King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 19:9 Mean?

Deuteronomy 19:9 in the King James Version says “If thou shalt keep all these commandments to do them, which I command thee this day, to love the LORD thy God, and to wa... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

Deuteronomy 19:9 · KJV


Context

7

Wherefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt separate three cities for thee.

8

And if the LORD thy God enlarge thy coast, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, and give thee all the land which he promised to give unto thy fathers;

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:

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


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does true obedience to God flow from love for Him rather than mere duty or fear?
  2. What blessings might we forfeit when we fail to wholeheartedly obey and love God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
כִּֽי1 of 27
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תִשְׁמֹר֩2 of 27

If thou shalt keep

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

אֶת3 of 27
H853

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

כָּל4 of 27
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַמִּצְוָ֨ה5 of 27

all these commandments

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

הַזֹּ֜את6 of 27
H2063

this (often used adverb)

לַֽעֲשֹׂתָ֗הּ7 of 27

to do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֲשֶׁ֨ר8 of 27
H834

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

אָֽנֹכִ֣י9 of 27
H595

i

מְצַוְּךָ֮10 of 27

them which I command

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

הַיָּמִ֑ים11 of 27

ever

H3117

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

לְאַֽהֲבָ֞ה12 of 27

to love

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

אֶת13 of 27
H853

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

יְהוָ֧ה14 of 27

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ15 of 27

thy God

H430

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

וְלָלֶ֥כֶת16 of 27
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בִּדְרָכָ֖יו17 of 27

in his ways

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

כָּל18 of 27
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַיָּמִ֑ים19 of 27

ever

H3117

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

וְיָֽסַפְתָּ֙20 of 27

then shalt thou add

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

לְךָ֥21 of 27
H0
עוֹד֙22 of 27
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

הַשָּׁלֹ֥שׁ23 of 27

more for thee beside these three

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

עָרִ֔ים24 of 27

cities

H5892

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

עַ֖ל25 of 27
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַשָּׁלֹ֥שׁ26 of 27

more for thee beside these three

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

הָאֵֽלֶּה׃27 of 27
H428

these or those


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 19:9 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 19:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study