New International VersionHowever, if it is not done intentionally, but God lets it happen, they are to flee to a place I will designate.
New Living TranslationBut if it was simply an accident permitted by God, I will appoint a place of refuge where the slayer can run for safety.
English Standard VersionBut if he did not lie in wait for him, but God let him fall into his hand, then I will appoint for you a place to which he may flee.
Berean Standard BibleIf, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee.
King James BibleAnd if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.
New King James VersionHowever, if he did not lie in wait, but God delivered him into his hand, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee.
New American Standard BibleYet if he did not lie in wait for him, but God caused him to fall into his hand, then I will appoint you a place to which he may flee.
NASB 1995“But if he did not lie in wait for him, but God let him fall into his hand, then I will appoint you a place to which he may flee.
NASB 1977“But if he did not lie in wait for him, but God let him fall into his hand, then I will appoint you a place to which he may flee.
Legacy Standard BibleBut if he did not lie in wait for him, but God let him fall into his hand, then I will appoint you a place to which he may flee.
Amplified BibleHowever, if he did not lie in wait [for him], but God allowed him to fall into his hand, then I will establish for you a place to which he may escape [for protection until duly tried].
Christian Standard BibleBut if he did not intend any harm, and yet God allowed it to happen, I will appoint a place for you where he may flee.
Holman Christian Standard BibleBut if he didn’t intend any harm, and yet God caused it to happen by his hand, I will appoint a place for you where he may flee.
American Standard VersionAnd if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.
Contemporary English VersionBut if you did not intend to kill someone, and I, the LORD, let it happen anyway, you may run for safety to a place that I have set aside.
English Revised VersionAnd if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationIf it wasn't done intentionally, but God let it happen, the killer should flee to a place I will set aside for you.
Good News TranslationBut if it was an accident and he did not mean to kill him, he can escape to a place which I will choose for you, and there he will be safe.
International Standard VersionIf he didn't lie in wait, but God let him fall into his reach, then I'll appoint for you a place to which he may flee.
NET BibleBut if he does not do it with premeditation, but it happens by accident, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee.
New Heart English Biblebut not if it is unintentional, but God allows it to happen: then I will appoint you a place where he shall flee.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd if a man shall not lie in wait, but God shall deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee.
World English Biblebut not if it is unintentional, but God allows it to happen; then I will appoint you a place where he shall flee. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionas for him who has not laid wait, but God has brought [him] to his hand, I have even set a place for you to where he flees.
Young's Literal Translation as to him who hath not laid wait, and God hath brought to his hand, I have even set for thee a place whither he doth flee.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd when he hunted not after, and God let fall into his hand, and I set to thee a place where he shall flee there. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut he that did not lie in wait for him, but God delivered him into his hands: I will appoint thee a place to which he must flee.
Catholic Public Domain VersionBut if he did not lie in wait for him, but God delivered him into his hands, then I will appoint for you a place to which he must flee.
New American BibleHowever, regarding the one who did not hunt another down, but God caused death to happen by his hand, I will set apart for you a place to which that one may flee.
New Revised Standard VersionIf it was not premeditated, but came about by an act of God, then I will appoint for you a place to which the killer may flee. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut if he did not lie in wait for him, but God delivered him into his hand, then I will appoint for you a place to which he may flee.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd he who did not lie in ambush for him and God handed him over into his hand, make for you a place that he may flee there. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And if a man lie not in wait, but God cause it to come to hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he may flee.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationBut as for him that did it not willingly, but God delivered him into his hands, I will give thee a place whither the slayer may flee.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Personal Injury Laws12Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death. 13If, however,he did notlie in wait,but Godallowed it to happen,then I will appointfor youa placewherehe may flee.14But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death.…
Cross References Numbers 35:9-15Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, / designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. ...
Deuteronomy 19:1-13When the LORD your God has cut off the nations whose land He is giving you, and when you have driven them out and settled in their cities and houses, / then you are to set apart for yourselves three cities within the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess. / You are to build roads for yourselves and divide into three regions the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that any manslayer can flee to these cities. ...
Joshua 20:1-9Then the LORD said to Joshua, / “Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, / so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood. ...
1 Kings 2:28-34When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” ...
2 Samuel 3:27-30When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel. / Afterward, David heard about this and said, “I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner. / May it whirl over the head of Joab and over the entire house of his father, and may the house of Joab never be without one having a discharge or skin disease, or one who leans on a staff or falls by the sword or lacks food.” ...
Genesis 9:6Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind.
Leviticus 24:17And if a man takes the life of anyone else, he must surely be put to death.
Numbers 35:22-25But if anyone pushes a person suddenly, without hostility, or throws an object at him unintentionally, / or without looking drops a heavy stone that kills him, but he was not an enemy and did not intend to harm him, / then the congregation must judge between the slayer and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances. ...
Deuteronomy 4:41-43Then Moses set aside three cities across the Jordan to the east / to which a manslayer could flee after killing his neighbor unintentionally without prior malice. To save one’s own life, he could flee to one of these cities: / Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau belonging to the Reubenites, Ramoth in Gilead belonging to the Gadites, or Golan in Bashan belonging to the Manassites.
2 Samuel 14:6-7And your maidservant had two sons who were fighting in the field with no one to separate them, and one struck the other and killed him. / Now the whole clan has risen up against your maidservant and said, ‘Hand over the one who struck down his brother, that we may put him to death for the life of the brother whom he killed. Then we will cut off the heir as well!’ So they would extinguish my one remaining ember by not preserving my husband’s name or posterity on the earth.”
Matthew 5:21-22You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ / But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.
Acts 7:24-28And when he saw one of them being mistreated, Moses went to his defense and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian who was oppressing him. / He assumed his brothers would understand that God was using him to deliver them, but they did not. / The next day he came upon two Israelites who were fighting, and he tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why are you mistreating each other?’ ...
Romans 13:4For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.
Hebrews 10:28-29Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. / How much more severely do you think one deserves to be punished who has trampled on the Son of God, profaned the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
1 John 3:15Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer.
Treasury of Scripture And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint you a place where he shall flee. lie not Numbers 35:11,22 Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares… Deuteronomy 19:4-6,11 And thisis the case of the slayer, which shall flee thither, that he may live: Whoso killeth his neighbour ignorantly, whom he hated not in time past; … Micah 7:2 The goodman is perished out of the earth: andthere is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net. God 1 Samuel 24:4,10,18 And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily… 2 Samuel 16:10 And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so? Isaiah 10:7 Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; butit is in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few. I will appoint Numbers 35:11 Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares. Deuteronomy 4:41-43 Then Moses severed three cities on this side Jordan toward the sunrising; … Deuteronomy 19:1-3,9 When the LORD thy God hath cut off the nations, whose land the LORD thy God giveth thee, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their cities, and in their houses; … Jump to Previous AllowsAppointCauseDeliverDeliveredDesignateEvilFallFleeFlightHandHoweverIntentionallyLaidLiePurposeUnintentionalWaitWhitherJump to Next AllowsAppointCauseDeliverDeliveredDesignateEvilFallFleeFlightHandHoweverIntentionallyLaidLiePurposeUnintentionalWaitWhitherExodus 21 1.Laws for men servants5.For the servant whose ear is bored7.For women servants12.For manslaughter16.For kidnappers17.For cursers of parents18.For smiters22.For a hurt by chance28.For an ox that gores33.For him who is an occasion of harmIf, however, he did not lie in waitThis phrase addresses the distinction between premeditated murder and accidental killing. In ancient Israelite law, intent was crucial in determining guilt. The concept of "lying in wait" implies a deliberate and premeditated act, which is condemned in the Ten Commandments ( Exodus 20:13). This distinction is important in understanding the justice system of ancient Israel, which sought to differentiate between different levels of culpability. but God allowed it to happen This acknowledges divine sovereignty over all events, including accidental deaths. The belief that God allows certain events to occur reflects a worldview where nothing happens outside of God's control. This aligns with other biblical passages that affirm God's sovereignty, such asProverbs 16:33 andRomans 8:28. It suggests that even in cases of accidental death, there is a divine purpose or allowance, which can be a source of comfort and understanding for those involved. then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee This refers to the establishment of cities of refuge, as detailed inNumbers 35:9-34 andDeuteronomy 19:1-13. These cities provided asylum for those who committed manslaughter, protecting them from the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted. The cities of refuge illustrate God's provision for justice and mercy, ensuring that the innocent are protected while awaiting judgment. This system foreshadows the refuge found in Christ, who offers protection and salvation to those who seek Him, as seen inHebrews 6:18. Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe ultimate authority who allows events to happen according to His sovereign will. 2. The Accidental KillerA person who has caused the death of another unintentionally, without premeditation. 3. The Appointed PlaceA city of refuge where the accidental killer can flee for safety from the avenger of blood. 4. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who is receiving and conveying God's laws to the people. 5. The Avenger of BloodA family member seeking justice for the death of a relative, as was customary in ancient Israelite society. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and JusticeGod is in control of all events, even those that seem accidental. His justice provides a way for both protection and accountability. Mercy in the LawThe provision of a city of refuge demonstrates God's mercy within His justice system, allowing for protection of those who have caused harm unintentionally. The Importance of IntentThe distinction between intentional and unintentional acts is crucial in God's law, highlighting the importance of the heart's intent in moral and legal matters. Christ as Our RefugeJust as the cities of refuge provided safety, Christ offers us refuge from the consequences of sin, inviting us to find safety and rest in Him. Community ResponsibilityThe establishment of cities of refuge required community involvement, reminding us of our responsibility to uphold justice and mercy in our communities today. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 21
What is the Bible's stance on capital punishment?
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How did Jehoshaphat's army manage to march forth singing and then gather the spoils without engaging in a standard military offensive (2 Chronicles 20:21-25)?
If God created humans with free will, why does He harden Pharaoh's heart (Exodus 9:12)?(13) If a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand.--If, that is, without malice aforethought, a man happen upon his enemy, God's providence bringing the two into contact without man's contrivance, and the result is that one slay the other, then the law of the refuge or asylum shall come in. A place is to be provided whither the man-slayer may flee, and where he may be safe, at any rate until the cause is inquired into. Hitherto, throughout the East, it had been regarded as the duty of the next of kin to avenge homicide of whatever kind, and blood had been exacted for blood, however sudden, however provoked, however excusable had been the homicide. No right of asylum, so far as we know, had ever been established before. The Sinaitic legislation for the first time interposed the "city of refuge," between the "avenger of blood" and his victim. It was for the elders of the city to see that the privilege was not abused. Where the case was doubtful, the man-slayer had to be remitted for trial to the elders of his own town ( Numbers 35:22-25); where the elders considered his claim made out, he was entitled to protection. Verse 13. - God deliver him into his hand. This does not seem to mean more than, "if he chance upon him without seeking him." God' s providence does in fact bring about the meetings which men call accidental. I will appoint thee a place. When we first hear of the actual appointment, the number of the places was six - three on either side of Jordan. (See Joshua 20:7, 8; and compare Numbers 35:10-15, and Deuteronomy 19:2.) Thus there was always a city of refuge at a reasonable distance.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew But ifוַאֲשֶׁר֙(wa·’ă·šer)Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - relative Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thathe did notלֹ֣א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808:Not, nolie in wait,צָדָ֔ה(ṣā·ḏāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6658:To chase, to desolatebut Godוְהָאֱלֹהִ֖ים(wə·hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativeallowed it to happen,אִנָּ֣ה(’in·nāh)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 579:To be opportune, to meet, encounter opportunelythen I will appointוְשַׂמְתִּ֤י(wə·śam·tî)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular Strong's 7760:Put -- to put, place, setfor youלְךָ֙(lə·ḵā)Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's Hebrewa placeמָק֔וֹם(mā·qō·wm)Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4725:A standing, a spot, a conditionwhereאֲשֶׁ֥ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thathe may flee.יָנ֖וּס(yā·nūs)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5127:To flit, vanish away
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OT Law: Exodus 21:13 But not if it is unintentional (Exo. Ex) |