Deuteronomy 19:4

KJV

And this [is] 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;

KJV (with Strong's)

And this is the case {H1697} of the slayer {H7523}, which shall flee {H5127} thither, that he may live {H2425}: Whoso killeth {H5221} his neighbour {H7453} ignorantly {H1097}{H1847}, whom he hated {H8130} not in time {H8543} past {H8032};

Complete Jewish Bible

The killer who will live if he flees there is someone who has killed his fellow member of the community by mistake, who did not hate him in the past.

Berean Standard Bible

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:

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 19:4 precisely defines the specific scenario for which the divinely ordained cities of refuge were established, distinguishing between intentional murder and unintentional killing. It outlines the conditions under which a slayer could flee to these designated sanctuaries to preserve their life, emphasizing the absence of prior animosity or malicious intent on the part of the one who caused the death of their neighbor. This verse underscores God's meticulous concern for justice, ensuring that due process and mercy were extended to those who committed accidental homicide, thereby preventing cycles of vengeful bloodshed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 19:4 is an integral part of a larger legal section in Deuteronomy (chapters 12-26) that outlines the statutes and ordinances for Israel's life in the promised land. Specifically, it immediately follows the general command to set apart three cities of refuge (Deuteronomy 19:1-3) and precedes the detailed illustration of an accidental killing (Deuteronomy 19:5). This verse serves as the definitional core for the entire institution of the cities of refuge, establishing the precise circumstances under which their protection applies. The subsequent verses (Deuteronomy 19:6-10) elaborate on the practical necessity and divine mandate for these cities, while the stark contrast with intentional murder is drawn in [Deuteronomy 19:11-13](/deuteronomy/19-11 "Deuteronomy 19:11-13 - Intentional Murder"). The broader context of [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy "The Book of Deuteronomy - Moses' Farewell Speeches") is Moses' final address to Israel, reiterating and expounding upon the covenant laws before their entry into Canaan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many ancient Near Eastern societies, the concept of blood vengeance was deeply ingrained. If a person was murdered, the nearest male relative (known as the "avenger of blood" or _go'el haddam_) had the right and even obligation to pursue and execute the killer. While intended to uphold justice and deter crime, this system carried the inherent risk of escalating into indiscriminate blood feuds, especially in cases of unintentional death. The institution of cities of refuge, first introduced in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Levitical Cities and Cities of Refuge"), was a divine provision to mitigate this potential for injustice. It provided a legal and geographical sanctuary where an individual who had caused an accidental death could flee for protection from the avenger of blood, pending a fair trial by the elders of the city. This system ensured that justice was administered according to divine law, distinguishing between premeditated murder (punishable by death) and unintentional homicide (requiring refuge and a period of exile).
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader context of the cities of refuge, highlights several crucial theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it underscores the **sanctity of human life**, recognizing that all life belongs to God and its taking, even accidentally, is a grave matter. Secondly, it emphasizes **divine justice tempered with mercy**, demonstrating God's provision for a nuanced legal system that differentiates between intent and outcome. God's law is not merely retributive but also restorative, offering a path for those who err unintentionally. Thirdly, the theme of **due process** is paramount; the cities of refuge were not merely safe havens but places where a fair hearing could occur, ensuring that judgment was based on evidence and intent, not just the immediate act. This reflects God's character as a righteous judge who carefully weighs all circumstances, as seen in passages like [Psalm 7:11](/psalm/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God is a Righteous Judge"). Finally, the distinction between intentional and unintentional acts is a recurring theme in the Mosaic Law, evident in various sacrificial laws for unintentional sins (e.g., [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Laws for Unintentional Sins")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slayer (Hebrew, _rotzeakh'_):** While often translated as "murderer," in the context of the cities of refuge, this term refers to one who has taken a life, but the subsequent clauses qualify the act as unintentional. It denotes the agent of death, regardless of intent, before the judicial process determines culpability. The law then distinguishes between a _rotzeakh_ who acted with malice and one who acted without.
* **Ignorantly (Hebrew, _bishgagah'_):** This adverb is crucial, meaning "unintentionally," "by mistake," or "by error." It signifies an act committed without premeditation, malice, or deliberate intent to harm. This term is foundational to the entire concept of the cities of refuge, as it is the sole criterion distinguishing accidental homicide from murder, which carried the death penalty.
* **Hated not in time past (Hebrew, _lo-sone' lo mitmol shilshom'_):** This phrase literally means "did not hate him from yesterday and the day before." It is an idiomatic expression emphasizing the complete absence of prior animosity, malice, or a motive for murder. This negates any possibility of premeditation or a long-standing grudge, further solidifying the unintentional nature of the killing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this [is] the case of the slayer, which shall flee thither, that he may live:"** This opening clause introduces the specific legal scenario that the cities of refuge are designed to address. It immediately establishes the purpose of fleeing to these cities: to preserve the life of the one who has caused a death, indicating that without such refuge, their life would be forfeit. The phrase "the case of the slayer" refers to the legal conditions under which protection is granted.
* **"Whoso killeth his neighbour ignorantly,"** This is the core condition. It specifies that the killing must be accidental, unintentional, or by error. The Hebrew term _bishgagah_ (ignorantly) is key here, differentiating this act from deliberate murder. It implies a lack of malicious intent or premeditation on the part of the one causing death. The "neighbour" refers to any fellow Israelite.
* **"whom he hated not in time past;"** This concluding phrase provides further clarification and a crucial safeguard against abuse of the refuge system. It explicitly rules out any prior animosity, grudge, or long-standing ill will between the slayer and the deceased. This ensures that the killing was indeed a tragic accident and not the result of a hidden motive or simmering hatred, thereby confirming the unintentional nature of the act.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 19:4 primarily employs **Legal Language**, characteristic of the Deuteronomic code, to establish precise definitions and conditions for the application of the law. The verse functions as a **Definition**, clearly delineating the specific type of homicide that qualifies for refuge. There is an implied **Contrast** with intentional murder, which is explicitly addressed later in the chapter (Deuteronomy 19:11-13). The phrasing "whom he hated not in time past" uses a **Negative Formulation** to emphasize the absence of malice, which is a common legal technique to define a condition by what it is not. This also serves as a form of **Exclusionary Language**, specifying what kind of slayer is *not* eligible for protection if prior hatred existed. The overall structure of the verse is a concise **Conditional Statement**, setting up the premise ("Whoso killeth...ignorantly, whom he hated not...") for the consequence ("shall flee thither, that he may live").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 19:4 profoundly illustrates God's character as both perfectly just and abundantly merciful. It reveals a divine legal system that is far more sophisticated and humane than many contemporary ancient Near Eastern codes, demonstrating a meticulous concern for intent in matters of life and death. The distinction between intentional murder and unintentional killing underscores the sanctity of human life and the gravity of taking it, while simultaneously providing a pathway for mercy and protection for those who cause harm without malicious intent. This divine provision prevents the endless cycles of blood vengeance, promoting order and justice within the community. It teaches that true justice is not merely about retribution for an act, but also about discerning the heart and purpose behind it, reflecting God's own righteous judgment that considers all factors.

* [Numbers 35:9-28](/numbers/35-9 "Numbers 35:9-28 - Laws for Cities of Refuge")
* [Joshua 20:1-6](/joshua/20-1 "Joshua 20:1-6 - Establishment of the Cities of Refuge")
* [Deuteronomy 19:11-12](/deuteronomy/19-11 "Deuteronomy 19:11-12 - The Case of Intentional Murder")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 19:4 offers timeless principles for navigating justice, mercy, and human relationships. It challenges us to cultivate a nuanced understanding of actions, recognizing the profound difference between accidental harm and deliberate malice. In our personal interactions, this means extending grace and understanding when others cause unintentional offense, rather than immediately assuming ill intent or seeking retribution. It calls us to be slow to anger and quick to forgive, remembering that even our own actions can sometimes cause unintended hurt. On a broader societal level, this verse underscores the importance of fair legal systems that distinguish between degrees of culpability, ensuring due process and providing avenues for rehabilitation or protection for those who err without malicious intent. It reminds us that a truly just society seeks not only to punish wrongdoing but also to uphold mercy and prevent cycles of vengeance, mirroring God's own balanced character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the distinction between intentional and unintentional killing in this verse challenge our own tendencies to judge others' actions?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals or communities, create "cities of refuge" or spaces of safety and due process for those who have caused harm unintentionally?**
* **How does God's emphasis on "hated not in time past" inform our understanding of the importance of intent in our own moral and spiritual lives?**
* **What does this law reveal about God's character, and how can we better reflect His justice and mercy in our daily lives?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "whom he hated not in time past" in defining the slayer's case?**

Answer: The phrase "whom he hated not in time past" is critically significant because it serves as a definitive legal qualifier for distinguishing unintentional homicide (manslaughter) from premeditated murder. In ancient Israelite law, as in many legal systems, the intent of the perpetrator was paramount. If there was any evidence of prior animosity, a long-standing grudge, or a motive for murder, the killing would be deemed intentional, regardless of the immediate circumstances of the act. This would then disqualify the slayer from protection in a city of refuge and subject them to the death penalty, typically carried out by the avenger of blood. Therefore, this phrase confirms the absolute absence of _mens rea_ (guilty mind or criminal intent) on the part of the slayer, ensuring that the protection of the city of refuge was reserved exclusively for those whose actions were truly accidental and devoid of malice. It highlights God's meticulous concern for true justice, which looks beyond the mere outcome to the underlying heart and intention, as also seen in laws concerning false witness in [Deuteronomy 19:16-21](/deuteronomy/19-16 "Deuteronomy 19:16-21 - Law of False Witness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 19:4, in its provision for a "city of refuge," powerfully foreshadows the ultimate spiritual refuge found in Jesus Christ. Just as the ancient Israelite who unintentionally took a life could flee to a designated city to escape the avenger of blood and find safety, so too can humanity, guilty of sin (whether by commission or omission, often "ignorantly" in the sense of not fully grasping its devastating consequences or God's holiness), flee to Christ for salvation. While all sin is ultimately an offense against a holy God, and thus intentional in its rebellion against His will, Christ offers a refuge from the just wrath and penalty of sin—spiritual death. He is our true "city of refuge," the one to whom we "flee for refuge" (as in [Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - Fleeing for Refuge to Christ")) by faith, finding shelter from the divine avenger of sin. In Him, the ultimate justice of God is satisfied through His atoning sacrifice, and mercy is extended to all who believe. He provides not merely temporary protection but eternal life, freeing us from the condemnation of the law and ushering us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, where we find redemption and the forgiveness of sins ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption Through Christ")). Christ is the perfect sanctuary, offering not just a legal loophole but a transformative new life in Him, where there is "no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation 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.