Deuteronomy 4:42
New International Version
to which anyone who had killed a person could flee if they had unintentionally killed a neighbor without malice aforethought. They could flee into one of these cities and save their life.

New Living Translation
Anyone who killed another person unintentionally, without previous hostility, could flee there to live in safety.

English Standard Version
that the manslayer might flee there, anyone who kills his neighbor unintentionally, without being at enmity with him in time past; he may flee to one of these cities and save his life:

Berean Standard Bible
to which a manslayer could flee after killing his neighbor unintentionally without prior malice. To save one’s own life, he could flee to one of these cities:

King James Bible
That the slayer might flee thither, which should kill his neighbour unawares, and hated him not in times past; and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live:

New King James Version
that the manslayer might flee there, who kills his neighbor unintentionally, without having hated him in time past, and that by fleeing to one of these cities he might live:

New American Standard Bible
for one to flee there who unintentionally killed his neighbor, without having hatred for him in time past; and by fleeing to one of these cities he might live:

NASB 1995
that a manslayer might flee there, who unintentionally slew his neighbor without having enmity toward him in time past; and by fleeing to one of these cities he might live:

NASB 1977
that a manslayer might flee there, who unintentionally slew his neighbor without having enmity toward him in time past; and by fleeing to one of these cities he might live:

Legacy Standard Bible
that a manslayer might flee there, who slew his neighbor without premeditation, not hating him previously; so he shall flee to one of these cities that he might live:

Amplified Bible
so that someone who committed manslaughter could flee there, [that is, a person] who killed his neighbor unintentionally and without previously having hostility toward him, and that by escaping to one of these cities he might [claim the right of asylum and] save his life:

Christian Standard Bible
Someone could flee there who committed manslaughter, killing his neighbor accidentally without previously hating him. He could flee to one of these cities and stay alive:

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Someone could flee there who committed manslaughter, killing his neighbor accidentally without previously hating him. He could flee to one of these cities and stay alive:

American Standard Version
that the manslayer might flee thither, that slayeth his neighbor unawares, and hated him not in time past; and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live:

English Revised Version
that the manslayer might flee thither, which slayeth his neighbour unawares, and hated him not in time past; and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Those who unintentionally killed someone whom they had never hated could flee to one of these cities and save their lives.

Good News Translation
to which a man could escape and be safe if he had accidentally killed someone who had not been his enemy. He could escape to one of these cities and not be put to death.

International Standard Version
where a person who accidentally killed someone could flee, if he killed his neighbor without having enmity toward him in the past. He may flee to one of these cities and live:

Majority Standard Bible
to which a manslayer could flee after killing his neighbor unintentionally without prior malice. To save one?s own life, he could flee to one of these cities:

NET Bible
Anyone who accidentally killed someone without hating him at the time of the accident could flee to one of those cities and be safe.

New Heart English Bible
that the manslayer might flee there, who kills his neighbor unawares, and did not hate him in time past; and that fleeing to one of these cities he might live:

Webster's Bible Translation
That the slayer might flee thither, who should kill his neighbor unawares, and when he had not hated him in times past; and that fleeing to one of these cities he might live:

World English Bible
that the man slayer might flee there, who kills his neighbor unintentionally and didn’t hate him in time past, and that fleeing to one of these cities he might live:
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for the fleeing there of the manslayer who slays his neighbor unknowingly, and he is not hating him before, and he has fled to one of these cities and he has lived:

Young's Literal Translation
for the fleeing thither of the man-slayer, who slayeth his neighbour unknowingly, and he is not hating him heretofore, and he hath fled unto one of these cities, and he hath lived:

Smith's Literal Translation
For the slayer to flee there when he shall slay his friend without knowledge; and he hated him not yesterday the third day; and he fled to one of these cities and he lived:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
That any one might flee to them who should kill his neighbour unwillingly, and was not his enemy a day or two before, and that he might escape to some one of these cities:

Catholic Public Domain Version
so that anyone might flee to these if he has killed his neighbor unwillingly, who was not his enemy a day or two earlier, and so that he would be able to escape to one of these cities:

New American Bible
to which a homicide might flee who killed a neighbor unintentionally, where there had been no hatred previously, so that the killer might flee to one of these cities and live:

New Revised Standard Version
to which a homicide could flee, someone who unintentionally kills another person, the two not having been at enmity before; the homicide could flee to one of these cities and live:
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
That the slayer might flee there, who might kill his neighbor unintentionally, and hated him not in time past; and that by fleeing to one of these cities he might live;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
That a killer who may kill his neighbor without his will and did not hate him yesterday or the day before yesterday may escape there, and he will flee into one of these cities and he will live:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
that the manslayer might flee thither, that slayeth his neighbour unawares, and hated him not in time past; and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live:

Brenton Septuagint Translation
that the slayer might flee thither, who should have slain his neighbour unintentionally, and should not have hated him in times past, and he shall flee to one of these cities and live:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Cities of Refuge
41Then Moses set aside three cities across the Jordan to the east 42to which a manslayer could flee after killing his neighbor unintentionally without prior malice. To save one’s own life, he could flee to one of these cities: 43Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau belonging to the Reubenites, Ramoth in Gilead belonging to the Gadites, or Golan in Bashan belonging to the Manassites.…

Cross References
Numbers 35:11-15
designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. / You are to have these cities as a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly. / The cities you select will be your six cities of refuge. ...

Joshua 20:2-9
“Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, / so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood. / When someone flees to one of these cities, stands at the entrance of the city gate, and states his case before its elders, they are to bring him into the city and give him a place to live among them. ...

Exodus 21:13
If, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee.

Numbers 35:6
Six of the cities you give the Levites are to be appointed as cities of refuge, to which a manslayer may flee. In addition to these, give the Levites forty-two other cities.

Numbers 35:22-25
But if anyone pushes a person suddenly, without hostility, or throws an object at him unintentionally, / or without looking drops a heavy stone that kills him, but he was not an enemy and did not intend to harm him, / then the congregation must judge between the slayer and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances. ...

Joshua 21:13
So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave these cities, together with their pasturelands: Hebron, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Libnah,

1 Chronicles 6:57
So the descendants of Aaron were given Hebron (a city of refuge), Libnah, Jattir, Eshtemoa,

1 Kings 2:28-34
When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” ...

Hebrews 6:18
Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.

Acts 7:29
At this remark, Moses fled to the land of Midian, where he lived as a foreigner and had two sons.

Matthew 5:21-22
You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ / But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.

Romans 13:4
For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.

Acts 22:16
And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on His name.’

1 John 3:15
Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer.

Matthew 23:34-35
Because of this, I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify, and others you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town. / And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.


Treasury of Scripture

That the slayer might flee thither, which should kill his neighbor unawares, and hated him not in times past; and that fleeing to one of these cities he might live:

Deuteronomy 19:1-10
When the LORD thy God hath cut off the nations, whose land the LORD thy God giveth thee, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their cities, and in their houses; …

Numbers 35:6,11,12,15-28
And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites there shall be six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities…

Hebrews 6:18
That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

Jump to Previous
Causing Cities Death Enmity Error Hate Hated Hating Heretofore Kept Kill Killed Kills Live Malice Manslayer Man-Slayer Neighbor Neighbour Past Previously Save Slayer Slayeth Slew Thither Time Times Towns Unawares Unintentionally Unknowingly
Jump to Next
Causing Cities Death Enmity Error Hate Hated Hating Heretofore Kept Kill Killed Kills Live Malice Manslayer Man-Slayer Neighbor Neighbour Past Previously Save Slayer Slayeth Slew Thither Time Times Towns Unawares Unintentionally Unknowingly
Deuteronomy 4
1. An exhortation to obedience
41. Moses appoints the three cities of refuge on that side of Jordan
44. Recapitulation














to which a manslayer could flee
The term "manslayer" refers to someone who has caused the death of another person without intent, distinguishing them from a murderer. In Hebrew, the word used is "רֹצֵחַ" (rotzeach), which can mean both a murderer and a manslayer, but contextually here it refers to the latter. The provision for a manslayer to "flee" to a city of refuge underscores God's justice and mercy, ensuring protection for those who have caused accidental harm. This reflects the biblical principle of sanctuary, a place of safety and divine protection, which is a recurring theme throughout Scripture.

who had killed his neighbor unintentionally
The phrase "unintentionally" is crucial, as it differentiates between premeditated murder and accidental death. The Hebrew word "בִּשְׁגָגָה" (bishgagah) implies an act done in error or without knowledge. This provision highlights the importance of intent in God's law, recognizing human fallibility and the need for grace. It serves as a reminder of the value God places on human life and the importance of justice tempered with mercy.

without prior malice
"Prior malice" indicates premeditation or a pre-existing intent to harm. The absence of such malice is a key factor in determining the manslayer's eligibility for refuge. This distinction is vital in biblical law, as it separates crimes of passion or accident from those of calculated intent. It reflects the biblical understanding of the heart's condition, emphasizing that God judges not only actions but the intentions behind them.

He could flee to one of these cities
The "cities" refer to the cities of refuge established by God through Moses, as detailed in Numbers 35 and Joshua 20. These cities were strategically located throughout Israel to be accessible to all. Archaeological findings have identified some of these locations, providing historical context to their significance. The cities of refuge symbolize God's provision for justice and mercy, offering a place of safety and a chance for redemption.

and live
The promise that the manslayer could "live" in the city of refuge underscores the sanctity of life and God's desire for restoration. It implies not just physical survival but also the opportunity for spiritual renewal and reconciliation with the community. This provision reflects the broader biblical theme of life as a gift from God, to be protected and cherished. It also points to the ultimate refuge found in Christ, who offers eternal life and safety from the consequences of sin.

Verse 42. - Unawares; literally, in lack or want of knowing (בְּבְלִי־דַעָת), i.e. unconsciously, unintentionally; in Numbers 35:31, 15, another word (בִּשְׁגָגָה, by mistake) is used, rendered in the Authorized Version by "unwittingly;" in Joshua 20:3, both words are used. In times past; literally, yesterday, three days since, i.e. formerly, heretofore (cf. Genesis 31:2; Exodus 5:8).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
to which
שָׁ֜מָּה (šām·māh)
Adverb | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

a manslayer
רוֹצֵ֗חַ (rō·w·ṣê·aḥ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7523: To dash in pieces, kill, to murder

could flee
לָנֻ֨ס (lā·nus)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5127: To flit, vanish away

after killing
יִרְצַ֤ח (yir·ṣaḥ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7523: To dash in pieces, kill, to murder

his neighbor
רֵעֵ֙הוּ֙ (rê·‘ê·hū)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow

unintentionally
בִּבְלִי־ (biḇ·lî-)
Preposition-b | Adverb
Strong's 1097: Failure, nothing, destruction, without, not yet, because not, as long as

without
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

prior
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

malice.
שֹׂנֵ֥א (śō·nê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8130: To hate

To save his own life,
וָחָֽי׃ (wā·ḥāy)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2425: To live, to revive

he could flee
וְנָ֗ס (wə·nās)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5127: To flit, vanish away

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

one
אַחַ֛ת (’a·ḥaṯ)
Number - feminine singular construct
Strong's 259: United, one, first

of these
הָאֵ֖ל (hā·’êl)
Article | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 411: These, those

cities:
הֶעָרִ֥ים (he·‘ā·rîm)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5892: Excitement


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 4:42 That the manslayer might flee there who (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 4:41
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