Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Accept this atonement for your people Israel, whom you have redeemed, LORD, and do not hold your people guilty of the blood of an innocent person.” Then the bloodshed will be atoned for, New Living Translation O LORD, forgive your people Israel whom you have redeemed. Do not charge your people with the guilt of murdering an innocent person.’ Then they will be absolved of the guilt of this person’s blood. English Standard Version Accept atonement, O LORD, for your people Israel, whom you have redeemed, and do not set the guilt of innocent blood in the midst of your people Israel, so that their blood guilt be atoned for.’ Berean Standard Bible Accept this atonement, O LORD, for Your people Israel whom You have redeemed, and do not hold the shedding of innocent blood against them.” And the bloodshed will be atoned for. Berean Literal Bible Receive atonement for Your people Israel, whom You have redeemed, O YHWH, and lay not innocent blood in the midst of Your people Israel.” And for the blood atonement shall be provided to them. King James Bible Be merciful, O LORD, unto thy people Israel, whom thou hast redeemed, and lay not innocent blood unto thy people of Israel's charge. And the blood shall be forgiven them. New King James Version Provide atonement, O LORD, for Your people Israel, whom You have redeemed, and do not lay innocent blood to the charge of Your people Israel.’ And atonement shall be provided on their behalf for the blood. New American Standard Bible Forgive Your people Israel whom You have redeemed, LORD, and do not place the guilt for innocent blood in the midst of Your people Israel.’ And the guilt for bloodshed shall be forgiven them. NASB 1995 ‘Forgive Your people Israel whom You have redeemed, O LORD, and do not place the guilt of innocent blood in the midst of Your people Israel.’ And the bloodguiltiness shall be forgiven them. NASB 1977 ‘Forgive Thy people Israel whom Thou hast redeemed, O LORD, and do not place the guilt of innocent blood in the midst of Thy people Israel.’ And the bloodguiltiness shall be forgiven them. Legacy Standard Bible Atone for Your people Israel whom You have redeemed, O Yahweh, and do not place the guilt of innocent blood in the midst of Your people Israel.’ And the bloodguiltiness shall be atoned for them. Amplified Bible Forgive Your people Israel whom You have redeemed, O LORD, and do not put the guilt of innocent blood among Your people Israel.’ And the guilt of blood shall be forgiven them. Berean Annotated Bible Accept this atonement, O LORD {YHWH}, for Your people Israel (he wrestles with God) whom You have redeemed, and do not hold the shedding of innocent blood against them. And the bloodshed will be atoned for. Christian Standard Bible LORD, wipe away the guilt of your people Israel whom you redeemed, and do not hold the shedding of innocent blood against them.’ Then the responsibility for bloodshed will be wiped away from them. Holman Christian Standard Bible LORD, forgive Your people Israel You redeemed, and do not hold the shedding of innocent blood against them.’ Then they will be absolved of responsibility for bloodshed. American Standard Version Forgive, O Jehovah, thy people Israel, whom thou hast redeemed, and suffer not innocent blood to remain in the midst of thy people Israel. And the blood shall be forgiven them. English Revised Version Forgive, O LORD, thy people Israel, whom thou hast redeemed, and suffer not innocent blood to remain in the midst of thy people Israel. And the blood shall be forgiven them. GOD'S WORD® Translation LORD, make peace with your people Israel, whom you freed. Don't let the guilt of this unsolved murder remain among your people Israel." Then there will be peace with the LORD despite the murder. Good News Translation LORD, forgive your people Israel, whom you rescued from Egypt. Forgive us and do not hold us responsible for the murder of an innocent person.' International Standard Version Make atonement for your people Israel, whom you have redeemed, LORD, and don't charge the blood of an innocent man against them.' Then the blood shed will be atoned for. NET Bible Do not blame your people Israel whom you redeemed, O LORD, and do not hold them accountable for the bloodshed of an innocent person." Then atonement will be made for the bloodshed. New Heart English Bible Forgive, LORD, your people Israel, whom you have redeemed, and do not allow innocent blood in the midst of your people Israel." The blood shall be forgiven them. Webster's Bible Translation Be merciful, O LORD, to thy people Israel, whom thou hast redeemed, and lay not innocent blood to the charge of thy people Israel. And the blood shall be forgiven them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAccept this atonement, O LORD, for Your people Israel whom You have redeemed, and do not hold the shedding of innocent blood against them.” And the bloodshed will be atoned for. World English Bible Forgive, Yahweh, your people Israel, whom you have redeemed, and don’t allow innocent blood among your people Israel.” The blood shall be forgiven them. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionreceive atonement for Your people Israel, whom You have ransomed, O YHWH, and do not permit innocent blood in the midst of Your people Israel; and the blood has been pardoned to them, Berean Literal Bible Receive atonement for Your people Israel, whom You have redeemed, O YHWH, and lay not innocent blood in the midst of Your people Israel.” And for the blood atonement shall be provided to them. Young's Literal Translation receive atonement for Thy people Israel, whom Thou hast ransomed, O Jehovah, and suffer not innocent blood in the midst of Thy people Israel; and the blood hath been pardoned to them, Smith's Literal Translation Expiate for thy people Israel whom thou didst redeem, O Jehovah, and thou shalt not give innocent blood in the midst of thy people Israel. And the blood was expiated to them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBe merciful to thy people Israel, whom thou hast redeemed, O Lord, and lay not innocent blood to their charge, in the midst of thy people Israel. And the guilt of blood shall be taken from them: Catholic Public Domain Version Be merciful to your people Israel, whom you have redeemed, O Lord, and do not charge them with innocent blood in the midst of your people Israel.’ And so the guilt of the blood will be taken away from them. New American Bible Absolve, O LORD, your people Israel, whom you have redeemed, and do not let the guilt of shedding innocent blood remain in the midst of your people Israel.” Thus they shall be absolved from the guilt of bloodshed, New Revised Standard Version Absolve, O LORD, your people Israel, whom you redeemed; do not let the guilt of innocent blood remain in the midst of your people Israel.” Then they will be absolved of bloodguilt. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BiblePardon, O LORD, thy people Israel, whom thou hast saved, and lay not innocent blood upon thy people Israel. And the guilt of blood shall be forgiven them. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Atone for your people, Israel, which you have saved, LORD JEHOVAH, and do not account innocent blood against your people Israel, and atonement will be made for them by the blood'. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Forgive, O LORD, Thy people Israel, whom Thou hast redeemed, and suffer not innocent blood to remain in the midst of Thy people Israel.' And the blood shall be forgiven them. Brenton Septuagint Translation Be merciful to thy people Israel, whom thou hast redeemed, O Lord, that innocent blood may not be charged on thy people Israel: and the blood shall be atoned for to them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Atonement for an Unsolved Murder…7and they shall declare, “Our hands did not shed this blood, nor did our eyes see it. 8Accept this atonement, O LORD, for Your people Israel whom You have redeemed, and do not hold the shedding of innocent blood against them.” And the bloodshed will be atoned for. 9So you shall purge from among you the guilt of shedding innocent blood, since you have done what is right in the eyes of the LORD.… Cross References Accept this atonement, O LORD, Psalm 79:9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; deliver us and atone for our sins, for the sake of Your name. Psalm 65:3 When iniquities prevail against me, You atone for our transgressions. Hosea 14:2 Bring your confessions and return to the LORD. Say to Him: “Take away all our iniquity and receive us graciously, that we may present the fruit of our lips. for Your people Israel 1 Kings 8:51 For they are Your people and Your inheritance; You brought them out of Egypt, out of the furnace for iron. 2 Samuel 7:23 And who is like Your people Israel—the one nation on earth whom God went out to redeem as a people for Himself and to make a name for Himself? You performed great and awesome wonders by driving out nations and their gods from before Your people, whom You redeemed for Yourself from Egypt. Exodus 33:13 Now if indeed I have found favor in Your sight, please let me know Your ways, that I may know You and find favor in Your sight. Remember that this nation is Your people.” whom You have redeemed, Nehemiah 1:10 They are Your servants and Your people. You redeemed them by Your great power and mighty hand. Exodus 15:13 With loving devotion You will lead the people You have redeemed; with Your strength You will guide them to Your holy dwelling. Psalm 77:15 With power You redeemed Your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah and do not hold the shedding of innocent blood against them.” Psalm 51:14 Deliver me from bloodguilt, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing of Your righteousness. Jeremiah 22:3 This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place. Psalm 94:21 They band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. And the bloodshed will be atoned for. Numbers 35:33-34 Do not pollute the land where you live, for bloodshed pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it. / Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell. For I, the LORD, dwell among the Israelites.” 2 Samuel 21:3 So David asked the Gibeonites, “What shall I do for you? How can I make amends so that you may bless the inheritance of the LORD?” Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls upon the altar; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul. Hebrews 9:22 According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Treasury of Scripture Be merciful, O LORD, to your people Israel, whom you have redeemed, and lay not innocent blood to your people of Israel's charge. And the blood shall be forgiven them. lay not Numbers 35:33 So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it. 2 Samuel 3:28 And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner: 2 Kings 24:4 And also for the innocent blood that he shed: for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood; which the LORD would not pardon. unto thy people [heb] in the midst Jump to Previous Accept Allow Atoned Atonement Blood Bloodguiltiness Bloodshed Cause Charge Crime Death Expiated Hold Innocent Israel Israel's Lay Merciful Mercy Midst Pardoned Ransomed Receive Redeemed Responsible SufferJump to Next Accept Allow Atoned Atonement Blood Bloodguiltiness Bloodshed Cause Charge Crime Death Expiated Hold Innocent Israel Israel's Lay Merciful Mercy Midst Pardoned Ransomed Receive Redeemed Responsible SufferDeuteronomy 21 1. The Atonement for an Unsolved Murder10. The usage of a captive taken to wife 15. The firstborn is not to be disinherited upon private affection 18. A rebellious son is to be stoned to death 22. The malefactor must not hang all night on a tree Accept this atonement, O LORD This phrase reflects the ancient Israelite practice of seeking divine forgiveness and reconciliation. The concept of atonement is central to the sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law, where blood sacrifices were offered to cover sins (Leviticus 17:11). The plea for God to accept atonement underscores the belief in God's sovereignty and mercy. It also foreshadows the ultimate atonement through Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice on the cross provides eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). for Your people Israel whom You have redeemed and do not hold the shedding of innocent blood against them. And the bloodshed will be atoned for. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelThe nation chosen by God, consisting of the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In this context, Israel is seeking atonement for innocent bloodshed. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant God of Israel, who is appealed to for forgiveness and atonement. 3. Innocent Blood Refers to the shedding of blood by someone who is not guilty of a crime deserving death. The community seeks to be absolved from the guilt of such an act. 4. Atonement A ritual or act of making amends for sin or wrongdoing, in this case, the shedding of innocent blood. 5. Elders and Judges Leaders responsible for ensuring justice and carrying out the atonement ritual described in the surrounding verses. Teaching Points The Sanctity of LifeThe passage underscores the value God places on human life and the seriousness of shedding innocent blood. As believers, we are called to uphold the sanctity of life in all circumstances. Community Responsibility The ritual described involves the community's leaders, indicating that the community shares responsibility for addressing sin and seeking atonement. We are reminded of our role in supporting justice and reconciliation within our communities. The Need for Atonement The plea for atonement reflects humanity's need for divine forgiveness. This points us to the ultimate atonement provided through Jesus Christ, encouraging us to rely on His sacrifice for our redemption. God's Justice and Mercy The passage balances God's justice with His mercy, as He provides a means for atonement. We are called to reflect this balance in our interactions with others, offering forgiveness while upholding justice. Intercession and Prayer The elders' prayer for atonement highlights the power of intercession. We are encouraged to pray for our communities and seek God's intervention in areas of injustice and wrongdoing. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 21:8?2. How does Deuteronomy 21:8 emphasize the importance of communal responsibility for sin? 3. What role does the phrase "atone for Your people" play in understanding forgiveness? 4. How can we apply the concept of atonement in our daily lives today? 5. What connections exist between Deuteronomy 21:8 and New Testament teachings on forgiveness? 6. How does this verse inform our understanding of justice and mercy in society? 7. What does Deuteronomy 21:8 reveal about God's view on communal responsibility for sin? 8. How does Deuteronomy 21:8 align with the concept of atonement in the Bible? 9. Why is the shedding of blood significant in Deuteronomy 21:8? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 21? 11. What is the Lamb's Book of Life? 12. Deuteronomy 21:1-9: How does sacrificing a heifer in a remote valley effectively resolve guilt for an unsolved murder? 13. Why would a loving God command a human sacrifice in Genesis 22:2? 14. Why does Galatians 3:13 claim the curse is removed by Christ, when Deuteronomy 21:23 still applies the curse to anyone hanged on a tree? What Does Deuteronomy 21:8 Mean Accept this atonement, O LORDThe scene behind Deuteronomy 21:8 is an unsolved murder. Elders from the nearest town bring a spotless heifer, break its neck in a valley, and wash their hands over it (Deuteronomy 21:1-9). They then speak these words. “Atonement” literally means a covering; the sacrifice physically stands in the place of the unknown killer so that God’s wrath is satisfied. • Leviticus 17:11 reminds us that “it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life,” showing why a blood substitute is required. • Hebrews 9:22 echoes the same truth: “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” • 1 John 1:7 points to the ultimate fulfillment: “the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” When the elders ask God to “accept,” they are acknowledging that only He can ratify the covering. Their ritual obedience is meaningless unless the Lord receives it. for Your people Israel whom You have redeemed The petition appeals to God’s historic redemption of Israel—in the Exodus and in every deliverance since. The elders are not strangers pleading for mercy; they are covenant people resting on God’s past acts. • Exodus 6:6: “I will redeem you with an outstretched arm.” • Deuteronomy 7:8: “the Lord… redeemed you from the house of slavery.” • Isaiah 43:1: “I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.” By rehearsing redemption, they anchor their request in God’s unwavering covenant love, reminding Him (and themselves) that His character is merciful toward those He has already bought. and do not hold the shedding of innocent blood against them Innocent blood pollutes the land (Numbers 35:33). If the murderer is unknown, the whole community stands exposed to divine judgment unless atonement is made. The elders confess collective responsibility and ask God to remove it. • Deuteronomy 19:10 warns, “Innocent blood must not be shed in your land… otherwise blood guilt will be upon you.” • 2 Samuel 21:1 shows the consequences when bloodguilt is ignored: famine came “because he put the Gibeonites to death.” • Proverbs 6:17 lists “hands that shed innocent blood” among the things the Lord hates. This plea acknowledges God’s justice: He does not overlook sin, but He can transfer guilt to a substitute. And the bloodshed will be atoned for The final clause is God’s promised response. Once the prescribed sacrifice is offered and the confession made, the community can rest in the assurance that the land is cleansed. • Isaiah 53:5 foretells the Messiah’s substitution: “He was pierced for our transgressions… by His wounds we are healed.” • Colossians 1:20 speaks of Christ, “through Him to reconcile to Himself all things… making peace through the blood of His cross.” • Hebrews 9:14 shows the superior fulfillment: “how much more will the blood of Christ… cleanse our consciences.” The temporary covering of a heifer foreshadows the permanent, once-for-all covering at the cross. Both rely on God’s promise: when He says atonement is accomplished, it truly is. summary Deuteronomy 21:8 teaches that God provides a divinely approved substitute to remove bloodguilt from His redeemed people. The elders appeal to His covenant faithfulness, confess community responsibility, and trust His declaration that the land is cleansed. The ritual anticipates Christ, whose blood eternally satisfies justice and secures forgiveness for all who belong to Him. Hebrew Accept this atonement,כַּפֵּר֩ (kap·pêr) Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 3722: To cover, to expiate, condone, to placate, cancel O LORD, יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel for Your people לְעַמְּךָ֨ (lə·‘am·mə·ḵā) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc whom אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that You have redeemed, פָּדִ֙יתָ֙ (pā·ḏî·ṯā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 6299: To sever, ransom, gener, to release, preserve and do not וְאַל־ (wə·’al-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 408: Not hold תִּתֵּן֙ (tit·tên) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set the shedding of innocent נָקִ֔י (nā·qî) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 5355: Clean, free from, exempt blood דָּ֣ם (dām) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed against בְּקֶ֖רֶב (bə·qe·reḇ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7130: The nearest part, the center them.” עַמְּךָ֣ (‘am·mə·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock And the bloodshed הַדָּֽם׃ (had·dām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed will be atoned for. וְנִכַּפֵּ֥ר (wə·nik·kap·pêr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nithpael - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3722: To cover, to expiate, condone, to placate, cancel Links Deuteronomy 21:8 NIVDeuteronomy 21:8 NLT Deuteronomy 21:8 ESV Deuteronomy 21:8 NASB Deuteronomy 21:8 KJV Deuteronomy 21:8 BibleApps.com Deuteronomy 21:8 Biblia Paralela Deuteronomy 21:8 Chinese Bible Deuteronomy 21:8 French Bible Deuteronomy 21:8 Catholic Bible OT Law: Deuteronomy 21:8 Forgive Yahweh your people Israel whom you (Deut. 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