Deuteronomy 4:42

That the slayer might flee thither, which should kill his neighbour unawares, and hated him not in times past; and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live:

That the slayer {H7523} might flee {H5127} thither, which should kill {H7523} his neighbour {H7453} unawares {H1097}{H1847}, and hated {H8130} him not in times {H8543} past {H8032}; and that fleeing {H5127} unto one {H259} of these {H411} cities {H5892} he might live {H2425}:

to which a killer might flee, that is, someone who kills by mistake a person whom he did not previously hate, and upon fleeing to one of these cities might live there.

to which a manslayer could flee after killing his neighbor unintentionally without prior malice. To save oneโ€™s own life, he could flee to one of these cities:

that the manslayer might flee thither, that slayeth his neighbor unawares, and hated him not in time past; and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live:

Commentary

Deuteronomy 4:42 describes the specific purpose of the three cities of refuge that Moses had just set apart on the east side of the Jordan River. This verse clarifies that these cities were designated as safe havens for individuals who had accidentally caused the death of another person, providing protection from immediate retribution by the "avenger of blood."

Context

This verse is part of Moses' second major discourse to the Israelites, delivered just before they entered the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 4:41, Moses introduces the concept of setting apart these cities. The establishment of these cities was a crucial part of God's covenant law, designed to ensure justice and prevent blood feuds within the community. While the full system of cities of refuge is elaborated upon in other books of the Torah, Deuteronomy highlights their essential role in providing a structured legal process for cases of unintentional homicide.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Mercy: God's law provides a clear distinction between premeditated murder and accidental killing. While all loss of life is serious, the law differentiates based on intent, demonstrating both God's demand for justice and His provision for mercy.
  • Sanctity of Life: The very existence of these cities underscores the high value placed on human life in ancient Israel. Even an accidental death required a legal process, not simply immediate vengeance.
  • Protection for the Unintentional Slayer: The cities served as a sanctuary, ensuring that a person who killed "unawares" (unintentionally) would not be executed without due process. This prevented cycles of revenge killings and upheld order in the community.
  • Due Process: Fleeing to a city of refuge allowed the accused to present their case before the elders, ensuring a fair hearing rather than summary execution.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "kill his neighbour unawares" translates the Hebrew word bishgฤgรข (ื‘ึผึดืฉืึฐื’ึธื’ึธื”), which means "by error," "unintentionally," or "without forethought." This term is critical as it distinguishes such an act from deliberate murder, where there is malice aforethought. The additional phrase "and hated him not in times past" further emphasizes the absence of any prior animosity or malicious intent, reinforcing that the act was truly accidental and not the result of a long-standing grudge.

Cross-References and Connections

The concept of cities of refuge is foundational to Israelite law. Their purpose and regulations are more extensively detailed in Numbers 35:6-34 and their actual establishment and allocation in the land of Canaan are recorded in Joshua 20:1-9. This system stands in stark contrast to the severe penalty for intentional murder, which demanded capital punishment. The cities provided a temporary refuge until the death of the high priest, at which point the slayer was free to return home, symbolizing a form of atonement or release.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 4:42 offers timeless principles. It highlights the importance of distinguishing intent in legal matters, a cornerstone of modern justice systems. It also reveals God's character as both just and merciful, providing a means for those who genuinely erred to find safety and due process. Spiritually, this concept can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate refuge found in Christ for those who unintentionally transgress God's law, allowing them to find forgiveness and new life. It reminds us that God provides a path to safety and redemption, even when we stumble.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 35:15

    These six cities shall be a refuge, [both] for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither.

  • Numbers 35:28

    Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the slayer shall return into the land of his possession.

  • Numbers 35:11

    Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.

  • 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.

  • Hebrews 6:18

    That by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

  • Numbers 35:6

    And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites [there shall be] six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities.

  • Deuteronomy 19:1

    ยถ When the LORD thy God hath cut off the nations, whose land the LORD thy God giveth thee, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their cities, and in their houses;
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