King James Version

What Does Joshua 20:3 Mean?

Joshua 20:3 in the King James Version says “That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from th...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.”

Joshua 20:3 · KJV

Context

1

The LORD also spake unto Joshua, saying,

2

Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses:

3

That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.

4

And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them.

5

And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly , and hated him not beforetime .

Read Joshua 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse specifies the cities' purpose: protecting unintentional manslayers from blood vengeance. The phrase 'that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly' (makeh-nefesh bishgagah bivli-daat, מַכֵּה־נֶפֶשׁ בִּשְׁגָגָה בִּבְלִי־דָעַת) uses two Hebrew terms emphasizing lack of intent—bishgagah (בִּשְׁגָגָה, 'unawares') means inadvertent error, while bivli-daat (בִּבְלִי־דָעַת, 'unwittingly') means without knowledge or premeditation. This careful distinction between intentional murder and accidental homicide shows God's concern for justice's nuances. The phrase 'avenger of blood' (goel hadam, גֹּאֵל הַדָּם) refers to the nearest male relative obligated by custom to execute vengeance for a slain family member. While blood vengeance served justice in pre-state societies, it couldn't distinguish between murder and accident in the heat of grief and anger. The refuge cities prevented injustice while maintaining accountability. Theologically, this system demonstrates that sin's categories matter—some sins are high-handed rebellion deserving immediate judgment, while others are failures and weaknesses requiring mercy and restoration. Reformed theology recognizes God's justice addresses both heinous sins and human frailty differently, though all sin requires atonement through Christ's blood.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Blood vengeance was deeply embedded in ancient Near Eastern honor-shame cultures. Family honor demanded avenging murdered relatives; failing to execute vengeance brought shame on the entire clan. Yet in the passion of grief, avengers couldn't objectively determine whether killing was intentional or accidental. The cities of refuge provided time for proper judicial inquiry (verse 4-6) while protecting the accused from hasty revenge. Numbers 35:16-21 carefully defines murder: using iron instruments, stones, or wooden weapons with hatred or enmity constituted murder deserving death. Accidental cases included: an axe head flying off while chopping wood, pushing someone unintentionally, or dropping a stone without seeing someone below (Numbers 35:22-23). The elders at the refuge city examined each case, determining guilt or innocence. If guilty of murder, the person was handed to the avenger; if innocent of intent, they remained protected in the city. This judicial process prevented mob justice while maintaining community standards. Archaeological evidence shows these Levitical cities had gates where elders sat to adjudicate cases, consistent with biblical accounts of city gate justice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's distinction between intentional and unintentional sin inform your understanding of sin's various categories and appropriate responses?
  2. What situations in your life require fleeing to Christ, your refuge, from the consequences you deserve?
  3. How can the church balance justice for intentional sins with mercy for weaknesses and failures, following the refuge city model?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
לָנ֥וּס1 of 13

“may flee”

H5127

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

שָׁ֙מָּה֙2 of 13
H8033

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

רוֹצֵ֔חַ3 of 13

“That the slayer”

H7523

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

מַכֵּה4 of 13

“that killeth”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

נֶ֥פֶשׁ5 of 13

“any person”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

בִּשְׁגָגָ֖ה6 of 13

“unawares”

H7684

a mistake or inadvertent transgression

בִּבְלִי7 of 13
H1097

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

דָ֑עַת8 of 13

“and unwittingly”

H1847

knowledge

וְהָי֤וּ9 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָכֶם֙10 of 13
H0
לְמִקְלָ֔ט11 of 13

“thither and they shall be your refuge”

H4733

an asylum (as a receptacle)

מִגֹּאֵ֖ל12 of 13

“from the avenger”

H1350

to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido

הַדָּֽם׃13 of 13

“of blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 20:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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