Deuteronomy 19:3
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.
Original Language Analysis
תָּכִ֣ין
Thou shalt prepare
H3559
תָּכִ֣ין
Thou shalt prepare
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
הַדֶּרֶךְ֒
thee a way
H1870
הַדֶּרֶךְ֒
thee a way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
3 of 16
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וְשִׁלַּשְׁתָּ֙
into three parts
H8027
וְשִׁלַּשְׁתָּ֙
into three parts
Strong's:
H8027
Word #:
4 of 16
to be (causatively, make) triplicate (by restoration, in portions, strands, days or years)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
גְּב֣וּל
and divide the coasts
H1366
גְּב֣וּל
and divide the coasts
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יַנְחִֽילְךָ֖
giveth thee to inherit
H5157
יַנְחִֽילְךָ֖
giveth thee to inherit
Strong's:
H5157
Word #:
9 of 16
to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate
יְהוָ֣ה
which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
11 of 16
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וְהָיָ֕ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֕ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
12 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לָנ֥וּס
may flee
H5127
לָנ֥וּס
may flee
Strong's:
H5127
Word #:
13 of 16
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
שָׁ֖מָּה
H8033
שָׁ֖מָּה
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
14 of 16
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
Historical Context
Jewish tradition records that roads to cities of refuge were well-maintained, marked with signs reading 'refuge,' and kept wide enough for easy travel. This practical infrastructure enabled the law's merciful intent.
Neglecting this infrastructure would have rendered the refuge provision meaningless - mercy must be accessible to be effective.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the command to build refuge roads teach about practical expressions of mercy?
- How does maintaining infrastructure for justice demonstrate that compassion requires action?
- Why is equitable access to mercy important rather than concentrating it in select locations?
- What modern parallels exist to making mercy and justice accessible through practical infrastructure?
- How does universal availability of refuge reflect God's impartial provision of mercy?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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. Infrastructure supporting mercy required intentional preparation - roads to refuge cities must be maintained and clearly marked. God commands not just mercy in principle but practical provision enabling its access.
The command prepare thee a way indicates active responsibility to make refuge accessible. Unused mercy is useless mercy - compassion requires creating paths that enable its exercise. Israel must build and maintain roads facilitating flight to safety.
Dividing into three parts ensured comprehensive coverage - no region lacked nearby refuge. This demonstrates God's concern for equitable access to justice and mercy throughout the land, not concentrated in one privileged area.
The phrase that every slayer may flee emphasizes universal availability. Refugee protection was not selective favor but provided equally to all who needed it, regardless of tribe or region.