Translations
Modern
…then you are to set apart for yourselves three cities within the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.
Traditional
Thou shalt separate three cities for thee in the midst of thy land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee to possess it.
Literal
…you shall separate for yourself three cities in the midst of your land that YHWH your God is giving you to possess.
Latin
…tres civitates separabis tibi in medio terræ, quam Dominus Deus tuus dabit tibi in possessionem,
Original
Hebrew
English
…then you are to set apart for yourselves three cities within the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.
Notes
The three cities mentioned here were in Canaan, west of the Jordan River. Three other cities were located east of the Jordan in Transjordan (see Numbers 35:13–14; Joshua 20:7).
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 Commandments, the Ten Courts and Trials Covenant Deuteronomy, Book of Joshua, Book of
Topics
Highways: Made to all Cities of Refuge Homicide: Accidental Refuge: Cities of from the Avenger of Blood