Translations
Modern
…the elders of his city must send for him, bring him back, and hand him over to the avenger of blood to die.
Traditional
Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.
Literal
…the elders of his city shall send and bring him from there, and deliver him to the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.
Latin
…mittent seniores civitatis illius, et arripient eum de loco effugii, tradentque in manu proximi, cujus sanguis effusus est, et morietur.
Original
Hebrew
English
…the elders of his city must send for him, bring him back, and hand him over to the avenger of blood to die.
Notes
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
Parallels
Glossary
Archaeology and the Bible Biblical Concept of Law Bloodguilt Cities of Refuge Commandments, the Ten Courts and Trials Covenant Deuteronomy, Book of Elder Neighbor
Topics
Avenger of Blood: Scriptures Relating To Government: Municipal: Devolving Upon a Local Senate and Executive officers Homicide: Punishment of Murder: Persons Guilty of not Protected in Refuge Cities Refuge: Cities of from the Avenger of Blood