Translations
Modern
Now this is the situation regarding the manslayer who flees to one of these cities to save his life, having killed his neighbor accidentally, without intending to harm him:
Traditional
And this is the case of the slayer, which shall flee thither, that he may live: Whoso killeth his neighbour ignorantly, whom he hated not in time past;
Literal
And this is the matter of the manslayer who flees there that he may live: Whoever strikes his neighbor without knowing, and he without having hated him from yesterday and the day before yesterday,
Latin
Hæc erit lex homicidæ fugientis, cujus vita servanda est: qui percusserit proximum suum nesciens, et qui heri et nudiustertius nullum contra eum odium habuisse comprobatur:
Original
Hebrew
English
Now this is the situation regarding the manslayer who flees to one of these cities to save his life, having killed his neighbor accidentally, without intending to harm him:
Notes
a manslayer … having killed … accidentally: This refers to a person who does not plan the act of killing someone in advance (see 17:8).
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 Joshua, Book of
Topics
Avenger of Blood: Scriptures Relating To Homicide: Accidental Refuge: Cities of from the Avenger of Blood