Translations
Modern
You are to build roads for yourselves and divide into three regions the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that any manslayer can flee to these cities.
Traditional
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.
Literal
You shall prepare for yourself the way and divide into three parts the territory of your land that YHWH your God is giving you to inherit, and it will be that any manslayer may flee there.
Latin
…sternens diligenter viam: et in tres æqualiter partes totam terræ tuæ provinciam divides: ut habeat e vicino qui propter homicidium profugus est, quo possit evadere.
Original
Hebrew
English
You are to build roads for yourselves and divide into three regions the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that any manslayer can flee to these cities.
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 Commandments, the Ten Courts and Trials Covenant Deuteronomy, Book of Joshua, Book of
Topics
Cities of Refuge: Required to Be: Easy of Access Highways: Made to all Cities of Refuge Homicide: Accidental Refuge: Cities of from the Avenger of Blood Refuge: Cities of Roads Made To Roads: To Cities of Refuge