Deuteronomy 19:9
If thou shalt keep all these commandments to do them, which I command thee this day, to love the LORD thy God, and to walk ever in his ways; then shalt thou add three cities more for thee, beside these three:
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 27
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תִשְׁמֹר֩
If thou shalt keep
H8104
תִשְׁמֹר֩
If thou shalt keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
2 of 27
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 27
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 27
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַמִּצְוָ֨ה
all these commandments
H4687
הַמִּצְוָ֨ה
all these commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
5 of 27
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
לַֽעֲשֹׂתָ֗הּ
to do
H6213
לַֽעֲשֹׂתָ֗הּ
to do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
7 of 27
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 27
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מְצַוְּךָ֮
them which I command
H6680
מְצַוְּךָ֮
them which I command
Strong's:
H6680
Word #:
10 of 27
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
הַיָּמִ֑ים
ever
H3117
הַיָּמִ֑ים
ever
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
11 of 27
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 27
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֧ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֧ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
14 of 27
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
15 of 27
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
וְלָלֶ֥כֶת
H1980
וְלָלֶ֥כֶת
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
16 of 27
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בִּדְרָכָ֖יו
in his ways
H1870
בִּדְרָכָ֖יו
in his ways
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
17 of 27
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
18 of 27
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַיָּמִ֑ים
ever
H3117
הַיָּמִ֑ים
ever
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
19 of 27
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
וְיָֽסַפְתָּ֙
then shalt thou add
H3254
וְיָֽסַפְתָּ֙
then shalt thou add
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
20 of 27
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
עוֹד֙
H5750
עוֹד֙
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
22 of 27
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
הַשָּׁלֹ֥שׁ
more for thee beside these three
H7969
הַשָּׁלֹ֥שׁ
more for thee beside these three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
23 of 27
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
עָרִ֔ים
cities
H5892
עָרִ֔ים
cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
24 of 27
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
עַ֖ל
H5921
עַ֖ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
25 of 27
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
The three additional cities were never established because Israel never fully possessed the expanded territory on a permanent basis. Even during Solomon's greatest extent, there's no record of implementing the nine-city refuge system. This unfulfilled conditional promise parallels other Deuteronomic blessings conditioned on obedience that Israel never fully realized. The prophets later reinterpret land promises eschatologically, pointing to the new heavens and new earth where God's people will inherit forever.
Questions for Reflection
- How does true obedience to God flow from love for Him rather than mere duty or fear?
- What blessings might we forfeit when we fail to wholeheartedly obey and love God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
If thou shalt keep all these commandments to do them (כִּי תִשְׁמֹר אֶת־כָּל־הַמִּצְוָה הַזֹּאת לַעֲשֹׂתָהּ, ki tishmor et-kol-hamitzvah hazot la'asotah)—shamar (keep) means guard, observe carefully. La'asot (to do) emphasizes active obedience, not mere intellectual assent.
To love the LORD thy God, and to walk ever in his ways reveals the heart of covenant obedience. It's not bare law-keeping but loving relationship issuing in consistent lifestyle. Ahavah (love) is covenant loyalty, choosing devotion, wholehearted commitment. Then shalt thou add three cities more for thee—expanding from six to nine cities of refuge would accompany territorial expansion. More land means more people, requiring more accessible justice and mercy. This provision was never implemented because Israel never fully obeyed. It stands as testimony to blessing forfeited through disobedience, yet also to God's gracious planning for obedience He desired but knew would not come.