King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 21:2 Mean?

Deuteronomy 21:2 in the King James Version says “Then thy elders and thy judges shall come forth, and they shall measure unto the cities which are round about him that i...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then thy elders and thy judges shall come forth, and they shall measure unto the cities which are round about him that is slain:”

Deuteronomy 21:2 · KJV

Context

1

If one be found slain in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it, lying in the field, and it be not known who hath slain him:

2

Then thy elders and thy judges shall come forth, and they shall measure unto the cities which are round about him that is slain:

3

And it shall be, that the city which is next unto the slain man, even the elders of that city shall take an heifer , which hath not been wrought with, and which hath not drawn in the yoke;

4

And the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer unto a rough valley, which is neither eared nor sown, and shall strike off the heifer's neck there in the valley:

Read Deuteronomy 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then thy elders and thy judges shall come forth, and they shall measure unto the cities which are round about him that is slain. The measuring determines which city bears primary responsibility for the ritual cleansing. Geographical proximity indicates which community should have provided protection and pursued justice.

The involvement of elders and thy judges indicates official legal action, not private response. Community leadership must investigate and take responsibility, demonstrating that justice is communal obligation requiring authorized oversight.

The careful measuring unto the cities shows precision in determining responsibility. God's law is not arbitrary but proportional - the nearest city bears greatest accountability for safety in their region.

This teaches that proximity creates responsibility. Those nearest to evil have special obligation to prevent it, address it, and make restitution when it occurs in their sphere of influence.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

City elders served as local government and judicial authority in ancient Israel. They were responsible for maintaining order, administering justice, and representing the community in legal and religious matters.

The measuring procedure would have been public, ensuring transparency in determining which city bore responsibility for the ritual.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does official involvement of elders and judges teach about corporate responsibility for justice?
  2. How does proximity to evil create special obligation to address it?
  3. Why is precision in assigning responsibility important rather than diffusing it generally?
  4. What modern applications exist for the principle that communities bear responsibility for evil in their sphere?
  5. How does public procedure ensure accountability and prevent arbitrary assignment of responsibility?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְיָֽצְא֥וּ1 of 9

“shall come forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

זְקֵנֶ֖יךָ2 of 9

“Then thy elders”

H2205

old

וְשֹֽׁפְטֶ֑יךָ3 of 9

“and thy judges”

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

וּמָֽדְדוּ֙4 of 9

“and they shall measure”

H4058

properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended

אֶל5 of 9
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הֶ֣עָרִ֔ים6 of 9

“unto the cities”

H5892

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

אֲשֶׁ֖ר7 of 9
H834

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

סְבִיבֹ֥ת8 of 9

“which are round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

הֶֽחָלָֽל׃9 of 9

“him that is slain”

H2491

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

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 21:2 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 21:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 16:18-19Romans 13:3-4

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Deuteronomy 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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