Deuteronomy 19:6

KJV

Lest the avenger of the blood pursue the slayer, while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and slay him; whereas he [was] not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past.

KJV (with Strong's)

Lest the avenger {H1350} of the blood {H1818} pursue {H7291} the slayer {H310}{H7523}, while {H3588} his heart {H3824} is hot {H3179}, and overtake {H5381} him, because the way {H1870} is long {H7235}, and slay {H5221} him {H5315}; whereas he was not worthy {H4941} of death {H4194}, inasmuch as {H3588} he hated {H8130} him not in time {H8543} past {H8032}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Otherwise the next-of-kin avenger, in the heat of his anger, may pursue the killer, overtake him because the distance [to the city of refuge] is long, and strike him dead - even though he didn't deserve to die, inasmuch as he hadn't hated him in the past.

Berean Standard Bible

Otherwise, the avenger of blood might pursue the manslayer in a rage, overtake him if the distance is great, and strike him dead though he did not deserve to die, since he did not intend any harm.

American Standard Version

lest the avenger of blood pursue the manslayer, while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and smite him mortally; whereas he was not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 19:6 elaborates on the critical function of the cities of refuge, explaining the urgent need for a safe haven for those who have unintentionally caused another's death. It vividly portrays the danger posed by the "avenger of the blood," driven by immediate grief and anger, who might pursue and slay the slayer before a proper legal determination of intent can be made. The verse underscores the divine imperative for justice to be administered through due process, distinguishing manslaughter from premeditated murder based on the absence of prior malice or hatred.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the broader legal framework laid out in [Deuteronomy 19](/deuteronomy/19 "Deuteronomy 19 - Laws of Justice and Cities of Refuge"), specifically within the section detailing the establishment and purpose of the cities of refuge (verses 1-13). Following the general command to set apart these cities in [Deuteronomy 19:1-3](/deuteronomy/19-1 "Deuteronomy 19:1-3 - Command to Establish Cities of Refuge"), verses 4-6 provide a concrete example of the type of case for which these cities were intended: an accidental killing without malice. This immediate context clarifies the distinction between intentional murder, which warranted execution, and unintentional manslaughter, which required refuge and a fair trial. The passage then proceeds to outline the consequences for a murderer who flees to a city of refuge, emphasizing that such a person should not be protected ([Deuteronomy 19:11-13](/deuteronomy/19-11 "Deuteronomy 19:11-13 - No Refuge for Intentional Murderers")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel, the concept of blood vengeance was a deeply ingrained social custom, often seen as a family's sacred duty to restore honor and balance after a kinsman's death. The "avenger of the blood" (Hebrew: *go'el haddam*) was typically the closest male relative of the deceased, tasked with pursuing and executing the killer. While this system provided a form of justice, it was prone to impulsive and potentially unjust retaliation, especially in cases of accidental death. The Mosaic Law, through the institution of the cities of refuge, innovated upon this custom by introducing a crucial legal safeguard: a system of due process that distinguished between premeditated murder and unintentional killing. This legal innovation protected the innocent from summary execution and prevented the escalation of blood feuds, reflecting a more refined and divinely ordained system of justice than was common in the surrounding cultures.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes illuminated by [Deuteronomy 19:6](/deuteronomy/19-6 "Deuteronomy 19:6 - The Need for Cities of Refuge") are **Justice and Due Process**, emphasizing God's demand for righteous judgment that carefully distinguishes between intent and accident. It highlights the **Protection of the Innocent**, providing a means for those who caused accidental death to avoid immediate, unregulated vengeance, thereby demonstrating God's compassion even for those who make tragic mistakes. Furthermore, the verse underscores the **Restraint of Vengeance**, as the cities of refuge served to regulate the ancient custom of blood vengeance, channeling it through a legal framework rather than allowing uncontrolled retaliation. This system reflects God's desire for an orderly society where justice is tempered with mercy, preventing the innocent from suffering the fate of the guilty, a principle echoed throughout the Law (e.g., [Exodus 21:12-14](/exodus/21-12 "Exodus 21:12-14 - Laws Concerning Homicide")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Avenger of the blood (Hebrew, _go'el haddam'_):** This term refers to the closest male relative of the deceased, who, by ancient custom and Mosaic Law, had the right and responsibility to avenge the death of his kin. The *go'el* was a kinsman-redeemer, whose role extended beyond blood vengeance to include redeeming family property, freeing enslaved relatives, and ensuring the continuation of the family line. In the context of homicide, the *go'el haddam* was the designated agent of justice, but his actions were subject to the legal framework of the cities of refuge, ensuring that his pursuit was legitimate only in cases of intentional murder.
* **While his heart is hot (Hebrew, _ki yecham levavo'_):** This vivid idiom describes the intense, immediate emotional state of the avenger—a combination of grief, rage, and a burning desire for retribution. It captures the impulsive, unreasoning nature of vengeance when driven solely by raw emotion. The phrase underscores the practical danger to the unintentional slayer, as the avenger's "hot heart" would not pause for legal deliberation or distinction of intent, making the immediate refuge crucial for survival.
* **Hated him not in time past (Hebrew, _lo sane' hu mitmol shilshom'_):** This crucial phrase establishes the legal criterion for distinguishing manslaughter from murder. It signifies the absence of any prior malice, enmity, or premeditation on the part of the slayer. The lack of pre-existing hatred is the definitive factor that classifies the killing as unintentional (manslaughter) rather than intentional (murder), thereby making the slayer "not worthy of death" and eligible for protection within a city of refuge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lest the avenger of the blood pursue the slayer":** This opening clause immediately introduces the central conflict and the purpose of the cities of refuge. It highlights the inherent danger to the slayer from the *go'el haddam*, whose cultural and legal duty was to pursue and execute the killer of his relative. The "lest" indicates a preventative measure, underscoring the urgency of the provision.
* **"while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and slay him":** This section paints a dramatic picture of the avenger's pursuit. "While his heart is hot" emphasizes the emotional intensity and impulsiveness of the avenger, driven by raw grief and anger. The phrase "because the way is long" practically justifies the need for multiple, easily accessible cities of refuge, ensuring that the slayer could reach safety before being overtaken. The grim outcome, "and slay him," underscores the lethal consequence if refuge is not reached in time.
* **"whereas he [was] not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past":** This final clause provides the critical legal and moral justification for the slayer's protection. It declares the slayer "not worthy of death," meaning the act was not a capital offense. The reason given, "inasmuch as he hated him not in time past," is the definitive legal criterion: the absence of prior malice, premeditation, or enmity. This distinction between unintentional killing and premeditated murder is foundational to the Mosaic legal system's commitment to nuanced and just judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 19:6 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its urgent message and legal precision. **Vivid Imagery** is prominent in phrases like "while his heart is hot," which powerfully evokes the raw, unbridled emotion of the avenger, creating a sense of immediate danger and urgency. The description of the "long way" further enhances this imagery, emphasizing the practical need for accessible refuge. **Legal Precision** is evident in the careful distinction drawn between unintentional killing and murder, particularly through the crucial phrase "hated him not in time past." This phrase functions as a clear legal criterion, demonstrating the Israelite legal system's emphasis on intent. Finally, the verse utilizes **Contrast** by juxtaposing the impulsive, potentially unjust act of the avenger with the divinely ordained system of refuge that ensures due process and prevents the death of one "not worthy of death." This contrast highlights the superiority of God's justice over human vengeance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 19:6 profoundly illustrates God's character as both just and merciful, establishing a legal framework that tempers the ancient custom of blood vengeance with divine wisdom. It reveals a God who demands accountability for human life but also provides a means of protection for those who, through tragic accident and without malice, cause another's death. This system of refuge prefigures the broader theological truth that God provides a way of escape and a place of safety for those who seek it, especially when facing the consequences of actions not born of malicious intent. It underscores the sanctity of human life and the importance of a legal system that values intent and provides due process, reflecting God's own righteous judgment.

* [Numbers 35:9-15](/numbers/35-9 "Numbers 35:9-15 - Cities of Refuge Established")
* [Joshua 20:1-6](/joshua/20-1 "Joshua 20:1-6 - Implementation of Cities of Refuge")
* [Psalm 91:2](/psalm/91-2 "Psalm 91:2 - God as Our Refuge and Fortress")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 19:6, though rooted in ancient legal custom, offers enduring principles for contemporary life. It challenges us to consider the importance of intent in our judgments of others, urging us to look beyond immediate outcomes to discern the heart and motivations behind actions. In a world often quick to condemn, this verse reminds us of the divine call for due process, careful discernment, and the tempering of justice with mercy. Spiritually, it serves as a powerful metaphor for the refuge we find in God. Just as the slayer found physical protection from an avenger, believers find spiritual refuge in Christ from the just condemnation of sin. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of compassion, to advocate for fair treatment, and to recognize that true justice is not merely punitive but also restorative and protective, reflecting the very nature of God who is our ultimate sanctuary in times of accusation and distress.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "intent" in this verse challenge our modern tendencies toward quick judgment or "cancel culture"?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals or communities, embody the principles of "refuge" and "due process" in our interactions with others?**
* **How does the provision of cities of refuge demonstrate God's balance of justice and mercy, and what does this teach us about His character?**

### FAQ

**What was the primary distinction ancient Israelite law made between murder and manslaughter, as highlighted in Deuteronomy 19:6?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 19:6, along with other passages like [Numbers 35:22-25](/numbers/35-22 "Numbers 35:22-25 - Distinction Between Murder and Manslaughter"), clearly distinguishes between premeditated murder and unintentional killing (manslaughter) based on the presence or absence of prior malice or hatred. For an act to be considered manslaughter, the slayer must not have "hated him not in time past." This means there was no pre-existing animosity, no intent to harm, and the death occurred purely by accident, such as an axe head flying off its handle while cutting wood ([Deuteronomy 19:5](/deuteronomy/19-5 "Deuteronomy 19:5 - Example of Unintentional Killing")). In contrast, if there was prior hatred or a deliberate ambush, the act was considered murder, and the killer was not afforded protection in a city of refuge but was to be put to death ([Deuteronomy 19:11-13](/deuteronomy/19-11 "Deuteronomy 19:11-13 - No Refuge for Intentional Murderers")). This distinction ensured that justice was administered fairly, preventing innocent people from being executed by the "avenger of the blood."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 19:6, with its depiction of the urgent flight to a city of refuge from the avenger of blood, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The "avenger of the blood" can be seen as a type of the just claims of God's law against sin, which demands a life for a life ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). Humanity, having sinned, stands condemned and is "worthy of death." However, just as the unintentional slayer found refuge, so too does humanity find ultimate refuge in Christ. He is our true and eternal "city of refuge," providing a secure sanctuary from the just wrath of God against sin. The writer of Hebrews speaks of believers having "fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us" ([Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - Hope as an Anchor for the Soul")). Christ, as our great High Priest, not only atones for our sins, making us "not worthy of death" in the spiritual sense, but also intercedes for us, protecting us from the ultimate judgment. His sacrifice on the cross, the shedding of His own blood, satisfies the demands of divine justice, disarming the "avenger" of spiritual death and offering eternal life to all who, by faith, flee to Him ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness of Sins Through Christ")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, providing a refuge that is not limited by distance or time, but is eternally accessible through faith ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 35:12

And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment.

Jeremiah 26:15

But know ye for certain, that if ye put me to death, ye shall surely bring innocent blood upon yourselves, and upon this city, and upon the inhabitants thereof: for of a truth the LORD hath sent me unto you to speak all these words in your ears.

Jeremiah 26:16

¶ Then said the princes and all the people unto the priests and to the prophets; This man [is] not worthy to die: for he hath spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God.

2 Samuel 14:7

And, behold, the whole family is risen against thine handmaid, and they said, Deliver him that smote his brother, that we may kill him, for the life of his brother whom he slew; and we will destroy the heir also: and so they shall quench my coal which is left, and shall not leave to my husband [neither] name nor remainder upon the earth.

Deuteronomy 21:22

And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree:

Joshua 20:5

And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime.