King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 21:6 Mean?

Deuteronomy 21:6 in the King James Version says “And all the elders of that city, that are next unto the slain man, shall wash their hands over the heifer that is behead...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Deuteronomy 21:6 · KJV

Context

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:

7

And they shall answer and say, Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it.

8

Be merciful, O LORD, unto thy people Israel, whom thou hast redeemed, and lay not innocent blood unto thy people of Israel's charge. And the blood shall be forgiven them. unto thy people of: Heb. in the midst, etc

Read Deuteronomy 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Hand washing symbolically declares innocence - I am clean from this blood. This public gesture demonstrates the community's protest that they did not commit or negligently permit this murder.

That all the elders participate emphasizes corporate declaration. This is not individual protestation but community-wide assertion of innocence. Leadership represents the entire city in declaring they fulfilled their responsibility for justice and safety.

Washing over the heifer connects the declaration to the ritual sacrifice. The slain heifer's blood addresses the victim's blood, and the hand washing declares that this blood does not rest on the community's hands.

Pilate later mimicked this gesture when declaring innocence of Jesus' blood, though his guilt was real. True innocence requires actual faithfulness, not mere ritual protestation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ritual hand washing as declaration of innocence appears throughout ancient Near Eastern cultures. The gesture communicated publicly that the participant bore no guilt for the matter at hand.

Psalm 26:6 uses similar imagery - I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD - connecting cleanliness with worship access.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does public hand washing communicate about declaring innocence?
  2. How does corporate participation emphasize community-wide responsibility?
  3. What is the connection between the slain heifer and the elders' innocence declaration?
  4. Why is actual faithfulness required beyond mere ritual protestation?
  5. How does Pilate's misuse of this gesture demonstrate the danger of empty religious formalism?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְכֹ֗ל1 of 14
H3605

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

זִקְנֵי֙2 of 14

“And all the elders”

H2205

old

הָעִ֣יר3 of 14

“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)

הַהִ֔וא4 of 14
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

הַקְּרֹבִ֖ים5 of 14

“that are next”

H7138

near (in place, kindred or time)

אֶל6 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הֶֽחָלָ֑ל7 of 14

“unto the slain”

H2491

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

יִרְחֲצוּ֙8 of 14

“man shall wash”

H7364

to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)

אֶת9 of 14
H853

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

יְדֵיהֶ֔ם10 of 14

“their hands”

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

עַל11 of 14
H5921

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

הָֽעֶגְלָ֖ה12 of 14

“over the heifer”

H5697

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

הָֽעֲרוּפָ֥ה13 of 14

“that is beheaded”

H6202

to break the neck; hence (figuratively) to destroy

בַנָּֽחַל׃14 of 14

“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 21:6 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 21:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 26:6Psalms 73:13Psalms 19:12Matthew 27:24-25Psalms 51:2Psalms 51:7

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

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