Exodus 21:13
And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽאֲשֶׁר֙
H834
וַֽאֲשֶׁר֙
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
צָדָ֔ה
And if a man lie not in wait
H6658
צָדָ֔ה
And if a man lie not in wait
Strong's:
H6658
Word #:
3 of 12
to chase; by implication, to desolate
וְהָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים
but God
H430
וְהָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים
but God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 12
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
לְיָד֑וֹ
him into his hand
H3027
לְיָד֑וֹ
him into his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
6 of 12
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וְשַׂמְתִּ֤י
then I will appoint
H7760
וְשַׂמְתִּ֤י
then I will appoint
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
7 of 12
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
מָק֔וֹם
thee a place
H4725
מָק֔וֹם
thee a place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
1 Samuel 24:18And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not.1 Samuel 24:4And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily.1 Samuel 24:10Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed.
Historical Context
The Book of the Covenant (Exodus 20:22-23:33) is Israel's foundational legal code, predating later expansions in Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It addresses civil, criminal, and ceremonial matters.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
- What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.
This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, God shapes Israel as holy nation, distinct from pagan neighbors. These laws reveal God's character: just, merciful, concerned with details of everyday life.