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Bible >Deuteronomy >Chapter 21 > Verse 3

◄ Deuteronomy 21:3►

New International Version
Then the elders of the town nearest the body shall take a heifer that has never been worked and has never worn a yoke

New Living Translation
When the nearest town has been determined, that town’s elders must select from the herd a heifer that has never been trained or yoked to a plow.

English Standard Version
And the elders of the city that is nearest to the slain man shall take a heifer that has never been worked and that has not pulled in a yoke.

Berean Standard Bible
Then the elders of the city nearest the victim shall take a heifer that has never been yoked or used for work,

King James Bible
And it shall be,that the citywhich is next unto the slain man, even the elders of that city shall take an heifer, which hath not been wrought with,and which hath not drawn in the yoke;

New King James Version
And it shall bethat the elders of the city nearest to the slain man will take a heifer which has not been workedand which has not pulled with a yoke.

New American Standard Bible
And it shall be that the city which is nearest to the person killed, that is, that the elders of that city shall take a heifer of the herd that has not been worked and has not pulled in a yoke;

NASB 1995
“It shall be that the city which is nearest to the slain man, that is, the elders of that city, shall take a heifer of the herd, which has not been worked and which has not pulled in a yoke;

NASB 1977
“And it shall be that the city which is nearest to the slain man, that is, the elders of that city, shall take a heifer of the herd, which has not been worked and which has not pulled in a yoke;

Legacy Standard Bible
And it shall be that the city which is nearest to the slain man, that is, the elders of that city, shall take a heifer of the herd, which has not been worked and which has not pulled in a yoke;

Amplified Bible
It shall be that the elders of the city which is nearest to the dead man shall take a heifer of the herd, one which has not been worked and which has not pulled in a yoke;

Christian Standard Bible
The elders of the city nearest to the victim are to get a young cow that has not been yoked or used for work.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The elders of the city nearest to the victim are to get a young cow that has not been yoked or used for work.

American Standard Version
and it shall be, that the city which is nearest unto the slain man, even the elders of that city shall take a heifer of the herd, which hath not been wrought with, and which hath not drawn in the yoke;

Contemporary English Version
The leaders from that town will go to their cattle herds and choose a young cow that has never been put to work.

English Revised Version
and it shall be, that the city which is nearest unto the slain man, even the elders of that city shall take an heifer of the herd, which hath not been wrought with, and which hath not drawn in the yoke;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When it has been determined which city is nearest the body, the leaders from that city must choose a heifer that has never been put to work and never worn a yoke.

Good News Translation
Then the leaders of the town nearest to where the body was found are to select a young cow that has never been used for work.

International Standard Version
Then the elders of the city nearest the body are to take a heifer that hasn't been put to work or hasn't pulled a yoke

NET Bible
Then the elders of the city nearest to the corpse must take from the herd a heifer that has not been worked--that has never pulled with the yoke--

New Heart English Bible
and it shall be, that the city which is nearest to the slain man, even the elders of that city shall take a heifer of the herd, which hasn't been worked with, and which has not drawn in the yoke;

Webster's Bible Translation
And it shall be that the city which is next to the slain man, even the elders of that city shall take a heifer which hath not been wrought with, and which hath not drawn in the yoke;

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
Then the elders of the city nearest the victim shall take a heifer that has never been yoked or used for work,

World English Bible
It shall be that the elders of the city which is nearest to the slain man shall take a heifer of the herd, which hasn’t been worked with and which has not drawn in the yoke.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and it has been, the city which [is] near to the slain one, even [the] elderly of that city have taken a heifer of the herd, which has not been worked with, which has not drawn in a yoke,

Young's Literal Translation
and it hath been, the city which is near unto the slain one, even the elders of that city have taken a heifer of the herd, which hath not been wrought with, which hath not drawn in the yoke,

Smith's Literal Translation
And it was the the city being near to the wounded, and the old men of the city took a heifer of the kine which was not worked with, and drew not in the yoke:

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And the ancients of that city which they shall perceive to be nearer than the rest, shall take a heifer of the herd, that hath not drawn in the yoke, nor ploughed the ground,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And in whichever one they perceive to be closer than the others, the elders shall take a calf from the herd, one which has not pulled with a yoke, nor tilled with a plow.

New American Bible
When it is established which city is nearest the corpse, the elders of that city shall take a heifer that has never been put to work or worn a yoke;

New Revised Standard Version
The elders of the town nearest the body shall take a heifer that has never been worked, one that has not pulled in the yoke;

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the elders of the city which is nearest to the slain man shall take a heifer which has never been used for work nor has pulled in the yoke,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the city that is near him that was killed, the Elders of that city shall bring a heifer of an ox that has not pulled anything and has not pulled in a yoke;

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And it shall be, that the city which is nearest unto the slain man, even the elders of that city shall take a heifer of the herd, which hath not been wrought with, and which hath not drawn in the yoke.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and it shall be that the city which is nearest to the slain man the elders of that city shall take a heifer of the herd, which has not laboured, and which has not borne a yoke.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Atonement for an Unsolved Murder
…2your elders and judges must come out and measure the distance from the victim to the neighboring cities.3Then the elders of the city nearest the victim shall take a heifer that has never been yoked or used for work,4bring the heifer to a valley with running water that has not been plowed or sown, and break its neck there by the stream.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Numbers 19:2
“This is the statute of the law that the LORD has commanded: Instruct the Israelites to bring you an unblemished red heifer that has no defect and has never been placed under a yoke.

1 Samuel 6:7
Now, therefore, prepare one new cart with two milk cows that have never been yoked. Hitch the cows to the cart, but take their calves away and pen them up.

Leviticus 4:3
If the anointed priest sins, bringing guilt on the people, he must bring to the LORD a young bull without blemish as a sin offering for the sin he has committed.

Leviticus 4:14
when they become aware of the sin they have committed, then the assembly must bring a young bull as a sin offering and present it before the Tent of Meeting.

Leviticus 4:23
When he becomes aware of the sin he has committed, he must bring an unblemished male goat as his offering.

Leviticus 4:28
When he becomes aware of the sin he has committed, he must bring an unblemished female goat as his offering for that sin.

Leviticus 9:2
He said to Aaron, “Take for yourself a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering, both without blemish, and present them before the LORD.

1 Samuel 16:2
“How can I go?” Samuel asked. “Saul will hear of it and kill me!” The LORD answered, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’

1 Kings 1:33
“Take my servants with you,” said the king. “Set my son Solomon on my own mule and take him down to Gihon.

1 Kings 1:38-39
Then Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, along with the Cherethites and Pelethites, went down and set Solomon on King David’s mule, and they escorted him to Gihon. / Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the ram’s horn, and all the people proclaimed, “Long live King Solomon!”

1 Kings 19:19
So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve teams of oxen, and he was with the twelfth team. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him.

Matthew 21:2-3
saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt beside her. Untie them and bring them to Me. / If anyone questions you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

Mark 11:2-3
and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. / If anyone asks, ‘Why are you doing this?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it and will return it shortly.’”

Luke 19:30-31
saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. / If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying it?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it.’”

John 12:14-15
Finding a young donkey, Jesus sat on it, as it is written: / “Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion. See, your King is coming, seated on the colt of a donkey.”

Treasury of Scripture

And it shall be, that the city which is next to the slain man, even the elders of that city shall take an heifer, which has not been worked with, and which has not drawn in the yoke;

Numbers 19:2
Thisis the ordinance of the law which the LORD hath commanded, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot, whereinis no blemish,and upon which never came yoke:

Jeremiah 31:18
I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himselfthus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomedto the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thouart the LORD my God.

Matthew 11:28-30
Come unto me, allye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…

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Deuteronomy 21

1.The Atonement for an Unsolved Murder
10.The usage of a captive taken to wife
15.The firstborn is not to be disinherited upon private affection
18.A rebellious son is to be stoned to death
22.The malefactor must not hang all night on a tree

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

Then the elders of the city nearest the victim
In ancient Israel, the elders were respected leaders responsible for maintaining justice and order. Their involvement underscores the communal responsibility for addressing sin and maintaining purity within the land. The city nearest the victim is held accountable, emphasizing the importance of community in God's covenant with Israel. This reflects the principle of collective responsibility seen in other parts of the Old Testament, such as in the story of Achan inJoshua 7.

shall take a heifer
The heifer, a young female cow, is significant in biblical rituals. It symbolizes innocence and purity, as it has not yet been used for labor or sacrifice. The use of a heifer in this context is a form of atonement for the unsolved murder, highlighting the seriousness of bloodshed and the need for purification. This ritual is unique to Deuteronomy and reflects the broader sacrificial system established in Leviticus.

that has never been yoked or used for work
The requirement that the heifer has never been yoked or used for work signifies its purity and suitability for a sacred purpose. In biblical terms, an animal that has not been used for common labor is considered unblemished and thus appropriate for sacrifice. This mirrors the requirement for sacrificial animals inLeviticus 1:3, which must be without defect. The unyoked heifer can also be seen as a type of Christ, who was without sin and bore the burden of humanity's sins, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Elders of the City
These are the leaders or senior figures in the nearest city to where the victim is found. They hold responsibility for the community and are involved in the ritual described.

2.The Victim
An unidentified person found dead in the open country, whose murderer is unknown. This situation prompts the ritual described in the passage.

3.The Heifer
A young cow that has never been yoked or used for work. It is chosen for the ritual to atone for the unsolved murder.

4.The Nearest City
The city closest to where the victim is found. Its elders are responsible for performing the ritual to seek atonement.

5.The Ritual
A ceremonial act involving the heifer, performed to atone for the bloodshed and to absolve the community of guilt.

Teaching Points

Community Responsibility
This passage underscores the importance of communal responsibility in addressing sin and injustice. The elders' involvement signifies that the community must take action to seek justice and atonement.

Symbolism of the Heifer
The choice of a heifer that has never been yoked symbolizes purity and innocence. This reflects the need for a pure sacrifice to atone for sin, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

Atonement and Forgiveness
The ritual highlights the necessity of atonement for sin, a theme that runs throughout Scripture. It foreshadows the complete atonement provided by Jesus' sacrifice.

Justice and Mercy
The passage balances the need for justice in addressing a murder with the mercy shown through the ritual, which seeks to absolve the community of guilt.

Role of Leadership
The involvement of the city elders demonstrates the role of leadership in guiding the community towards righteousness and ensuring that justice is pursued.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 21:3?

2.How does Deuteronomy 21:3 emphasize community responsibility in addressing unresolved crimes?

3.What role does the nearest city play in Deuteronomy 21:3's instructions?

4.How can we apply the principle of communal accountability in today's society?

5.How does Deuteronomy 21:3 connect with the broader theme of justice in Scripture?

6.What modern situations require communal action similar to Deuteronomy 21:3's directive?

7.What is the significance of the heifer in Deuteronomy 21:3?

8.How does Deuteronomy 21:3 reflect ancient justice practices?

9.Why is the nearest city responsible in Deuteronomy 21:3?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 21?

11.What does bloodguilt mean?

12.In Luke 19:35-36, how could a previously unridden colt remain calm amid a jubilant crowd without any training or acclimatization?

13.Deuteronomy 21:1-9: How does sacrificing a heifer in a remote valley effectively resolve guilt for an unsolved murder?

14.Deuteronomy 3:4 claims Israel took over 60 fortified cities--where is the archaeological evidence for such cities?

What Does Deuteronomy 21:3 Mean

Then the elders of the city

• In Israel, elders served as community leaders, judges, and spiritual examples (Deuteronomy 19:12;Ruth 4:1–2).

• God assigns responsibility for justice to those in authority, underscoring that sin and violence are community concerns, not merely private matters (Proverbs 31:23).

• The directive reminds believers today that leaders must act decisively to uphold righteousness and safeguard the innocent (Romans 13:3–4).

nearest the victim

• Proximity determined accountability: the closest city could not shrug off bloodshed that took place “on its doorstep” (Numbers 35:33–34).

• This principle teaches that ignoring unresolved sin defiles the land and people until atonement is made (Joshua 20:6).

• It also illustrates God’s desire for targeted, personal responsibility rather than vague, collective guilt.

shall take a heifer

• A specific animal, not a random choice: “Take a red heifer without defect” mirrorsNumbers 19:2, tying this act to ceremonial cleansing.

• The heifer represents a costly, tangible substitute—innocent life offered so the land is cleansed (Genesis 15:9;1 Samuel 16:2).

• God provides a clear path: sin’s stain is dealt with through sacrifice, pointing forward to ultimate atonement (Hebrews 9:13–14).

that has never been yoked

• Untouched by the yoke signifies purity and separation for holy use (Deuteronomy 15:19;1 Samuel 6:7).

• No divided loyalties: what belongs to God in sacrifice must be wholly His, untainted by ordinary labor (Leviticus 22:19–20).

• The heifer’s innocence heightens the contrast between the murdered victim’s blood and the blameless animal offered on his behalf.

or used for work

• Work animals accumulate toil, scars, and ownership marks; God required an unblemished offering (Leviticus 1:3).

• The stipulation underscores that redemption cannot come through what is secondhand or leftover; it demands the first and best (Malachi 1:8).

• Practically, it pictures Christ—without defect, doing the Father’s will alone, set apart for sacrifice (1 Peter 1:18–19).

summary

Deuteronomy 21:3 shows God safeguarding His covenant community by requiring its leaders to deal promptly and thoroughly with innocent bloodshed. The nearest elders must provide a spotless, never-worked heifer, signaling that sin’s pollution is real and that cleansing demands a pure sacrifice. Each phrase highlights accountability, purity, and substitution, foreshadowing the perfect sacrifice of Christ who fully removes guilt and restores fellowship between God and His people.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 3. -An heifer, which hath not boon wrought with, and which hath not drawn in the yoke; a young cow which had not been rendered unfit for consecration, nor had its vital force impaired, by being subjected to forced labor (cf.Numbers 19:2).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Then
וְהָיָ֣ה(wə·hā·yāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, be

the elders
זִקְנֵי֩(ziq·nê)
Adjective - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2205:Old

of the city
הָעִ֔יר(hā·‘îr)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892:Excitement

nearest
הַקְּרֹבָ֖ה(haq·qə·rō·ḇāh)
Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7138:Near

the victim
הֶחָלָ֑ל(he·ḥā·lāl)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2491:Pierced, polluted

shall take
וְלָֽקְח֡וּ(wə·lā·qə·ḥū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3947:To take

a heifer
עֶגְלַ֣ת(‘eḡ·laṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5697:A, calf, one nearly grown

that
אֲשֶׁ֤ר(’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

has never
לֹֽא־(lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no

been yoked
בְּעֹֽל׃(bə·‘ōl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5923:A yoke

or used for work,
עֻבַּד֙(‘ub·baḏ)
Verb - QalPass - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5647:To work, to serve, till, enslave

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OT Law: Deuteronomy 21:3 And it shall be that the city (Deut. De Du)