King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 19:4 Mean?

Deuteronomy 19:4 in the King James Version says “And this is the case of the slayer, which shall flee thither, that he may live: Whoso killeth his neighbour ignorantly ,... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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; in: Heb. from yesterday the third day

Deuteronomy 19:4 · KJV


Context

2

Thou shalt separate three cities for thee in the midst of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.

3

Thou shalt prepare thee a way, and divide the coasts of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to inherit, into three parts, that every slayer may flee thither.

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; in: Heb. from yesterday the third day

5

As when a man goeth into the wood with his neighbour to hew wood, and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the axe to cut down the tree, and the head slippeth from the helve, and lighteth upon his neighbour, that he die; he shall flee unto one of those cities, and live: head: Heb. iron helve: Heb. wood lighteth: Heb. findeth

6

Lest the avenger of the blood pursue the slayer , while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and slay him; whereas he was not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past. slay: Heb. smite him in life in: Heb. from yesterday the third day


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does distinction between intentional and accidental killing teach about God's justice?
  2. How does accounting for intent and motive reflect God's perfect knowledge of hearts?
  3. Why is context and relationship history relevant in determining culpability?
  4. What does this nuanced justice approach teach about pursuing truth rather than merely punishing outcomes?
  5. How should modern justice systems reflect these principles of distinguishing intent and circumstance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְזֶה֙1 of 19
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

דְּבַ֣ר2 of 19

And this is the case

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הָֽרֹצֵ֔חַ3 of 19

of the slayer

H7523

properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder

אֲשֶׁר4 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יָנ֥וּס5 of 19

which shall flee

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

שָׁ֖מָּה6 of 19
H8033

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

וָחָ֑י7 of 19

thither that he may live

H2425

to live; causatively to revive

אֲשֶׁ֨ר8 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יַכֶּ֤ה9 of 19

Whoso killeth

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת10 of 19
H853

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

רֵעֵ֙הוּ֙11 of 19

his neighbour

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

בִּבְלִי12 of 19

ignorantly

H1097

properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc

דַ֔עַת13 of 19
H1847

knowledge

וְה֛וּא14 of 19
H1931

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

לֹֽא15 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שֹׂנֵ֥א16 of 19

whom he hated

H8130

to hate (personally)

ל֖וֹ17 of 19
H0
מִתְּמֹ֥ל18 of 19

not in time

H8543

properly, ago, i.e., a (short or long) time since; especially yesterday, or day before yesterday

שִׁלְשֹֽׁם׃19 of 19

past

H8032

trebly, i.e., (in time) day before yesterday


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 19:4 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 19:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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