Deuteronomy 4:42
New International Version
to which anyone who had killed a person could flee if they had unintentionally killed a neighbor without malice aforethought. They could flee into one of these cities and save their life.

New Living Translation
Anyone who killed another person unintentionally, without previous hostility, could flee there to live in safety.

English Standard Version
that the manslayer might flee there, anyone who kills his neighbor unintentionally, without being at enmity with him in time past; he may flee to one of these cities and save his life:

Berean Standard Bible
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:

Berean Literal Bible
for to flee there the manslayer who kills his neighbor without knowing, and he without having hated him from yesterday and the day before yesterday, and that by fleeing to one of these cities he might live:

King James Bible
That the slayer might flee thither, which should kill his neighbour unawares, and hated him not in times past; and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live:

New King James Version
that the manslayer might flee there, who kills his neighbor unintentionally, without having hated him in time past, and that by fleeing to one of these cities he might live:

New American Standard Bible
for one to flee there who unintentionally killed his neighbor, without having hatred for him in time past; and by fleeing to one of these cities he might live:

NASB 1995
that a manslayer might flee there, who unintentionally slew his neighbor without having enmity toward him in time past; and by fleeing to one of these cities he might live:

NASB 1977
that a manslayer might flee there, who unintentionally slew his neighbor without having enmity toward him in time past; and by fleeing to one of these cities he might live:

Legacy Standard Bible
that a manslayer might flee there, who slew his neighbor without premeditation, not hating him previously; so he shall flee to one of these cities that he might live:

Amplified Bible
so that someone who committed manslaughter could flee there, [that is, a person] who killed his neighbor unintentionally and without previously having hostility toward him, and that by escaping to one of these cities he might [claim the right of asylum and] save his life:

Berean Annotated Bible
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:

Christian Standard Bible
Someone could flee there who committed manslaughter, killing his neighbor accidentally without previously hating him. He could flee to one of these cities and stay alive:

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Someone could flee there who committed manslaughter, killing his neighbor accidentally without previously hating him. He could flee to one of these cities and stay alive:

American Standard Version
that the manslayer might flee thither, that slayeth his neighbor unawares, and hated him not in time past; and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live:

English Revised Version
that the manslayer might flee thither, which slayeth his neighbour unawares, and hated him not in time past; and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Those who unintentionally killed someone whom they had never hated could flee to one of these cities and save their lives.

Good News Translation
to which a man could escape and be safe if he had accidentally killed someone who had not been his enemy. He could escape to one of these cities and not be put to death.

International Standard Version
where a person who accidentally killed someone could flee, if he killed his neighbor without having enmity toward him in the past. He may flee to one of these cities and live:

NET Bible
Anyone who accidentally killed someone without hating him at the time of the accident could flee to one of those cities and be safe.

New Heart English Bible
that the manslayer might flee there, who kills his neighbor unawares, and did not hate him in time past; and that fleeing to one of these cities he might live:

Webster's Bible Translation
That the slayer might flee thither, who should kill his neighbor unawares, and when he had not hated him in times past; and that fleeing to one of these cities he might live:
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
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:

World English Bible
that the man slayer might flee there, who kills his neighbor unintentionally and didn’t hate him in time past, and that fleeing to one of these cities he might live:
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for the fleeing there of the manslayer who slays his neighbor unknowingly, and he is not hating him before, and he has fled to one of these cities and he has lived:

Berean Literal Bible
for to flee there the manslayer who kills his neighbor without knowing, and he without having hated him from yesterday and the day before yesterday, and that by fleeing to one of these cities he might live:

Young's Literal Translation
for the fleeing thither of the man-slayer, who slayeth his neighbour unknowingly, and he is not hating him heretofore, and he hath fled unto one of these cities, and he hath lived:

Smith's Literal Translation
For the slayer to flee there when he shall slay his friend without knowledge; and he hated him not yesterday the third day; and he fled to one of these cities and he lived:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
That any one might flee to them who should kill his neighbour unwillingly, and was not his enemy a day or two before, and that he might escape to some one of these cities:

Catholic Public Domain Version
so that anyone might flee to these if he has killed his neighbor unwillingly, who was not his enemy a day or two earlier, and so that he would be able to escape to one of these cities:

New American Bible
to which a homicide might flee who killed a neighbor unintentionally, where there had been no hatred previously, so that the killer might flee to one of these cities and live:

New Revised Standard Version
to which a homicide could flee, someone who unintentionally kills another person, the two not having been at enmity before; the homicide could flee to one of these cities and live:
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
That the slayer might flee there, who might kill his neighbor unintentionally, and hated him not in time past; and that by fleeing to one of these cities he might live;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
That a killer who may kill his neighbor without his will and did not hate him yesterday or the day before yesterday may escape there, and he will flee into one of these cities and he will live:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
that the manslayer might flee thither, that slayeth his neighbour unawares, and hated him not in time past; and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live:

Brenton Septuagint Translation
that the slayer might flee thither, who should have slain his neighbour unintentionally, and should not have hated him in times past, and he shall flee to one of these cities and live:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Cities of Refuge
41Then Moses set aside three cities across the Jordan to the east 42to 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: 43Bezer 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.…

Cross References
to which a manslayer could flee

Numbers 35:11
designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there.

Joshua 20:3
so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood.

Deuteronomy 19:3
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.
after killing his neighbor unintentionally

Numbers 35:22
But if anyone pushes a person suddenly, without hostility, or throws an object at him unintentionally,

Numbers 35:23
or without looking drops a heavy stone that kills him, but he was not an enemy and did not intend to harm him,

Exodus 21:13
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.
without prior malice.

Deuteronomy 19:4
Now this is the situation regarding the manslayer who flees to one of these cities to save his life, having killed his neighbor accidentally, without intending to harm him:

Joshua 20:5
Now if the avenger of blood pursues him, they must not surrender the manslayer into his hand, because that man killed his neighbor accidentally without prior malice.

Deuteronomy 19:6
Otherwise, the avenger of blood might pursue the manslayer in a rage, overtake him if the distance is great, and strike him dead though he did not deserve to die, since he did not intend any harm.
To save one’s own life,

Deuteronomy 19:5
If he goes into the forest with his neighbor to cut timber and swings his axe to chop down a tree, but the blade flies off the handle and strikes and kills his neighbor, he may flee to one of these cities to save his life.

Numbers 35:12
You are to have these cities as a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly.

Joshua 20:6
He is to stay in that city until he stands trial before the assembly and until the death of the high priest serving at that time. Then the manslayer may return to his own home in the city from which he fled.”
he could flee to one of these cities:

Numbers 35:6
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.

Joshua 20:2
“Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses,

Deuteronomy 19:2
then you are to set apart for yourselves three cities within the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.
Joshua 21:13
So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave these cities, together with their pasturelands: Hebron, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Libnah,


Treasury of Scripture

That the slayer might flee thither, which should kill his neighbor unawares, and hated him not in times past; and that fleeing to one of these cities he might live:

Deuteronomy 19:1-10
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; …

Numbers 35:6,11,12,15-28
And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites there shall be six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities…

Hebrews 6:18
That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

Jump to Previous
Causing Cities Death Enmity Error Hate Hated Hating Heretofore Kept Kill Killed Kills Live Malice Manslayer Man-Slayer Neighbor Neighbour Past Previously Save Slayer Slayeth Slew Thither Time Times Towns Unawares Unintentionally Unknowingly
Jump to Next
Causing Cities Death Enmity Error Hate Hated Hating Heretofore Kept Kill Killed Kills Live Malice Manslayer Man-Slayer Neighbor Neighbour Past Previously Save Slayer Slayeth Slew Thither Time Times Towns Unawares Unintentionally Unknowingly
Deuteronomy 4
1. An exhortation to obedience
41. Moses appoints the three cities of refuge on that side of Jordan
44. Recapitulation












to which a manslayer could flee
This phrase refers to the cities of refuge established by God through Moses. These cities were part of the legal system in ancient Israel, designed to provide a safe haven for those who had accidentally caused the death of another person. The concept of a city of refuge is rooted in the justice and mercy of God, ensuring that the avenger of blood, typically a family member seeking retribution, could not take the life of the manslayer without due process. This reflects God's concern for justice tempered with mercy, a theme that runs throughout Scripture.

after killing his neighbor unintentionally
The distinction between intentional and unintentional killing is crucial in biblical law. Unintentional killing, or manslaughter, did not carry the same moral culpability as murder. This reflects the biblical principle that God judges the heart and intentions, not just outward actions. The provision for unintentional killing underscores the importance of intent in God's justice system, which is echoed in the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the heart's condition in moral and ethical matters (Matthew 5:21-22).

without prior malice
This phrase highlights the absence of premeditation or hatred in the act, distinguishing it from murder. The Hebrew legal system required a clear distinction between acts committed with malice aforethought and those that were accidental. This principle is consistent with the broader biblical narrative that God is just and fair, not condemning the innocent or those who act without malicious intent. It also points to the importance of motives in God's eyes, as seen in passages like 1 Samuel 16:7, where God looks at the heart.

To save one’s own life,
The provision for the manslayer to flee to a city of refuge was a matter of life and death. It underscores the value of human life in God's eyes and His provision for its protection. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God as a refuge and protector, a theme that is prevalent in the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 46:1). The cities of refuge serve as a type of Christ, who is our ultimate refuge and salvation, offering protection from the consequences of sin and death.

he could flee to one of these cities:
The cities of refuge were strategically located throughout Israel to be accessible to all. This accessibility reflects God's desire for justice and mercy to be available to everyone, not just a select few. The cities were Levite cities, emphasizing the role of the priesthood in administering justice and mercy. This foreshadows the New Testament teaching of Jesus as our high priest, who intercedes on our behalf and provides refuge from the judgment we deserve (Hebrews 6:18-20).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Manslayer
An individual who has unintentionally killed another person without premeditated malice. This term is crucial in understanding the distinction between accidental and intentional harm in biblical law.

2. Neighbor
In this context, the term refers to a fellow member of the Israelite community. The relationship between the manslayer and the victim is significant in determining the nature of the act.

3. Cities of Refuge
These were designated places where someone who committed manslaughter could seek asylum. They served as a protective measure to ensure justice and prevent blood vengeance.

4. Unintentional Killing
This event is central to the provision of refuge, highlighting the importance of intent in biblical justice.

5. Moses
The leader who conveyed God's laws to the Israelites, including the establishment of cities of refuge as part of the legal system.
Teaching Points
God's Justice and Mercy
The cities of refuge illustrate God's balance of justice and mercy, providing protection for those who acted without malice while ensuring accountability.

The Importance of Intent
Intent is a critical factor in God's law. This principle encourages us to examine our motives and seek to act with integrity and love in all our interactions.

Community Responsibility
The establishment of cities of refuge underscores the community's role in upholding justice and protecting the vulnerable, reminding us of our duty to support and care for one another.

Spiritual Refuge in Christ
Just as the cities of refuge provided safety, Christ offers spiritual refuge and forgiveness. Believers are encouraged to find their security and hope in Him.

Pursuing Reconciliation
The provision for manslayers to live in safety until a fair trial promotes reconciliation and peace, urging us to seek resolution and harmony in our relationships.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 4:42?

2. How does Deuteronomy 4:42 emphasize the importance of justice and refuge for all?

3. What role do cities of refuge play in God's plan for justice?

4. How does Deuteronomy 4:42 connect with Jesus' teachings on forgiveness and mercy?

5. How can we create "cities of refuge" in our communities today?

6. What does Deuteronomy 4:42 teach about God's provision for the innocent?

7. What is the significance of cities of refuge in Deuteronomy 4:42 for ancient Israelite society?

8. How does Deuteronomy 4:42 reflect God's justice and mercy?

9. Why were unintentional killings treated differently in Deuteronomy 4:42?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 4?

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

12. Deuteronomy 19:6: Why would God allow a 'blood avenger' to pursue someone innocent of intentional murder, and where is this justice in historical context?

13. Deuteronomy 19:2-3: Is there any archaeological evidence of Israel establishing and maintaining these cities of refuge as described?

14. What were the biblical Cities of Refuge for?
What Does Deuteronomy 4:42 Mean
to which a manslayer could flee

Deuteronomy 4:42 begins by pointing to a place of refuge. Long before Israel crossed the Jordan, God made sure safe zones were in place. Numbers 35:11–15 spells it out: “designate cities as cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there.” The Lord values justice, yet He also guards the innocent from rash vengeance.

Key takeaways:

• Refuge was God’s idea, not man’s.

• The offer was open to anyone—Israelite, foreigner, or sojourner (Joshua 20:9).

• These cities preview Christ, in whom “we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged” (Hebrews 6:18).


after killing his neighbor unintentionally

The next phrase narrows the scenario. Exodus 21:13 pictures it: “If, however, someone did not lie in wait, but God let it happen, I will appoint you a place to which he may flee.” Think of the example in Deuteronomy 19:4–5—a flying axe head.

What matters:

• The death was accidental, not premeditated.

• God acknowledges that tragedies occur even among neighbors living in peace.

• By making room for accidents, the Lord tempers judgment with mercy.


without prior malice

This clause underscores motive. Exodus 21:14 distinguishes the deliberate killer who “acted with cunning” from the blameless manslayer. First John 3:15 reminds us that hatred itself is murder in seed form.

Implications:

• Justice weighs the heart, not just the hand.

• No history of hostility meant the avenger of blood had no legal right to execute.

• God’s law protects both life and reputation.


To save one’s own life

The motive for flight was survival. Proverbs 28:17 warns that a guilty person “will flee to the pit,” but the innocent manslayer fled to a God-appointed shelter. Hebrews 6:18 echoes the same logic spiritually: we run to God “to seize the hope set before us.”

Practical points:

• Self-preservation under God’s terms is not selfish—it honors His justice system.

• Swift action mattered; delay could prove fatal if the avenger caught up first.

• The city’s gates symbolized God’s open invitation to life, not death.


he could flee to one of these cities

Moses had already set apart Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan east of the Jordan (Deuteronomy 4:43). Later, three more were added west of the river (Joshua 20:7–8). Each was strategically located for easy access. Psalm 46:1 captures the heartbeat of the ordinance: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.”

Highlights:

• Six cities—enough to ensure no Israelite was ever too far from safety.

• Levites lived there, providing immediate spiritual and legal counsel.

• The system foreshadows Christ, the ultimate refuge accessible to all who believe.


summary

Deuteronomy 4:42 reveals God’s compassionate justice. He provides a place where an innocent person, caught in tragedy, can run for safety, receive a fair hearing, and live. The verse showcases His concern for human life, His desire to temper vengeance with mercy, and His invitation to find refuge—ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, our eternal city of refuge.

Verse 42. - Unawares; literally, in lack or want of knowing (בְּבְלִי־דַעָת), i.e. unconsciously, unintentionally; in Numbers 35:31, 15, another word (בִּשְׁגָגָה, by mistake) is used, rendered in the Authorized Version by "unwittingly;" in Joshua 20:3, both words are used. In times past; literally, yesterday, three days since, i.e. formerly, heretofore (cf. Genesis 31:2; Exodus 5:8).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
to which
שָׁ֜מָּה (šām·māh)
Adverb | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

a manslayer
רוֹצֵ֗חַ (rō·w·ṣê·aḥ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7523: To dash in pieces, kill, to murder

could flee
לָנֻ֨ס (lā·nus)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5127: To flit, vanish away

after killing
יִרְצַ֤ח (yir·ṣaḥ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7523: To dash in pieces, kill, to murder

his neighbor
רֵעֵ֙הוּ֙ (rê·‘ê·hū)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow

unintentionally
בִּבְלִי־ (biḇ·lî-)
Preposition-b | Adverb
Strong's 1097: Failure, nothing, destruction, without, not yet, because not, as long as

without
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

prior
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

malice.
שֹׂנֵ֥א (śō·nê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8130: To hate

To save his own life,
וָחָֽי׃ (wā·ḥāy)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2425: To live, to revive

he could flee
וְנָ֗ס (wə·nās)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5127: To flit, vanish away

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

one
אַחַ֛ת (’a·ḥaṯ)
Number - feminine singular construct
Strong's 259: United, one, first

of these
הָאֵ֖ל (hā·’êl)
Article | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 411: These, those

cities:
הֶעָרִ֥ים (he·‘ā·rîm)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5892: Excitement


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 4:42 That the manslayer might flee there who (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 4:41
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