Joshua 20:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if the avenger {H1350} of blood {H1818} pursue {H7291} after {H310} him, then they shall not deliver {H5462} the slayer {H7523} up into his hand {H3027}; because he smote {H5221} his neighbour {H7453} unwittingly {H1097}{H1847}, and hated {H8130} him not beforetime {H8543}{H8032}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If the next-of-kin avenger pursues him, they are not to hand over the killer to him; because he struck his fellow community member unknowingly and had not hated him previously.

Berean Standard Bible

Now if the avenger of blood pursues him, they must not surrender the manslayer into his hand, because that man killed his neighbor accidentally without prior malice.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 20:5 is a pivotal verse within the Mosaic Law, meticulously detailing the divine provision of Cities of Refuge in ancient Israel. This verse precisely outlines the crucial protection afforded to an individual who has unintentionally caused the death of another, ensuring they are not summarily executed by the "avenger of blood." It profoundly underscores God's meticulous design for a justice system that carefully distinguishes between premeditated murder and accidental homicide, thereby tempering the pursuit of justice with a profound demonstration of mercy, due process, and the sanctity of life within the community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 20:5 is strategically placed within [Joshua chapter 20](/joshua/20 "Joshua 20 - The Cities of Refuge"), which records the establishment and designation of the six Cities of Refuge across the newly acquired land of Canaan. This act directly fulfills a divine mandate given by God through Moses in earlier Pentateuchal books, notably [Numbers 35:9-34](/numbers/35-9-34 "Numbers 35:9-34 - Laws for the Cities of Refuge") and [Deuteronomy 19:1-13](/deuteronomy/19-1-13 "Deuteronomy 19:1-13 - Provisions for Cities of Refuge"). The chapter's immediate placement after the detailed division of the land among the Israelite tribes (chapters [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Division of Land East of Jordan") through [Joshua 19](/joshua/19 "Joshua 19 - Allotment for Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, Dan")) signifies the practical implementation of God's covenant laws as Israel transitions from a nomadic, conquering force to a settled, ordered society. It highlights the importance of divine statutes in establishing societal stability and ensuring equitable justice within their inheritance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, and particularly within Israelite society, the custom of blood vengeance was a deeply entrenched practice. A "go'el haddam," or "avenger of blood," was typically a close male relative of the deceased who bore the legal and social obligation to avenge the death of his kin. In the absence of a centralized police force or formal prison system, this custom served as a primary deterrent against murder. However, it also carried the significant risk of escalating into destructive and prolonged blood feuds, threatening communal peace and order. The Cities of Refuge, therefore, represented a unique divine innovation designed to regulate and temper this ancient practice. They provided a structured legal process, offering a sanctuary where the slayer could receive a fair hearing before the elders of the city, thereby distinguishing between intentional murder (which warranted execution) and unintentional homicide (which merited refuge), ensuring justice was applied judiciously.

* **Key Themes:** Joshua 20:5 profoundly contributes to several key themes woven throughout the Old Testament and beyond. Foremost is the theme of **Justice Tempered with Mercy**, showcasing God's character as both righteous in demanding accountability for bloodshed and compassionate in providing a way for unintentional offenders to find safety and due process. This verse highlights the **Importance of Intent**, establishing a critical legal distinction between malicious acts and accidental harm—a principle foundational to many modern legal systems and a reflection of God's perfect understanding of the human heart. Furthermore, the Cities of Refuge embody the theme of **Order and Due Process**, preventing arbitrary vengeance and ensuring that cases were judged by established legal procedures rather than immediate, emotional retribution. Finally, the system upholds the **Sanctity of Life**, demonstrating that while refuge was granted, the life taken was still highly valued, as evidenced by the slayer's confinement until the death of the high priest, as stipulated in [Numbers 35:25](/numbers/35-25 "Numbers 35:25 - Confinement Until the Death of the High Priest"). This temporary confinement underscored the gravity of taking a human life, even accidentally.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **avenger (Hebrew, _gâʼal'_):** (H1350) This primitive root means "to redeem" according to the Oriental law of kinship. It signifies the role of the "next of kin" who has the right and responsibility to act on behalf of a relative. This could involve redeeming property, marrying a childless widow, or, as in this context, avenging a wrong, specifically bloodshed. The "avenger of blood" (Hebrew: *go'el haddam*) was the designated family member whose duty it was to pursue and execute the killer of his relative, ensuring that the shedding of innocent blood did not go unpunished and defile the land ([Numbers 35:33](/numbers/35-33 "Numbers 35:33 - Blood Defiles the Land")).
* **unwittingly (Hebrew, _bᵉlîy_ H1097, _daʻath_ H1847):** This phrase combines two Hebrew words to convey the idea of an act committed "without knowledge" or "unawares." H1097 (*bᵉlîy*) properly means "failure" or "nothing," and is often used with a preposition to mean "without," "not yet," or "ignorantly." H1847 (*daʻath*) means "knowledge" or "understanding." Together, they emphatically describe an action that was accidental, unintentional, and devoid of any malicious forethought. This legal distinction was crucial in Mosaic Law, differentiating between sins committed inadvertently and those committed defiantly or "with a high hand" ([Numbers 15:27-31](/numbers/15-27-31 "Numbers 15:27-31 - Sins of Ignorance vs. Presumption")).
* **hated him not beforetime (Hebrew, _sânêʼ_ H8130, _tᵉmôwl_ H8543, _shilshôwm_ H8032):** This idiomatic expression literally translates to "he was not hating him from yesterday and the day before yesterday." H8130 (*sânêʼ*) means "to hate." H8543 (*tᵉmôwl*) means "yesterday" or "a time since," and H8032 (*shilshôwm*) means "day before yesterday" or "time past." The combination emphasizes the complete absence of any prior animosity, malice, or long-standing feud between the slayer and the deceased. This criterion served as a critical safeguard against feigned unintentionality, ensuring that only genuinely accidental killings, devoid of any underlying ill-will or premeditation, qualified for sanctuary in the Cities of Refuge. It underscores the paramount importance of intent in Israelite jurisprudence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if the avenger of blood pursue after him,"**: This clause establishes the immediate threat and the legal reality of the situation. It acknowledges the legitimate right and determined pursuit of the "go'el haddam," who is compelled by kinship obligations to seek retribution for the spilled blood of his relative. This highlights the urgency for the slayer to reach a City of Refuge and the necessity of a designated sanctuary to mediate this pursuit.
* **"then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand;"**: This is the core protective injunction of the verse, outlining the duty of the authorities within the City of Refuge. "They" refers to the elders or leaders of the city, who, upon the slayer's arrival and presentation of his case at the city gate, were obligated to grant him asylum. This command ensured that the slayer would not be summarily executed by the avenger, but rather would receive due process, preventing the cycle of uncontrolled, immediate vengeance.
* **"because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime."**: This final clause provides the explicit legal justification for granting refuge. It reiterates the two critical conditions for sanctuary: first, the act was accidental, without conscious intent to kill ("unwittingly" or "by error"); second, there was no prior malice, animosity, or pre-existing feud between the slayer and the deceased ("hated him not beforetime"). These criteria were essential for distinguishing manslaughter from murder, ensuring that the Cities of Refuge served their intended purpose for the truly unintentional offender, upholding God's standard of justice.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in Joshua 20:5, and indeed the entire chapter detailing the Cities of Refuge, is characterized by precise **Legal Language**, reflecting its nature as a divine statute and a foundational element of Israelite jurisprudence. The specific conditions for refuge—"unwittingly" and "hated him not beforetime"—are characteristic of legal codes, aiming for clarity and unambiguous application. There is a clear **Contrast** established between intentional murder, which is punishable by death, and unintentional homicide, which merits refuge. This crucial distinction is central to the justice system outlined by God. The narrative also employs **Repetition** and **Emphasis** on the lack of malice or prior hatred, reinforcing the critical nature of intent in determining culpability. Furthermore, the very establishment of these cities serves as a powerful **Symbolism** of God's ordered justice, His provision of a safe haven for the vulnerable, and His compassionate nature, pointing to deeper theological truths about refuge and redemption.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 20:5 provides profound insight into the character of God, revealing Him as a God of both perfect justice and boundless mercy. The meticulous distinction between intentional and unintentional acts showcases His commitment to a nuanced and equitable legal system, one that values human life immensely while also understanding human fallibility. This divine provision of sanctuary underscores the principle that not all bloodshed is equal in its moral culpability, and that intent is a critical factor in determining guilt and appropriate consequence. It teaches us that true justice is not merely punitive but also redemptive, offering a path for those who err unintentionally to find protection and a chance for restoration within the community. The Cities of Refuge, therefore, stand as a testament to God's desire for an ordered society governed by His righteous and compassionate laws, preventing chaos and promoting a just peace that reflects His own divine attributes.

* [Numbers 35:22-28](/numbers/35-22-28 "Numbers 35:22-28 - Conditions for Refuge and Release of the Slayer")
* [Deuteronomy 19:4-6](/deuteronomy/19-4-6 "Deuteronomy 19:4-6 - The Law of Unintentional Homicide")
* [Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - Fleeing for Refuge to Lay Hold of Hope")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 20:5, though rooted in an ancient legal system, offers timeless principles for believers today, compelling us to reflect on the nature of justice and mercy in our own lives and communities. Just as God meticulously distinguished between intentional and unintentional acts, we are called to exercise discernment and compassion, avoiding hasty judgments and seeking to understand the full context and intent behind others' actions. This verse reminds us that true justice is not merely about punishment but about restoration and the preservation of life where possible. It encourages us to create "cities of refuge" in our own spheres of influence—places of safety, grace, and due process for those who have erred unintentionally, fostering environments where forgiveness and reconciliation can flourish. Ultimately, it directs our gaze to the ultimate Refuge, Christ, who offers sanctuary for all who flee to Him from the consequences of sin, whether intentional or not, providing a perfect balance of divine justice and boundless grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the distinction between intentional and unintentional acts in Joshua 20:5 inform our understanding of justice and forgiveness today, both personally and communally?**
* **In what ways does God's provision of Cities of Refuge reflect His character of both righteousness and compassion, and how can we emulate these attributes?**
* **How can we, as believers, apply the principle of discerning intent before judgment in our own interactions, relationships, and even in our online communications?**
* **What spiritual "refuge" does Christ offer us, and how does this spiritual sanctuary surpass the temporary, physical refuge of the ancient cities?**

### FAQ

**What was the role of the "avenger of blood" in ancient Israel?**

Answer: The "avenger of blood" (Hebrew: *go'el haddam*) was typically the closest male relative of a person who had been killed. In ancient Israelite society, this kinsman had the legal and social right, and often the moral obligation, to pursue and execute the killer to avenge the death of his relative. This system was part of the broader concept of the *go'el* or kinsman-redeemer, who acted on behalf of his family in matters of property, liberty, and justice. While this custom served to ensure accountability for bloodshed, it also carried the risk of escalating blood feuds. The Cities of Refuge were therefore established by divine command to regulate this practice, providing a safe haven for those who committed unintentional homicide and ensuring a fair hearing before the community elders, as detailed in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - The Cities of Refuge and Blood Vengeance").

**How did the Cities of Refuge prevent uncontrolled blood feuds?**

Answer: The Cities of Refuge were a divinely ordained mechanism to prevent the uncontrolled escalation of blood feuds by providing a structured legal process for cases of homicide. When an individual unintentionally killed someone, they could flee to one of these designated cities. Upon arrival, they would present their case to the elders at the city gate, explaining the circumstances of the death. If it was determined that the killing was indeed unintentional and without prior malice, the elders would grant them asylum, preventing the "avenger of blood" from immediately executing retribution. The slayer would then remain confined within the city until the death of the reigning high priest, at which point they were free to return to their own land without fear of vengeance ([Numbers 35:25-28](/numbers/35-25-28 "Numbers 35:25-28 - Confinement and Release of the Slayer")). This system ensured that justice was served with discernment, distinguishing between murder and manslaughter, and upholding the sanctity of life while maintaining societal order and preventing cycles of retaliatory violence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Cities of Refuge, as exemplified in Joshua 20:5, serve as a profound Old Testament type pointing to the ultimate spiritual refuge found in Jesus Christ. Just as the physical cities provided a safe haven for those who unintentionally shed blood, Christ offers a perfect and eternal sanctuary for all who have sinned, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and who flee to Him for salvation. He is our true "Kinsman-Redeemer" (Go'el), not merely avenging blood, but shedding His own precious blood to redeem us from the curse and penalty of sin ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us From the Curse of the Law")). The death of the high priest, which allowed the slayer to return home freely, powerfully foreshadows the death of Christ, our Great High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")), whose once-for-all sacrifice atones for all sin, granting us true freedom and access to God's presence ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). In Christ, we find not just temporary protection from an earthly avenger, but eternal forgiveness and reconciliation with God, a spiritual haven where divine justice is fully satisfied and divine mercy is abundantly poured out for all who "flee for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us" in Him ([Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - Fleeing for Refuge to 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.

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.

Numbers 35:25

And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the revenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he was fled: and he shall abide in it unto the death of the high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil.