King James Version

What Does Joshua 20:4 Mean?

Joshua 20:4 in the King James Version says “And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall decla... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Joshua 20:4 · KJV


Context

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 .

6

And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—The cities of refuge protocol: the fugitive must declare his cause (diber, דִּבֶּר, 'speak/explain thoroughly'). The elders evaluate whether the killing was accidental. They shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them grants asylum.

This pictures the gospel: fleeing sinners find refuge in Christ by appealing to 'elders' (the Word, Spirit, church) who testify to grace. The manslayer must come to the gate—we must come to Christ. He provides place (John 14:2-3) and dwelling (abiding, John 15:4). Refuge requires intentional seeking.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

City gates were ancient Israel's judicial centers where elders adjudicated cases (Ruth 4:1-2, Deuteronomy 21:19). The refuge system balanced justice (punishing murderers) with mercy (protecting accidental killers). This prevented blood feuds from perpetuating violence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How is 'fleeing to Christ' for refuge similar to the manslayer fleeing to the city?
  2. What role do spiritual 'elders' (Scripture, Spirit, church) play in confirming your asylum in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וְנָ֞ס1 of 25

And when he that doth flee

H5127

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

אֶל2 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַחַ֣ת׀3 of 25

unto one

H259

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

הָעִ֙ירָה֙4 of 25

him into the city

H5892

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

הָאֵ֗לֶּה5 of 25
H428

these or those

וְעָמַד֙6 of 25

shall stand

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

פֶּ֚תַח7 of 25

at the entering

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

שַׁ֣עַר8 of 25

of the gate

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הָעִ֙ירָה֙9 of 25

him into the city

H5892

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

וְדִבֶּ֛ר10 of 25

and shall declare

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

בְּאָזְנֵ֛י11 of 25

in the ears

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

זִקְנֵ֥י12 of 25

of the elders

H2205

old

הָעִ֙ירָה֙13 of 25

him into the city

H5892

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

הַהִ֖יא14 of 25
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

אֶת15 of 25
H853

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

דְּבָרָ֑יו16 of 25

his cause

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

וְאָֽסְפ֨וּ17 of 25

they shall take

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

אֹת֤וֹ18 of 25
H853

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

הָעִ֙ירָה֙19 of 25

him into the city

H5892

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

אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם20 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְנָֽתְנוּ21 of 25

unto them and give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

ל֥וֹ22 of 25
H0
מָק֖וֹם23 of 25

him a place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

וְיָשַׁ֥ב24 of 25

that he may dwell

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

עִמָּֽם׃25 of 25
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then


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 20:4 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 Joshua 20:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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