Keraia
Deuteronomy 19

Deuteronomy 19:11

Cities of Refuge · Deuteronomy 19:1–14
Read Deuteronomy 19

Translations

Modern
If, however, a man hates his neighbor and lies in wait, attacks him and kills him, and then flees to one of these cities,
Traditional
But if any man hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth into one of these cities:
Literal
But if anyone comes to hate his neighbor, and he lies in wait for him and rises against him and strikes him mortally so that he dies, and he flees to one of these cities,
Latin
Si quis autem, odio habens proximum suum, insidiatus fuerit vitæ ejus, surgensque percusserit illum, et mortuus fuerit, fugeritque ad unam de supradictis urbibus,

Original

Hebrew
English
If, however, a man hates his neighbor and lies in wait, attacks him and kills him, and then flees to one of these cities,

Notes

Deuteronomy 19:11

The Hebrew word translated as a man hates indicates a long-lasting hateful attitude. This attitude could be used as evidence that the person was likely to commit a crime and probably did it.

Deuteronomy 19:1–13

Cities of refuge were placed in different parts of the land (19:2). They were located carefully so people could reach them easily.

A person accused of killing someone could run to one of these cities for protection. There, the person would be safe until a fair trial took place (see 4:41; Numbers 35:6–29).

Theme notes and profiles

Ancient Law Codes Shechem The Cities of Refuge

Parallels

Numbers 35:9–34 Deuteronomy 4:41–43 Joshua 20:1–9

Glossary

Archaeology and the Bible Biblical Concept of Law Bloodguilt Cities of Refuge Commandments, the Ten Courts and Trials Covenant Deuteronomy, Book of Neighbor

Topics

Avenger of Blood: Scriptures Relating To Homicide: Punishment of Murder: Described As Killing by Lying in Wait Murder: Described As Killing: from Hatred Murder: Persons Guilty of not Protected in Refuge Cities Murder: To be Proved by Two Witnesses at Least Refuge: Cities of from the Avenger of Blood