Deuteronomy 19:3 kjv
Thou shalt prepare thee a way, and divide the coasts of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to inherit, into three parts, that every slayer may flee thither.
Deuteronomy 19:3 nkjv
You shall prepare roads for yourself, and divide into three parts the territory of your land which the LORD your God is giving you to inherit, that any manslayer may flee there.
Deuteronomy 19:3 niv
Determine the distances involved and divide into three parts the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that a person who kills someone may flee for refuge to one of these cities.
Deuteronomy 19:3 esv
You shall measure the distances and divide into three parts the area of the land that the LORD your God gives you as a possession, so that any manslayer can flee to them.
Deuteronomy 19:3 nlt
Survey the territory, and divide the land the LORD your God is giving you into three districts, with one of these cities in each district. Then anyone who has killed someone can flee to one of the cities of refuge for safety.
Deuteronomy 19 3 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Num 35:9-15 | "Speak to the people of Israel... Cities of refuge... for the manslayer." | Establishes the purpose of these cities. |
| Deut 4:41-43 | "Then Moses set apart three cities... for the manslayer." | Prior establishment of three cities by Moses. |
| Josh 20:1-9 | "Then the LORD said to Joshua, 'Speak to the people of Israel...'" | Joshua implements the command for all six cities. |
| Josh 21:13, 21, 27, 32, 36, 38 | Specific cities given to Levites. | List of the six cities of refuge. |
| Ex 21:12-14 | "Whoever strikes a man so that he dies shall be put to death..." | Differentiates intentional murder from accidental. |
| Num 35:22-28 | "But if he pushed him suddenly... then the assembly shall protect..." | Clarifies judgment for unintentional killing. |
| Deut 17:8-13 | "If any case arises involving bloodshed... you shall come to the Levitical priests." | Establishes the legal system for complex cases. |
| Psa 46:1 | "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." | Thematic: God as ultimate refuge. |
| Prov 18:10 | "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it." | Thematic: Trust in God as a place of safety. |
| Heb 6:18 | "so that by two unchangeable things... we who have fled for refuge..." | Thematic: New Testament spiritual refuge in Christ. |
| Gen 15:18 | "To your offspring I give this land..." | Foreshadows God's gift of the land as inheritance. |
| Deut 1:8 | "See, I have set the land before you. Go in and take possession..." | Reinforces God's granting of the land. |
| Josh 1:6 | "For you shall cause this people to inherit the land..." | Confirms Israel's inheritance. |
| Psa 78:55 | "He drove out nations before them... allotted them their inheritance." | God's active role in giving the inheritance. |
| Ex 23:20-23 | "Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way..." | Thematic: God preparing the way for Israel. |
| 1 Cor 14:40 | "But all things should be done decently and in order." | Thematic: Principle of divine order and planning. |
| Deut 19:1-2 | "When the LORD your God cuts off the nations... you shall set apart three cities..." | Immediate preceding context; sets the command. |
| Deut 19:4-6 | "This is the case of the manslayer who may flee there..." | Explains the specific scenarios for refuge. |
| Isa 32:2 | "Each will be like a hiding place from the wind, a shelter..." | Thematic: Leaders/rulers providing a form of refuge. |
| Zeph 3:2 | "She listens to no voice; she accepts no correction..." | Contrast to orderly justice and acceptance of law. |
Deuteronomy 19 verses
Deuteronomy 19 3 Meaning
Deuteronomy 19:3 commands the Israelites, once settled in the Promised Land, to actively establish and maintain accessible routes to designated cities of refuge. This involved dividing the inherited territory into three distinct regions, each with a city of refuge positioned to ensure that anyone who unintentionally killed another person could swiftly and safely flee there to find asylum and a fair trial, escaping immediate blood vengeance.
Deuteronomy 19 3 Context
Deuteronomy 19:3 is part of a crucial section in Moses' second address to Israel, just before they enter the Promised Land. This chapter, alongside others in Deuteronomy, focuses on the specific application of covenant law to daily life in the land, particularly regarding justice. Verses 1-13 deal with legal procedures for bloodshed, specifically establishing the purpose and guidelines for the cities of refuge. These cities were to protect individuals who had caused an accidental death from the immediate and often violent retaliation of a "blood avenger," a common practice in the ancient Near East. The instruction in verse 3 for preparing clear ways and dividing the land into three parts highlights the divine emphasis on accessibility and fair application of justice for all within the land God was granting them.
Deuteronomy 19 3 Word analysis
- "You shall prepare": The Hebrew verb is tākîyn (תָּכִין), from the root kûn (כוּן), meaning "to establish, set up, make ready, direct, fix firmly." This is not a passive instruction but an active command for the people (collectively) to make the necessary arrangements and infrastructure. It implies foresight and purposeful organization for justice.
- "the way": The Hebrew word is dereḵ (דֶּרֶךְ), which refers to a path, road, or journey. In this literal context, it implies actual physical roads or clear routes leading to the cities of refuge, ensuring speedy access for one fleeing. Symbolically, it points to the clear path of God's justice and provision for mercy.
- "for yourself": The Hebrew lāḵ (לָךְ), meaning "for you" (singular, referring to Israel collectively). This emphasizes that setting up these systems was not just a divine command for an external purpose, but was for the benefit and orderly functioning of Israelite society itself, reflecting their commitment to God's standards of justice.
- "and divide": The Hebrew verb is wəšillaštā (וְשִׁלַּשְׁתָּ), from šālaš (שָׁלַשׁ), meaning "to divide into three." This specific instruction indicates a precise, systematic approach to geographical distribution.
- "the territory of your land": Gəḇûl ’arṣəḵā (גְּבוּל אַרְצְךָ) refers to the precise borders and boundaries of the promised inheritance. This implies a thorough survey and strategic placement of these cities across the entire nation, not just in select areas.
- "which the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance": This phrase (’ăšer Yahweh ’ělōheykā nōṯēn ləḵā naḥalāh) is profoundly theological. It connects the establishment of these cities directly to the divine gift of the land (naḥalāh - inheritance). This land is not acquired by conquest alone, but granted by God. The administration of justice within it, therefore, must conform to God's character and commands, acknowledging His sovereignty and ownership.
- "into three parts": This repeats the instruction for division by three, reinforcing the practicality and intention of equidistant access. The total of six cities of refuge (three across the Jordan already designated by Moses, and three more to be chosen in Canaan) would ideally ensure that no one was too far from asylum.
- "that every slayer may flee there": This purpose clause (wəhāyāh lānûs šāmmāh kāl-marṣēaḥ) clearly states the ultimate aim. Marṣēaḥ (מַרְצֵחַ), meaning "slayer" or "killer," specifically refers to one who causes death without malicious intent, differentiating from the intentional "murderer" (e.g., in Num 35:31). The need for a rapid "fleeing" underscores the danger from the blood avenger and the urgency of seeking protection within the divine legal framework.
Deuteronomy 19 3 Bonus section
The specific instruction to divide the land into three parts (later expanding to six cities in total) reveals a deep understanding of geography and human need, ensuring no part of the promised inheritance was unduly far from a designated place of safety. This precise design for accessible refuge stands in stark contrast to the often arbitrary and brutal systems of vengeance prevalent in surrounding cultures, where unintentional killing would still result in guaranteed execution by the victim's kin. The law of the cities of refuge thus demonstrated God's justice in its nuance, distinguishing between accidental and intentional homicide, providing an equitable system for truth and consequence rather than automatic blood retribution. This concept also shadows the ultimate refuge offered by Jesus Christ, who provides atonement for the unintentional "killing" (sins) against God, offering a sanctuary of grace from the righteous judgment that would otherwise be due.
Deuteronomy 19 3 Commentary
Deuteronomy 19:3 articulates a pivotal requirement for the establishment of a just and merciful society under God's law. It's a pragmatic instruction born from divine character, demanding active participation from the community to ensure legal protection. The emphasis on preparing clear roads and dividing the land into three equidistant sections highlights God's foresight and commitment to making justice accessible, even for those involved in tragic, unintended acts. This was a progressive legal innovation for its time, serving to curb unchecked vigilantism (blood revenge) while upholding the sanctity of life through due process. It demonstrates that God's justice is orderly, intentional, and balanced with compassion for the vulnerable. The verse is a powerful illustration of how divine law necessitates practical, human action for its effective implementation, reflecting a society where order and compassion intertwine. It foreshadows the spiritual refuge found in Christ for those fleeing the consequences of sin.