King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 19:12 Mean?

Deuteronomy 19:12 in the King James Version says “Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.”

Deuteronomy 19:12 · KJV

Context

10

That innocent blood be not shed in thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance, and so blood be upon thee.

11

But if any man hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth into one of these cities: mortally: Heb. in life

12

Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.

13

Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee.

14

Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.

Read Deuteronomy 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.

The Hebrew goel ha-dam (גֹּאֵל הַדָּם, "avenger of blood") refers to the kinsman-redeemer who had both the right and duty to exact justice for a murdered relative. Unlike the manslayer who accidentally killed (vv. 4-5), the intentional murderer finds no asylum in the cities of refuge. The ziqnei (זִקְנֵי, "elders") of his own city must extradite him—showing that civic authority supersedes tribal loyalty when deliberate murder is proven.

This law establishes that sanctuary applies only to the innocent, not to those who manipulate legal protections. The phrase that he may die (וָמֵת, va-met) is emphatic—death is both required and certain for deliberate homicide. This protects the integrity of the asylum system itself; if murderers could claim sanctuary, the cities of refuge would become havens for the guilty rather than protection for the innocent, undermining justice entirely.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The cities of refuge (Deuteronomy 19:1-13) addressed a critical legal problem in ancient tribal societies: blood revenge could spiral into endless cycles of violence. The goel system balanced family honor with controlled justice. This passage (c. 1406 BC, on the plains of Moab) refined earlier instructions from Numbers 35, establishing procedures for extradition when intentional murder was proven. The elders served as the investigative and judicial authority, determining whether the killing was accidental or premeditated before deciding on extradition.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the distinction between accidental and intentional killing reflect God's justice being both merciful and exacting?
  2. In what ways might Christians today abuse "grace" as a refuge while persisting in deliberate sin (cf. Romans 6:1)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְשָֽׁלְחוּ֙1 of 12

“shall send”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

זִקְנֵ֣י2 of 12

“Then the elders”

H2205

old

עִיר֔וֹ3 of 12

“of his city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וְלָֽקְח֥וּ4 of 12

“and fetch”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֹת֖וֹ5 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִשָּׁ֑ם6 of 12
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וְנָֽתְנ֣וּ7 of 12

“him thence and deliver”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֹת֗וֹ8 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּיַ֛ד9 of 12

“him into the hand”

H3027

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

גֹּאֵ֥ל10 of 12

“of the avenger”

H1350

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

הַדָּ֖ם11 of 12

“of blood”

H1818

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

וָמֵֽת׃12 of 12

“that he may die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 19:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 19:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 2:5-61 Kings 2:28-34

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