Joshua 20:3

KJV

That the slayer that killeth [any] person unawares [and] unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.

KJV (with Strong's)

That the slayer {H7523} that killeth {H5221} any person {H5315} unawares {H7684} and unwittingly {H1847} may flee {H5127} thither: and they shall be your refuge {H4733} from the avenger {H1350} of blood {H1818}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that anyone who kills someone by mistake and unknowingly may escape there; they will serve as refuges for you from the next-of-kin avenger.

Berean Standard Bible

so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood.

American Standard Version

that the manslayer that killeth any person unwittingly and unawares may flee thither: and they shall be unto you for a refuge from the avenger of blood.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 20:3 articulates the divine mandate for the establishment of Cities of Refuge in ancient Israel, designated havens for individuals who had caused an accidental death. This verse specifically outlines that these cities were to serve as immediate sanctuary for those who killed "unawares and unwittingly," providing protection from the "avenger of blood" and ensuring an opportunity for due legal process rather than immediate, retaliatory justice. It underscores God's meticulous provision for both justice and mercy within the Mosaic legal framework, clearly distinguishing between intentional murder and unintentional manslaughter.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 20:3 is situated within the broader narrative of the division of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes, following their successful conquest. Chapter 20 specifically details the implementation of a command first given by God through Moses in the wilderness, as recorded in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities of Refuge and Levitical Cities") and reiterated in [Deuteronomy 19](/deuteronomy/19 "Deuteronomy 19 - Laws Concerning Cities of Refuge"). The verses immediately preceding Joshua 20:3 ([Joshua 20:1-2](/joshua/20-1-2 "Joshua 20:1-2 - God's Command to Appoint Cities of Refuge")) record the Lord's direct instruction to Joshua to "appoint out for you cities of refuge." This verse, therefore, serves as the foundational statement of purpose for these cities, explaining *why* they were to be established and *who* they were intended to protect, thereby fulfilling a crucial aspect of Israel's legal and social structure as they settled the promised land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concept of blood vengeance (lex talionis) was widespread, where the closest male relative of a murdered person, known as the "avenger of blood," had the right and often the societal expectation to exact retribution. This system, while ensuring some form of justice, often led to escalating blood feuds that could destabilize communities. The Israelite Cities of Refuge, however, introduced a unique and divinely ordained modification to this custom. While acknowledging the role of the "avenger of blood," God's law provided a crucial distinction between premeditated murder and accidental death. These cities functioned as legal sanctuaries, offering temporary asylum until a formal trial could be held at the city gate by the elders, thereby preventing immediate, unchecked vengeance and ensuring a measure of due process that was remarkably advanced for its time.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 20:3 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Justice and Mercy**, demonstrating God's balanced character in upholding the sanctity of human life while simultaneously providing grace for unintentional wrongdoing. The establishment of these cities highlights God's meticulous care for the social order of Israel, preventing chaotic blood feuds and ensuring stability. It also underscores the **Sanctity of Life**, as even unintentional killing required a specific legal framework, emphasizing the value of human life created in God's image (cf. [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Genesis 9:6 - Sanctity of Human Life")). Furthermore, the system emphasizes the critical **Distinction Between Intentional and Unintentional Acts**, a principle foundational to biblical law, as seen in earlier stipulations in [Exodus 21:13](/exodus/21-13 "Exodus 21:13 - Unintentional Homicide") and detailed in [Numbers 35:22-25](/numbers/35-22-25 "Numbers 35:22-25 - Distinguishing Intentional from Unintentional Killing"). The Cities of Refuge thus served as tangible expressions of God's righteous governance and compassionate provision for His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Unawares [and] Unwittingly (Hebrew, _shᵉgâgâh'_ H7684, _daʻath'_ H1847):** The King James Version translates two distinct but related Hebrew concepts with this compound phrase. `Shᵉgâgâh` (H7684) refers to a "mistake or inadvertent transgression," emphasizing an action committed by error or unintentionally, without malicious intent. `Daʻath` (H1847), derived from the root "to know," here implies a lack of knowledge or awareness, reinforcing the idea that the act was not premeditated or done with hostile forethought. Together, these terms precisely define the type of killer eligible for refuge, sharply distinguishing them from those who commit murder with forethought or hatred, who would not receive protection and would face capital punishment.
* **Refuge (Hebrew, _miqlâṭ'_ H4733):** The Hebrew word `miqlâṭ` literally means "a place of reception" or "asylum." It refers to a designated safe haven or sanctuary. In the context of the Cities of Refuge, it signifies a physical location of immediate safety and protection from the "avenger of blood" until a legal process could determine the slayer's intent. This term highlights the protective and sheltering function of these cities, embodying God's provision for those in distress and emphasizing the concept of a divinely appointed sanctuary.
* **Avenger of Blood (Hebrew, _gâʼal'_ H1350, _dâm'_ H1818):** This phrase translates the Hebrew `go'ēl haddām`, literally "kinsman-redeemer of blood." In ancient Israelite society, the `go'el` (H1350) was the closest male relative who had the right and duty to protect the family's interests, including property, freedom, and, in this case, the life of a family member. If a kinsman was murdered, the `go'el haddām` was obligated to avenge the death. The word `dâm` (H1818) refers to "blood" as that which, when shed, causes death, or figuratively, "bloodshed." The Cities of Refuge served as a divinely sanctioned barrier against this familial retribution for unintentional acts, ensuring that justice was administered through a legal process rather than immediate, potentially misdirected, vengeance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That the slayer that killeth [any] person unawares [and] unwittingly may flee thither":** This clause establishes the specific condition and purpose for the Cities of Refuge. It identifies the intended beneficiary – a "slayer" (one who has caused death) – but immediately qualifies this by emphasizing the unintentional nature of the act ("unawares [and] unwittingly"). The phrase "may flee thither" indicates the prescribed action for such a person, highlighting the urgency and necessity of seeking asylum in these designated cities. This flight was not an escape from justice, but a flight *to* justice, providing a temporary sanctuary where their case could be fairly judged.
* **"and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood":** This second clause clarifies the protective function of the Cities of Refuge. "They" refers to the cities themselves, which are explicitly declared as a "refuge" (a place of safety and asylum). The protection offered is specifically "from the avenger of blood," the kinsman who, by societal custom and divine allowance (for intentional murder), had the right to exact retribution. This provision underscores God's desire to regulate vengeance, prevent chaotic blood feuds, and ensure that only truly guilty parties faced the ultimate penalty, after due legal process and a clear distinction of intent.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 20:3 employs several significant literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. The verse primarily functions as a **Legal Mandate**, articulating a specific divine law concerning the Cities of Refuge. The precise and repetitive language, particularly "unawares [and] unwittingly," serves as **Emphasis** to underscore the critical distinction between accidental death and premeditated murder, a foundational principle in biblical jurisprudence. This clear **Contrast** between unintentional and intentional acts is central to the legal framework. Furthermore, the concept of "refuge" itself carries profound **Symbolism**, representing God's provision of safety, mercy, and a place of due process amidst a world prone to escalating violence. The explicit mention of the "avenger of blood" also serves as a **Foil**, highlighting the perilous situation the accidental slayer faces outside these cities and thus emphasizing the life-saving nature of the divine provision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 20:3, in its establishment of the Cities of Refuge, beautifully illustrates the tension and harmony between God's justice and His mercy. While God demands accountability for the taking of human life, reflecting the sanctity of life created in His image, He also provides a pathway for grace and due process for those whose actions were unintentional. This system prevented unchecked vengeance and ensured that judgment was administered fairly, not impulsively. It reveals a God who is meticulously concerned with the details of human society, providing structures that uphold righteousness while extending compassion. The Cities of Refuge stand as a testament to God's character as both righteous Judge and compassionate Provider, offering a sanctuary for the genuinely repentant and distinguishing between degrees of culpability, ultimately pointing to a deeper spiritual reality of refuge.
* [Numbers 35:11](/numbers/35-11 "Numbers 35:11 - Cities of Refuge Mandate")
* [Deuteronomy 19:4-6](/deuteronomy/19-4-6 "Deuteronomy 19:4-6 - Law for Unintentional Killing")
* [Exodus 21:12-14](/exodus/21-12-14 "Exodus 21:12-14 - Laws Concerning Homicide")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient provision of the Cities of Refuge holds profound implications for our understanding of God's character and our own lives. It reminds us that God is not only a God of perfect justice, who demands accountability for all actions, but also a God of profound mercy, who makes provision for human weakness, error, and unintentional sin. This balance should shape our own approach to justice and compassion, prompting us to seek understanding and due process rather than immediate condemnation or vengeance. Spiritually, we are all, in a sense, "slayers" in need of refuge, having sinned against a holy God, whether intentionally or through ignorance. The Cities of Refuge foreshadow the ultimate sanctuary available to us. We are called to extend grace and understanding, recognizing the complexities of human actions, while upholding righteousness. This passage encourages us to rely on God's provision for safety and forgiveness, knowing that true refuge is found in Him, a refuge that offers both protection and the opportunity for restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of Cities of Refuge challenge our modern understanding of justice and retribution?**
* **In what ways do we, as believers, need to flee to a spiritual "city of refuge" in our daily lives?**
* **How can we embody God's balance of justice and mercy in our interactions with others, particularly when unintentional harm occurs?**

### FAQ
**Were the Cities of Refuge only for Israelites?**

Answer: No, the Cities of Refuge were explicitly established for both Israelites and foreigners residing among them. [Numbers 35:15](/numbers/35-15 "Numbers 35:15 - Cities of Refuge for All") states, "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." This demonstrates God's impartial justice and mercy, extending protection and due process to all who lived under His law, regardless of their ethnic origin. It highlights the universality of God's concern for human life and fair judgment, showing His character is not limited by national boundaries.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Cities of Refuge in the Old Testament serve as a powerful **type** or **shadow** pointing to the ultimate spiritual refuge found in Jesus Christ. Just as the unintentional slayer fled to a physical city for protection from the avenger of blood, so too does humanity, guilty of sin (whether intentional or in ignorance), find ultimate sanctuary and salvation in Christ. He is our true High Priest, as highlighted in [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our High Priest"), who intercedes on our behalf and provides access to grace and mercy in our time of need. Moreover, Jesus is our divine "refuge" from the condemnation of sin and the wrath of God, as proclaimed in [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength") and echoed throughout the New Testament (e.g., [Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - Fleeing for Refuge to Hope")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He has disarmed the "avenger" of our souls – sin and death – and offers forgiveness and eternal life to all who "flee" to Him in faith. 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"), providing the ultimate propitiation and a secure dwelling place for all who believe, a refuge that is eternal, perfectly just, and infinitely merciful.

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.