notions of compassion in the face of grave injustice?**
* **In what ways does unaddressed sin or injustice in a community still "defile the land" or impact its well-being today?**
* **How can individuals and communities uphold the sanctity of life and advocate for justice in ways that reflect the spirit of this command, even without a direct application of its ancient legal context?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse advocate for capital punishment in all contexts today?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 19:13 specifically addresses premeditated murder within the context of ancient Israel's theocratic law. It unequivocally mandates capital punishment for such a crime, emphasizing the unique defilement innocent blood brought upon the land and the community's need to purge that guilt. While this verse provides a foundational understanding of God's view on the sanctity of life and the severity of murder, its direct application to modern legal systems is a complex theological and ethical debate. Christian ethics often consider the broader biblical narrative, including the New Testament's emphasis on grace, redemption, and the role of the state (e.g., [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")). However, the underlying principle that innocent life is sacred and its violation demands serious accountability remains universally relevant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 19:13, with its stern demand for the purging of innocent blood and the unwavering pursuit of justice, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The law reveals the depth of human sin and the absolute necessity of atonement for the defilement caused by bloodshed and all unrighteousness. While this verse calls for the shedding of a murderer's blood to cleanse the land, Christ's innocent blood was shed not as a consequence of His sin, but as the perfect, atoning sacrifice to "put away" the guilt of *our* sin from the entire human race. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose precious blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness (as seen in [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by the Blood of Jesus")). Through His death, Christ bore the full weight of God's righteous judgment against sin, satisfying the demands of divine justice so that we might receive mercy. His sacrifice purges the spiritual defilement from those who believe, allowing us to truly "go well" with God, not through our own perfect adherence to the law, but through His perfect obedience and atoning work on the cross (as described in [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness") and [Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and Cancellation of Debt")). Thus, the ultimate "putting away of innocent blood" is not the execution of a guilty party, but the voluntary sacrifice of the innocent Son of God, who purges the guilt of humanity and grants eternal well-being to all who trust in Him.

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

1 Kings 2:31

And the king said unto him, Do as he hath said, and fall upon him, and bury him; that thou mayest take away the innocent blood, which Joab shed, from me, and from the house of my father.

Deuteronomy 21:9

So shalt thou put away the [guilt of] innocent blood from among you, when thou shalt do [that which is] right in the sight of the LORD.

Deuteronomy 7:2

And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, [and] utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:

Deuteronomy 7:16

And thou shalt consume all the people which the LORD thy God shall deliver thee; thine eye shall have no pity upon them: neither shalt thou serve their gods; for that [will be] a snare unto thee.

Numbers 35:33

So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye [are]: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it.

Numbers 35:34

Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell: for I the LORD dwell among the children of Israel.

2 Samuel 21:1

¶ Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, [It is] for Saul, and for [his] bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.