King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 4:42 Mean?

Deuteronomy 4:42 in the King James Version says “That the slayer might flee thither, which should kill his neighbour unawares , and hated him not in times past; and that...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“That the slayer might flee thither, which should kill his neighbour unawares , and hated him not in times past; and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live:”

Deuteronomy 4:42 · KJV

Context

40

Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.

41

Then Moses severed three cities on this side Jordan toward the sunrising ;

42

That the slayer might flee thither, which should kill his neighbour unawares , and hated him not in times past; and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live:

43

Namely, Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites.

44

And this is the law which Moses set before the children of Israel:

Read Deuteronomy 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That the slayer might flee thither, which should kill his neighbour unawares, and hated him not in times past...

Moses specifies the cities' purpose: refuge for the rotseach (רֹצֵחַ, 'manslayer') who kills bivli da'at (בִּבְלִי דַעַת, 'without knowledge/unintentionally'). Two conditions qualify for refuge: unintentional death and absence of prior hatred (velo soneh lo, וְלֹא שֹׂנֵא לוֹ). Premeditated murder forfeits sanctuary; accidental death without malice receives protection.

The Hebrew legal system distinguished intent from outcome—a remarkably sophisticated jurisprudence. Ancient Near Eastern cultures often practiced blood vengeance without examining motive; the blood-avenger (go'el hadam) could kill the slayer regardless of circumstance. Israel's law interrupted this cycle by requiring investigation and providing interim protection. Justice demanded examining the heart, not merely the result.

The manslayer who reached the refuge city vachai (וָחָי, 'shall live'). Life is preserved pending proper legal process. This system anticipates gospel realities: Christ is our city of refuge (Hebrews 6:18), to whom sinners flee for protection from the just consequences of transgression. In Him, those deserving death find life—not because they are innocent, but because sanctuary has been provided for the guilty who run to Him.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The cities of refuge provided asylum for those guilty of manslaughter but not premeditated murder. This law, rooted in earlier revelation (Numbers 35), balanced justice with mercy in Ancient Near Eastern culture where blood vengeance was customary. Moses' implementation of these cities before entering Canaan established legal infrastructure for the new society.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the cities of refuge system anticipate the gospel truth that sinners can flee to Christ for protection from judgment?
  2. What does it mean that biblical justice examines intent and motive, not merely outcomes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְנָ֗ס1 of 22

“and that fleeing”

H5127

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

שָׁ֜מָּה2 of 22
H8033

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

יִרְצַ֤ח3 of 22

“That the slayer”

H7523

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר4 of 22
H834

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

יִרְצַ֤ח5 of 22

“That the slayer”

H7523

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

אֶת6 of 22
H853

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

רֵעֵ֙הוּ֙7 of 22

“his neighbour”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

בִּבְלִי8 of 22

“unawares”

H1097

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

דַ֔עַת9 of 22
H1847

knowledge

וְה֛וּא10 of 22
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

לֹֽא11 of 22
H3808

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

שֹׂנֵ֥א12 of 22

“and hated”

H8130

to hate (personally)

ל֖וֹ13 of 22
H0
מִתְּמֹ֣ל14 of 22

“him not in times”

H8543

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

שִׁלְשֹׁ֑ם15 of 22

“past”

H8032

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

וְנָ֗ס16 of 22

“and that fleeing”

H5127

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

אֶל17 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַחַ֛ת18 of 22

“unto one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מִן19 of 22
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הֶֽעָרִ֥ים20 of 22

“cities”

H5892

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

הָאֵ֖ל21 of 22

“of these”

H411

these or those

וָחָֽי׃22 of 22

“he might live”

H2425

to live; causatively to revive

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 4:42 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 4:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 19:1-10Numbers 35:15-28Hebrews 6:18Numbers 35:11-12Numbers 35:6

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Deuteronomy 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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