Keraia
Deuteronomy 21

Deuteronomy 21:1

Atonement for an Unsolved Murder · Deuteronomy 21:1–9
Read Deuteronomy 21

Translations

Modern
If one is found slain, lying in a field in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess, and it is not known who killed him,
Traditional
If one be found slain in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee to possess it, lying in the field, and it be not known who hath slain him:
Literal
If one slain is found in the land that YHWH your God is giving you to possess, lying in the field, and it is not known who killed him,
Latin
Quando inventum fuerit in terra, quam Dominus Deus tuus daturus est tibi, hominis cadaver occisi, et ignorabitur cædis reus,

Original

Hebrew
English
If one is found slain, lying in a field in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess, and it is not known who killed him,

Notes

Deuteronomy 21:1

In contrast to the word translated murder in the Ten Commandments (see study note on 5:17), the Hebrew verb here translated as slain (literally pierced through) shows clear evidence that the death was not from natural causes.

Deuteronomy 21:1–9

The guilt of murder was usually removed through the death of the murderer (19:11–13; Numbers 35:30–34). However, if the murderer was unknown, the guilt could still be removed by using this ritual.

Glossary

Archaeology and the Bible Biblical Concept of Law Bloodguilt Covenant Deuteronomy, Book of

Topics

Blood: Shedding of Human: Mode of Clearing Those Accused of Church: Rules of Discipline In, Mosaic and Christian Heifer: An Atonement for Murder Homicide: Felonious, or Murder Inquest: General Scriptures Concerning Murder: Imputed to the Nearest City when the Murderer Was Unknown