King James Version
What Does Joshua 20:5 Mean?
“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 .”
Joshua 20:5 · KJV
Context
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.
7
And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah. appointed: Heb. sanctified
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd 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—The go'el ha-dam (גֹּאֵל הַדָּם, 'avenger of blood') was the victim's nearest kinsman, obligated to exact justice. But cities of refuge protect those who killed unwittingly (bishgagah, בִּשְׁגָגָה, 'in error/without intent'). And hated him not beforetime proves no malice existed.
Intent matters to God. Accidental sin differs from presumptuous sin (Numbers 15:27-31). Christ's blood provides refuge from the consequences we deserve, but we must flee to Him. The avenger cannot breach the refuge—Satan cannot pluck believers from Christ's hand (John 10:28-29).
Intent matters to God. Accidental sin differs from presumptuous sin (Numbers 15:27-31). Christ's blood provides refuge from the consequences we deserve, but we must flee to Him. The avenger cannot breach the refuge—Satan cannot pluck believers from Christ's hand (John 10:28-29).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The go'el (redeemer/avenger) had dual roles: redeeming family property and avenging family blood. This kinsman-redeemer concept prefigures Christ who redeems us from sin's slavery and death's penalty (Ephesians 1:7, Galatians 3:13).
Reflection Questions
- How does distinguishing accidental from intentional sin reflect God's justice and mercy?
- In what ways does Christ function as both refuge and kinsman-redeemer?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 22 wordsוְכִ֨י1 of 22
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִרְדֹּ֜ף2 of 22
“pursue”
H7291to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
גֹּאֵ֤ל3 of 22
“And if the avenger”
H1350to 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
הַדָּם֙4 of 22
“of blood”
H1818blood (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
אַֽחֲרָ֔יו5 of 22
“after”
H310properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
וְלֹֽא6 of 22
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֶת8 of 22
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָֽרֹצֵ֖חַ9 of 22
“the slayer”
H7523properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder
בְּיָד֑וֹ10 of 22
“up into his hand”
H3027a 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
כִּ֤י11 of 22
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בִבְלִי12 of 22
“unwittingly”
H1097properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc
אֶת15 of 22
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְלֹֽא17 of 22
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
ה֛וּא19 of 22
H1931he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
ל֖וֹ20 of 22
H0מִתְּמ֥וֹל21 of 22
“him not beforetime”
H8543properly, ago, i.e., a (short or long) time since; especially yesterday, or day before yesterday
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 20:5 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 20:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge