Joshua 20:5
And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime.
Original Language Analysis
וְכִ֨י
H3588
וְכִ֨י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִרְדֹּ֜ף
pursue
H7291
יִרְדֹּ֜ף
pursue
Strong's:
H7291
Word #:
2 of 22
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
גֹּאֵ֤ל
And if the avenger
H1350
גֹּאֵ֤ל
And if the avenger
Strong's:
H1350
Word #:
3 of 22
to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido
הַדָּם֙
of blood
H1818
הַדָּם֙
of blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
4 of 22
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
אַֽחֲרָ֔יו
after
H310
אַֽחֲרָ֔יו
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
5 of 22
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 22
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַסְגִּ֥רוּ
him then they shall not deliver
H5462
יַסְגִּ֥רוּ
him then they shall not deliver
Strong's:
H5462
Word #:
7 of 22
to shut up; figuratively, to surrender
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָֽרֹצֵ֖חַ
the slayer
H7523
הָֽרֹצֵ֖חַ
the slayer
Strong's:
H7523
Word #:
9 of 22
properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder
בְּיָד֑וֹ
up into his hand
H3027
בְּיָד֑וֹ
up into his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
10 of 22
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
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בִבְלִי
unwittingly
H1097
בִבְלִי
unwittingly
Strong's:
H1097
Word #:
12 of 22
properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc
הִכָּ֣ה
because he smote
H5221
הִכָּ֣ה
because he smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
14 of 22
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
17 of 22
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
ה֛וּא
H1931
ה֛וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
19 of 22
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
Historical Context
The go'el (redeemer/avenger) had dual roles: redeeming family property and avenging family blood. This kinsman-redeemer concept prefigures Christ who redeems us from sin's slavery and death's penalty (Ephesians 1:7, Galatians 3:13).
Questions for Reflection
- How does distinguishing accidental from intentional sin reflect God's justice and mercy?
- In what ways does Christ function as both refuge and kinsman-redeemer?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly—The go'el ha-dam (גֹּאֵל הַדָּם, 'avenger of blood') was the victim's nearest kinsman, obligated to exact justice. But cities of refuge protect those who killed unwittingly (bishgagah, בִּשְׁגָגָה, 'in error/without intent'). And hated him not beforetime proves no malice existed.
Intent matters to God. Accidental sin differs from presumptuous sin (Numbers 15:27-31). Christ's blood provides refuge from the consequences we deserve, but we must flee to Him. The avenger cannot breach the refuge—Satan cannot pluck believers from Christ's hand (John 10:28-29).