Deuteronomy 19:4

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;

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};

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.

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:

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

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;

Commentary

This verse explains the specific scenario for which the cities of refuge were designated (as introduced in Deuteronomy 19:1-3). It defines the type of killing that warranted protection in these cities.

Historical and Cultural Context: In ancient Israelite society, the nearest male relative of a murdered person had the right and obligation to act as an "avenger of blood" and execute the killer. While this system aimed for justice, it could lead to hasty and potentially unjust retaliation if the killing was not intentional. The cities of refuge provided a sanctuary where someone who had killed another person could flee for safety from the avenger of blood, pending a fair trial.

Key Themes and Messages:

  • The crucial distinction between intentional murder and unintentional killing (manslaughter or accidental death).
  • God's provision for mercy and due process, ensuring that individuals not guilty of premeditated murder received protection and a fair hearing.
  • The emphasis on the killer's lack of hostile intent ("whom he hated not in time past").

Linguistic Insights: The KJV word "ignorantly" translates the Hebrew term bishgagah (ื‘ึดึผืฉึฐืื’ึธื’ึธื”), which more accurately means "unintentionally," "by mistake," or "by error." This clearly indicates that the killing was accidental, not planned or malicious. The phrase "whom he hated not in time past" further underscores the absence of prior animosity or motive.

Cross-references: The laws concerning cities of refuge are also detailed in Numbers 35:9-28 and Joshua 20:1-6. The contrast with intentional murder is highlighted in subsequent verses like Deuteronomy 19:11-12.

Practical Application: This law reveals God's nuanced view of justice, which considers intent. It teaches us the importance of distinguishing between accidental harm and deliberate evil, and the need for systems that provide fair judgment and protection for those who cause harm unintentionally. It reflects God's character as both just and merciful.

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 (5 votes)

    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 35:24 (5 votes)

    Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood according to these judgments:

  • Deuteronomy 4:42 (3 votes)

    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:

  • Genesis 31:2 (2 votes)

    And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it [was] not toward him as before.

  • Joshua 3:4 (2 votes)

    Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed [this] way heretofore.

  • Isaiah 30:33 (2 votes)

    For Tophet [is] ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made [it] deep [and] large: the pile thereof [is] fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.

  • 1 Chronicles 11:2 (2 votes)

    And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou [wast] he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel.