Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version and lead it down to a valley that has not been plowed or planted and where there is a flowing stream. There in the valley they are to break the heifer’s neck. New Living Translation They must lead it down to a valley that has not been plowed or planted and that has a stream running through it. There in the valley they must break the heifer’s neck. English Standard Version And the elders of that city shall bring the heifer down to a valley with running water, which is neither plowed nor sown, and shall break the heifer’s neck there in the valley. Berean Standard Bible bring the heifer to a valley with running water that has not been plowed or sown, and break its neck there by the stream. Berean Literal Bible and the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer to an enduring valley, which neither is plowed nor sown, and they shall break the neck there of the heifer in the valley. King James Bible And the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer unto a rough valley, which is neither eared nor sown, and shall strike off the heifer's neck there in the valley: New King James Version The elders of that city shall bring the heifer down to a valley with flowing water, which is neither plowed nor sown, and they shall break the heifer’s neck there in the valley. New American Standard Bible and the elders of that city shall bring the heifer down to a valley with running water, which has not been plowed or sown, and they shall break the heifer’s neck there in the valley. NASB 1995 and the elders of that city shall bring the heifer down to a valley with running water, which has not been plowed or sown, and shall break the heifer’s neck there in the valley. NASB 1977 and the elders of that city shall bring the heifer down to a valley with running water, which has not been plowed or sown, and shall break the heifer’s neck there in the valley. Legacy Standard Bible and the elders of that city shall bring the heifer down to a valley with running water, which has not been plowed or sown, and they shall break the heifer’s neck there in the valley. Amplified Bible and the elders of that city shall bring the heifer down to a [river] valley with running water, which has not been plowed or planted, and shall break the heifer’s neck there in the valley. Berean Annotated Bible bring the heifer to a valley with running water that has not been plowed or sown, and break its neck there by the stream. Christian Standard Bible The elders of that city will bring the cow down to a continually flowing stream, to a place not tilled or sown, and they will break its neck there by the stream. Holman Christian Standard Bible The elders of that city will bring the cow down to a continually flowing stream, to a place not tilled or sown, and they will break its neck there by the stream. American Standard Version and the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer unto a valley with running water, which is neither plowed nor sown, and shall break the heifer's neck there in the valley. English Revised Version and the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer unto a valley with running water, which is neither plowed nor sown, and shall break the heifer's neck there in the valley: GOD'S WORD® Translation The leaders of that city will bring the heifer down to a river, to a location where the land hasn't been plowed or planted. At the river they must break the heifer's neck. Good News Translation They are to take it down to a spot near a stream that never runs dry and where the ground has never been plowed or planted, and there they are to break its neck. International Standard Version and are to lead the heifer to a flowing stream in a valley that has never been tilled or planted. They are to break the heifer's neck there. NET Bible and bring the heifer down to a wadi with flowing water, to a valley that is neither plowed nor sown. There at the wadi they are to break the heifer's neck. New Heart English Bible and the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer to a valley with running water, which is neither plowed nor sown, and shall break the heifer's neck there in the valley. Webster's Bible Translation And the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer to a rough valley, which is neither tilled nor sown, and shall strike off the heifer's neck there in the valley; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblebring the heifer to a valley with running water that has not been plowed or sown, and break its neck there by the stream. World English Bible The elders of that city shall bring the heifer down to a valley with running water, which is neither plowed nor sown, and shall break the heifer’s neck there in the valley. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand [the] elderly of that city have brought down the heifer to a hard valley, which is not tilled nor sown, and have beheaded the heifer there in the valley. Berean Literal Bible and the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer to an enduring valley, which neither is plowed nor sown, and they shall break the neck there of the heifer in the valley. Young's Literal Translation and the elders of that city have brought down the heifer unto a hard valley, which is not tilled nor sown, and have beheaded there the heifer in the valley. Smith's Literal Translation And the old men of that city brought down the heifer to a perennial valley which shall not be worked in it, and shall not be sown, and they break there the neck of the heifer in the valley; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they shall bring her into a rough and stony valley, that never was ploughed, nor sown: and there they shall strike off the head of the heifer: Catholic Public Domain Version And they shall lead it into a rough and stony valley, one which has never been tilled or sown. And in that place, they shall cut the neck of the calf. New American Bible the elders of that city shall bring the heifer down to a wadi with an everflowing stream at a place that has not been plowed or sown, and shall break the heifer’s neck there in the wadi. New Revised Standard Version the elders of that town shall bring the heifer down to a wadi with running water, which is neither plowed nor sown, and shall break the heifer’s neck there in the wadi. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer to a barren valley which has never been ploughed nor sown, and shall slaughter the heifer there in the valley; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the Elders of this city shall bring down the heifer to a barren valley that is not cultivated and was not sown, and slaughter the heifer there in the valley: OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer unto a rough valley, which may neither be plowed nor sown, and shall break the heifer's neck there in the valley. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer into a rough valley, which has not been tilled and is not sown, and they shall slay the heifer in the valley. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Atonement for an Unsolved Murder…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. 5And the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them to serve Him and pronounce blessings in His name and to give a ruling in every dispute and case of assault.… Cross References bring the heifer to a valley with running water Numbers 19:17 For the purification of the unclean person, take some of the ashes of the burnt sin offering, put them in a jar, and pour fresh water over them. Leviticus 15:13 When the man has been cleansed from his discharge, he must count off seven days for his cleansing, wash his clothes, and bathe himself in fresh water, and he shall be clean. Leviticus 14:50-52 and he shall slaughter one of the birds over fresh water in a clay pot. / Then he shall take the cedar wood, the hyssop, the scarlet yarn, and the live bird, dip them in the blood of the slaughtered bird and the fresh water, and sprinkle the house seven times. / And he shall cleanse the house with the bird’s blood, the fresh water, the live bird, the cedar wood, the hyssop, and the scarlet yarn. that has not been plowed or sown Leviticus 25:4 But in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of complete rest for the land—a Sabbath to the LORD. You are not to sow your field or prune your vineyard. Exodus 23:10-11 For six years you are to sow your land and gather its produce, / but in the seventh year you must let it rest and lie fallow, so that the poor among your people may eat from the field and the wild animals may consume what they leave. Do the same with your vineyard and olive grove. Jeremiah 4:3 For this is what the LORD says to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: “Break up your unplowed ground, and do not sow among the thorns. and break its neck there by the stream. Deuteronomy 15:19 You must set apart to the LORD your God every firstborn male produced by your herds and flocks. You are not to put the firstborn of your oxen to work, nor are you to shear the firstborn of your flock. Exodus 13:13 You must redeem every firstborn donkey with a lamb, and if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck. And every firstborn of your sons you must redeem. Exodus 34:20 You must redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb; but if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck. You must redeem all the firstborn of your sons. No one shall appear before Me empty-handed. Numbers 35:33-34 Do not pollute the land where you live, for bloodshed pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it. / Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell. For I, the LORD, dwell among the Israelites.” Leviticus 17:13 And if any Israelite or foreigner living among them hunts down a wild animal or bird that may be eaten, he must drain its blood and cover it with dirt. Genesis 9:6 Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind. Exodus 21:12-14 Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death. / If, 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. / But 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. Numbers 35:6-8 Six of the cities you give the Levites are to be appointed as cities of refuge, to which a manslayer may flee. In addition to these, give the Levites forty-two other cities. / The total number of cities you give the Levites will be forty-eight, with their corresponding pasturelands. / The cities that you apportion from the territory of the Israelites should be given to the Levites in proportion to the inheritance of each tribe: more from a larger tribe and less from a smaller one.” Joshua 20:1-9 Then 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 Samuel 6:14 The cart came to the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh and stopped there near a large rock. The people chopped up the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the LORD. Treasury of Scripture And the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer to a rough valley, which is neither eared nor sown, and shall strike off the heifer's neck there in the valley: shall strike 1 Peter 2:21-24 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: … 1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: Jump to Previous Break City Cow Elders Ever-Flowing Hard Heifer Heifer's Lead Neck Planted Ploughed Plowed Rough Running Sown Stream Strike Tilled Valley Water WatercourseJump to Next Break City Cow Elders Ever-Flowing Hard Heifer Heifer's Lead Neck Planted Ploughed Plowed Rough Running Sown Stream Strike Tilled Valley Water WatercourseDeuteronomy 21 1. The Atonement for an Unsolved Murder10. 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 bring the heifer to a valley with running water In ancient Israel, valleys were often fertile areas with access to water, essential for agriculture and sustaining life. The use of a valley with running water signifies a place of life and purity, symbolizing cleansing and renewal. Water is a recurring symbol of purification in the Bible, as seen in the ritual washings of the priests (Exodus 30:18-21) and the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17). The running water may also represent the living water that Jesus offers (John 4:10-14), pointing to spiritual cleansing and eternal life. that has not been plowed or sown and break its neck there by the stream Persons / Places / Events 1. Elders of the CityThese are the leaders or representatives of the city closest to where a slain person is found. They are responsible for performing the ritual described in this passage. 2. Heifer A young cow that has not borne a calf. In this context, it is used as a sacrificial animal in a ritual to atone for an unsolved murder. 3. Valley with Running Water A specific location chosen for the ritual. The valley is described as having running water and being unplowed and unsown, symbolizing purity and untouched nature. 4. Ritual of Breaking the Heifer’s Neck This act is part of a ceremonial process to atone for the bloodshed and to seek God's mercy and forgiveness for the community. Teaching Points The Seriousness of Sin and BloodshedThe ritual underscores the gravity of murder and the communal responsibility to seek atonement and justice. The Role of Community Leaders Elders are called to act on behalf of the community, highlighting the importance of godly leadership and accountability. Symbolism of Purity and Atonement The use of an unplowed, unsown valley and a heifer symbolizes purity and the need for a fresh start, pointing to the cleansing power of Christ’s sacrifice. God’s Provision for Justice The ritual reflects God’s provision for justice and reconciliation, reminding us of His ultimate plan for redemption through Jesus. The Importance of Seeking God’s Mercy The act of breaking the heifer’s neck is a plea for God’s mercy, teaching us the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 21:4?2. How does Deuteronomy 21:4 illustrate God's concern for justice and atonement? 3. What significance does the "valley with a flowing stream" hold in this context? 4. How can Deuteronomy 21:4 guide us in resolving conflicts within our community? 5. What connections exist between Deuteronomy 21:4 and Christ's atoning sacrifice? 6. How does this verse encourage us to seek God's guidance in difficult situations? 7. What is the significance of the heifer in Deuteronomy 21:4? 8. How does Deuteronomy 21:4 reflect ancient justice practices? 9. Why is a valley with running water specified in Deuteronomy 21:4? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 21? 11. What are the five smooth stones in the story? 12. What does the term 'Promised Land' refer to? 13. Deuteronomy 21:1-9: How does sacrificing a heifer in a remote valley effectively resolve guilt for an unsolved murder? 14. What does bloodguilt mean? What Does Deuteronomy 21:4 Mean Bring the heifer• “Then the elders of the city nearest the slain man shall take a heifer that has never been yoked or used for work” (Deuteronomy 21:3). • An unworked animal points to innocence and purity—an offering untouched by human labor, much like the red heifer set apart for purification (Numbers 19:2) and the milk-cows that carried the ark (1 Samuel 6:7). • The elders, as community representatives, affirm that guilt must be dealt with; sin’s stain cannot be ignored (Numbers 35:33-34). To a valley with running water • “They shall bring the heifer down to a valley with a flowing stream” (Deuteronomy 21:4). • A valley pictures humility and lowliness, the place where God meets the contrite (Isaiah 57:15). • Flowing water speaks of cleansing and life: – Psalm 23:2 “He leads me beside still waters.” – Zechariah 13:1 “On that day a fountain will be opened… to cleanse them from sin and impurity.” – John 4:10 Jesus offers “living water,” the ultimate cleansing. • The constant movement of the stream carries away impurity, showing that God intends sin’s guilt to be removed, not merely covered. That has not been plowed or sown • The ground is untouched—no human effort has shaped it. • God often chooses what man has not fashioned: – Exodus 20:25 an altar of uncut stones. – Numbers 19:2 a red heifer that has never borne a yoke. • Unplowed soil underscores separation from ordinary use; this act is holy, not agricultural. • It also prevents anyone from later profiting by planting there, keeping the site a lasting reminder of the cost of innocent blood. Break its neck there by the stream • “and break its neck there by the stream” (Deuteronomy 21:4). • The heifer dies as a substitute for the unknown murderer, declaring, “Blood was shed, and only blood can atone” (Hebrews 9:22). • No altar, no fire, no blood sprinkled—because the crime took place outside the city, the atonement happens outside familiar worship structures, foreshadowing Christ’s death “outside the gate” (Hebrews 13:11-12). • The elders wash their hands over the carcass (Deuteronomy 21:6-7), publicly distancing the community from the crime while appealing to God for mercy (Psalm 26:6). • The broken neck rather than a typical sacrifice shows the ritual is about justice, not thanksgiving; the animal bears the curse, echoing Isaiah 53:5, “He was pierced for our transgressions.” summary Deuteronomy 21:4 sets out God’s gracious remedy when human justice meets its limits. An innocent, unworked heifer is led to an untouched, life-giving valley. There, its neck is broken beside running water so the community can confess, be cleansed, and move forward without ongoing guilt. The scene proclaims that innocent blood matters to God, that sin must be answered, and that He Himself provides the means—ultimately fulfilled in Christ, the true innocent whose death removes guilt once for all. Verse 4. - A rough valley; literally, a stream of perpetuity, a perennial stream (cf. Psalm 74:15, Authorized Version, "mighty rivers;" Amos 5:24); but here rather the valley or wady through which a stream flowed, as is evident from its being described as neither eared - that is, ploughed (literally, wrought, tilled) - nor sown; a place which had not been profaned by the hand of man, but was in a state of nature. "This regulation as to the locality in which the act of expiation was to be performed was probably founded on the idea that the water of the brook-valley would suck in the blood and clean it away, and that the blood sucked in by the earth would not be brought to light again by the ploughing and working of the soil" (Keil). Strike off the heifer's neck there in the valley; rather, break the heifer's neck. As this was not an act of sacrifice, for which the shedding of blood would have been required, but simply a symbolical representation of the infliction of death on the undiscovered murderer, the animal was to be killed by breaking its neck (cf. Exodus 13:13).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew bringוְהוֹרִ֡דוּ (wə·hō·w·ri·ḏū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend the heifer הָֽעֶגְלָה֙ (hā·‘eḡ·lāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5697: A, calf, one nearly grown to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to a valley נַ֣חַל (na·ḥal) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5158: A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaft with running water אֵיתָ֔ן (’ê·ṯān) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 386: Perennial, ever-flowing, permanence that אֲשֶׁ֛ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that has not לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no been plowed יֵעָבֵ֥ד (yê·‘ā·ḇêḏ) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5647: To work, to serve, till, enslave or sown, יִזָּרֵ֑עַ (yiz·zā·rê·a‘) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2232: To sow, to disseminate, plant, fructify and break its הָעֶגְלָ֖ה (hā·‘eḡ·lāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5697: A, calf, one nearly grown neck וְעָֽרְפוּ־ (wə·‘ā·rə·p̄ū-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 6202: To break the neck, to destroy there שָׁ֥ם (šām) Adverb Strong's 8033: There, then, thither by the stream. בַּנָּֽחַל׃ (ban·nā·ḥal) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5158: A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaft Links Deuteronomy 21:4 NIVDeuteronomy 21:4 NLT Deuteronomy 21:4 ESV Deuteronomy 21:4 NASB Deuteronomy 21:4 KJV Deuteronomy 21:4 BibleApps.com Deuteronomy 21:4 Biblia Paralela Deuteronomy 21:4 Chinese Bible Deuteronomy 21:4 French Bible Deuteronomy 21:4 Catholic Bible OT Law: Deuteronomy 21:4 And the elders of that city shall (Deut. 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