Deuteronomy 19:4
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;
Original Language Analysis
וְזֶה֙
H2088
דְּבַ֣ר
And this is the case
H1697
דְּבַ֣ר
And this is the case
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 19
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הָֽרֹצֵ֔חַ
of the slayer
H7523
הָֽרֹצֵ֔חַ
of the slayer
Strong's:
H7523
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יָנ֥וּס
which shall flee
H5127
יָנ֥וּס
which shall flee
Strong's:
H5127
Word #:
5 of 19
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
שָׁ֖מָּה
H8033
שָׁ֖מָּה
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
6 of 19
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יַכֶּ֤ה
Whoso killeth
H5221
יַכֶּ֤ה
Whoso killeth
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
9 of 19
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בִּבְלִי
ignorantly
H1097
בִּבְלִי
ignorantly
Strong's:
H1097
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc
וְה֛וּא
H1931
וְה֛וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
14 of 19
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
15 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern law codes often treated all killing as requiring blood vengeance regardless of intent. Israel's distinction between intentional and accidental homicide represented advanced legal thinking recognizing moral culpability differences.
The avenger of blood (family member obligated to pursue justice for slain relative) could legally kill the fugitive if caught outside refuge - thus the urgency in fleeing to safety.
Questions for Reflection
- What does distinction between intentional and accidental killing teach about God's justice?
- How does accounting for intent and motive reflect God's perfect knowledge of hearts?
- Why is context and relationship history relevant in determining culpability?
- What does this nuanced justice approach teach about pursuing truth rather than merely punishing outcomes?
- How should modern justice systems reflect these principles of distinguishing intent and circumstance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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. The distinction between intentional murder and accidental killing demonstrates God's concern for justice based on intent and motive, not merely outcome. Divine law recognizes difference between malice and misfortune.
The phrase killeth his neighbour ignorantly indicates unintentional homicide - death resulting from accident rather than deliberate action. God's justice system accounts for circumstances and intent, not merely external consequences.
The qualification whom he hated not in time past establishes that no prior animosity existed. If previous hostility could be shown, the killing might indicate premeditation or willful negligence rather than pure accident. Context and relationship history matter in determining culpability.
This nuanced approach to justice reflects God's perfect knowledge of hearts and motives. He judges not only actions but intentions, requiring human justice systems to similarly seek truth about circumstances rather than simply punishing outcomes.