King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 21:4 Mean?

Deuteronomy 21:4 in the King James Version says “And the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer unto a rough valley, which is neither eared nor sown, and shall ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Deuteronomy 21:4 · KJV

Context

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:

5

And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the LORD thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the LORD; and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be tried: word: Heb. mouth

6

And all the elders of that city, that are next unto the slain man, shall wash their hands over the heifer that is beheaded in the valley:

Read Deuteronomy 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The ritual occurs in unproductive land - rough valley that is neither eared nor sown. This desolate location represents the waste and barrenness that violence produces.

Striking off the heifer's neck kills the animal but not through standard sacrificial method. This is not temple offering but ceremonial cleansing addressing blood guilt. The distinction maintains proper categories while still requiring blood to address bloodshed.

The uncultivated valley that will never be farmed preserves the site from common use, marking it as place where innocent blood was addressed. The land bears witness to the ritual cleansing performed there.

This unusual ritual - not quite sacrifice, not common slaughter - demonstrates that extraordinary evils require extraordinary responses that fit the unique circumstances while honoring God's holiness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The rough, uncultivated valley remained permanently unusable for agriculture after this ritual, creating lasting memorial of the unsolved murder and community's innocence declaration.

This differed from standard sacrifices offered at the altar, reflecting its unique purpose as legal-ceremonial cleansing rather than worship offering.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the desolate, unproductive location symbolize about violence's effects?
  2. Why is this ritual distinct from temple sacrifices while still requiring blood?
  3. How does permanent preservation of the site serve as memorial and witness?
  4. What does the unusual nature of this ritual teach about responding appropriately to extraordinary circumstances?
  5. Why must blood address bloodshed even when the guilty party cannot be identified?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְהוֹרִ֡דוּ1 of 20

“shall bring down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

זִקְנֵי֩2 of 20

“And the elders”

H2205

old

הָעִ֨יר3 of 20

“of that city”

H5892

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

הַהִ֤וא4 of 20
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

אֶת5 of 20
H853

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

הָֽעֶגְלָ֖ה6 of 20

“the heifer”

H5697

a (female) calf, especially one nearly grown (i.e., a heifer)

אֶל7 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בַּנָּֽחַל׃8 of 20

“there in the valley”

H5158

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

אֵיתָ֔ן9 of 20

“unto a rough”

H386

permanence; hence (concrete) permanent; specifically a chieftain

אֲשֶׁ֛ר10 of 20
H834

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

לֹֽא11 of 20
H3808

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

יֵעָבֵ֥ד12 of 20

“which is neither eared”

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

בּ֖וֹ13 of 20
H0
וְלֹ֣א14 of 20
H3808

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

יִזָּרֵ֑עַ15 of 20

“nor sown”

H2232

to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify

וְעָֽרְפוּ16 of 20

“and shall strike off”

H6202

to break the neck; hence (figuratively) to destroy

שָׁ֥ם17 of 20
H8033

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

אֶת18 of 20
H853

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

הָֽעֶגְלָ֖ה19 of 20

“the heifer”

H5697

a (female) calf, especially one nearly grown (i.e., a heifer)

בַּנָּֽחַל׃20 of 20

“there in the valley”

H5158

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

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 21:4 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 21:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 3:181 Peter 2:21-24

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