Deuteronomy 19 4

Deuteronomy 19:4 kjv

And this is the case of the slayer, which shall flee thither, that he may live: Whoso killeth his neighbor ignorantly, whom he hated not in time past;

Deuteronomy 19:4 nkjv

"And this is the case of the manslayer who flees there, that he may live: Whoever kills his neighbor unintentionally, not having hated him in time past?

Deuteronomy 19:4 niv

This is the rule concerning anyone who kills a person and flees there for safety?anyone who kills a neighbor unintentionally, without malice aforethought.

Deuteronomy 19:4 esv

"This is the provision for the manslayer, who by fleeing there may save his life. If anyone kills his neighbor unintentionally without having hated him in the past ?

Deuteronomy 19:4 nlt

"If someone kills another person unintentionally, without previous hostility, the slayer may flee to any of these cities to live in safety.

Deuteronomy 19 verses

Deuteronomy 19 4 Meaning

Deuteronomy 19:4 precisely defines the circumstances under which an individual who has caused the death of another may find refuge in the designated cities of asylum. It specifies that for such a "manslayer" to be granted sanctuary and preserve their life, the killing must have been entirely accidental, occurring "unintentionally," and crucially, without any pre-existing animosity or hatred between the killer and the deceased. This provision safeguards the life of those truly free of malicious intent, distinguishing them from premeditated murderers.

Deuteronomy 19 4 Context

Deuteronomy chapter 19 is part of Moses' final instructions to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This chapter focuses on the administration of justice within the newly established society. Verses 1-13 specifically deal with the provisions for cities of refuge, which were designed to prevent blood vengeance and ensure a fair legal process for those involved in accidental deaths. Deuteronomy 19:4 articulates the precise condition for someone to qualify for the protection offered by these cities, differentiating a truly unintentional killing from one motivated by malice. This law, along with stipulations regarding land boundaries (v. 14) and fair witness requirements (v. 15-21), highlights the importance of preserving justice, purity, and life in the land God was giving them, lest innocent blood pollute it.

Deuteronomy 19 4 Word analysis

• "And this is the case": This phrase introduces a specific legal scenario and its conditions, emphasizing the precise nature of the statute about to be defined. It signals that what follows are the critical criteria for application.

• "of the manslayer": (Hebrew: רֹצֵחַ, rotzeach) While rotzeach often implies "murderer," in the context of the cities of refuge (as detailed in Num 35 and Deut 19), it refers specifically to one who takes a human life. This verse and surrounding texts clarify that it means an unintentional killer, in contrast to the willful murderer (as defined in Deut 19:11). It highlights the gravity of taking any human life.

• "who flees there": This indicates an active choice and action required from the individual. It implies immediate compliance with the law, demonstrating acknowledgment of the event and reliance upon the divine legal provision rather than evasion or hiding.

• "that he may live": This states the primary purpose and merciful outcome of the refuge system. It underscores that God's law provides a pathway to life and protection for those without malicious intent, preventing cycles of arbitrary retribution.

• "whoever kills his neighbor": This establishes the scope of the law to any individual within the community. "Neighbor" (Hebrew: רֵעַ, re'a) broadly refers to fellow Israelites or residents in their land, indicating that the protection and laws of justice extend to all under Israel's jurisdiction.

• "unintentionally": (Hebrew: בִּבְלִי דַעַת, bivli da'at - literally "without knowledge" or "without awareness") This is the core condition. It denotes an action performed without prior planning, premeditation, design, or hostile intent. This crucial distinction separates manslaughter from murder and is fundamental to any just legal system.

• "not having hated him": This negative condition is vital. It explicitly rules out any pre-existing animosity or malice. The accidental nature of the killing must be pure, free from any underlying ill-will or grudges against the victim.

• "in time past": (Hebrew: מִתְּמוֹל שִׁלְשׁוֹם, mitmol shilshom - literally "from yesterday, the day before yesterday") This is an idiomatic expression signifying "formerly" or "previously," and denotes an established period. It clarifies that the absence of hatred is not just a momentary feeling at the time of the incident but refers to the entire history of the relationship. This guards against claims of "unintentionality" where underlying animosity existed.

• "case of the manslayer who flees there, that he may live": This segment summarizes the protective provision and the act required to activate it. It portrays the path to safety for the person responsible for an unintentional death.

• "whoever kills his neighbor unintentionally, not having hated him in time past": This complete phrase provides the full definition of the qualifying conditions. It ensures that the sanctuary is available only to those truly devoid of criminal intent or prior malice, reinforcing God's righteous and discerning justice that probes not just the act but also the heart.

Deuteronomy 19 4 Bonus section

The specific language in Deuteronomy 19:4, emphasizing both the "unintentional" nature of the act and the prior "absence of hatred," provided a moral framework that surpassed the common legal customs of its time. It showcased a divine concern for internal disposition, not merely external actions. This prefigures the New Testament emphasis on the heart's condition and intentions (e.g., Jesus' teaching in Matt 5 about anger leading to murder), underscoring that true righteousness considers more than just outward compliance. The Cities of Refuge themselves were ultimately superseded by Christ, who is the true and final refuge for those who flee to Him, unintentionally sinful and seeking life and forgiveness (Heb 6:18, Col 1:19-20). The period of stay for a manslayer in the city of refuge until the death of the High Priest (Num 35:25, 28) symbolizes a covering or atonement for the "blood pollution" on the land, pointing to the ultimate high priesthood of Jesus and His atoning work.

Deuteronomy 19 4 Commentary

Deuteronomy 19:4 acts as the specific gateway requirement for access to a city of refuge. It precisely details the culpability for an accidental homicide within Israelite law. The critical differentiation lies in the complete absence of intent and malice: the act must be an unintentional killing, not premeditated or planned, and the slayer must not have hated the victim previously. This dual condition demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of legal responsibility, recognizing that not all deaths are equal in culpability. This system protected individuals who were genuinely guiltless of malice, preventing arbitrary blood revenge (a common practice in other ancient societies) and ensuring a measured application of justice. It reveals God's meticulous care for human life and His desire for a righteous and fair society, even in the gravest circumstances.

Examples:

• Qualification: An individual chopping wood (as in Deut 19:5), whose axe-head flies off and accidentally kills another passerby, would qualify.
• Disqualification: If someone previously had a bitter argument with a neighbor and later, during a seemingly accidental incident (e.g., a fall during a struggle), that neighbor died, the history of hatred might negate the "unintentional" claim.