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.

◄ Joshua 20:3 ►

New International Version
so that anyone who kills a person accidentally and unintentionally may flee there and find protection from the avenger of blood.

New Living Translation
Anyone who kills another person accidentally and unintentionally can run to one of these cities; they will be places of refuge from relatives seeking revenge for the person who was killed.

English Standard Version
that the manslayer who strikes any person without intent or unknowingly may flee there. They shall be for you a refuge from the avenger of blood.

Berean Standard Bible
so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood.

King James Bible
That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.

New King James Version
that the slayer who kills a person accidentally or unintentionally may flee there; and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.

New American Standard Bible
so that one who commits manslaughter by killing a person unintentionally, without premeditation, may flee there, and they shall become your refuge from the avenger of blood.

NASB 1995
that the manslayer who kills any person unintentionally, without premeditation, may flee there, and they shall become your refuge from the avenger of blood.

NASB 1977
that the manslayer who kills any person unintentionally, without premeditation, may flee there, and they shall become your refuge from the avenger of blood.

Legacy Standard Bible
that the manslayer who strikes down any person unintentionally, without premeditation, may flee there, and they shall become for you as a refuge from the avenger of blood.

Amplified Bible
so that the person (manslayer) who kills any person unintentionally, without premeditation, may flee there, and they shall be your refuge from the blood avenger.

Christian Standard Bible
so that a person who kills someone unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
so that a person who kills someone unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood.

American Standard Version
that the manslayer that killeth any person unwittingly and unawares may flee thither: and they shall be unto you for a refuge from the avenger of blood.

English Revised Version
that the manslayer that killeth any person unwittingly and unawares may flee thither: and they shall be unto you for a refuge from the avenger of blood.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Choose them so that anyone who unintentionally kills someone may run to them. They will be a place of refuge from any relative who can avenge the death.

Good News Translation
If any of you accidentally kills someone, you can go there and escape the one who is looking for revenge.

International Standard Version
so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally and without premeditation may run there and be protected from closely related avengers.

Majority Standard Bible
so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood.

NET Bible
Anyone who accidentally kills someone can escape there; these cities will be a place of asylum from the avenger of blood.

New Heart English Bible
that the manslayer who kills any person accidentally or unintentionally may flee there. They shall be for you a refuge from the avenger of blood.

Webster's Bible Translation
That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and ignorantly, may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.

World English Bible
that the man slayer who kills any person accidentally or unintentionally may flee there. They shall be to you for a refuge from the avenger of blood.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
for the fleeing there of a manslayer striking life through ignorance, without knowledge; and they have been for a refuge to you from the redeemer of blood.

Young's Literal Translation
for the fleeing thither of a man-slayer smiting life inadvertently, without knowledge; and they have been to you for a refuge from the redeemer of blood.

Smith's Literal Translation
For the slayer smiting a soul in mistake and without knowledge, to flee there: and they shall be to you for refuge from the nearest kinsman of blood.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
That whosoever shall kill a person unawares may flee to them: and may escape the wrath of the kinsman, who is the avenger of blood:

Catholic Public Domain Version
so that anyone who will have struck down a life unintentionally may flee to them. And so, he may be able to escape from the wrath of a close relative, who is an avenger of blood.

New American Bible
to which anyone guilty of inadvertent and unintentional homicide may flee for asylum from the avenger of blood.

New Revised Standard Version
so that anyone who kills a person without intent or by mistake may flee there; they shall be for you a refuge from the avenger of blood.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
That the slayer who kills any person suddenly and unwittingly may flee there; and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
That a killer may escape there, whoever may kill a life suddenly when he does not know, and they shall be to you for salvation from the seeker of vengeance of blood

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
that the manslayer that killeth any person through error and unawares may flee thither; and they shall be unto you for a refuge from the avenger of blood.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Even a refuge to the slayer who has smitten a man unintentionally; and the cities shall be to you a refuge, and the slayer shall not be put to death by the avenger of blood, until he have stood before the congregation for judgement.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Six Cities of Refuge
…2“Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, 3so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood. 4When someone flees to one of these cities, stands at the entrance of the city gate, and states his case before its elders, they are to bring him into the city and give him a place to live among them.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Numbers 35:9-15
Then 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 19:1-13
When 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. ...

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.

Hebrews 6:18
Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.

Numbers 35:22-25
But 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 4:41-43
Then 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.

1 Kings 2:28-34
When 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.” ...

Acts 7:29
At this remark, Moses fled to the land of Midian, where he lived as a foreigner and had two sons.

1 Chronicles 6:57-60
So the descendants of Aaron were given Hebron (a city of refuge), Libnah, Jattir, Eshtemoa, / Hilen, Debir, / Ashan, Juttah, and Beth-shemesh, together with their pasturelands. ...

Psalm 46:1
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.

Matthew 5:21-22
You 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.

Romans 7:24
What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?

Galatians 3:13
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”

1 John 3:15
Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer.

Leviticus 4:2-3
“Tell the Israelites to do as follows with one who sins unintentionally against any of the LORD’s commandments and does what is forbidden by them: / 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.

Treasury of Scripture

That the slayer that kills any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.

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Joshua 20

1. God commands
7. and the children of Israel appoint the six cities of refuge

Berean Study Bible

so that anyone
The phrase "so that anyone" indicates the inclusivity and accessibility of God's provision. In Hebrew, the word used here is "kol," meaning "all" or "anyone." This reflects God's justice and mercy, ensuring that His laws apply to everyone equally, regardless of status or background. It underscores the biblical principle that God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), and His grace is available to all who seek it.

who kills a person
The Hebrew word for "kills" is "nakah," which can mean to strike, smite, or kill. This word is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, often referring to acts of violence or judgment. Here, it specifically addresses the act of taking a life, emphasizing the gravity of such an action, even when unintentional. The sanctity of life is a core biblical principle, and this provision underscores the seriousness with which God views the taking of life.

unintentionally or accidentally
The terms "unintentionally" and "accidentally" are translated from the Hebrew words "shegagah" and "bi-vli da'at," respectively. "Shegagah" refers to an error or mistake, while "bi-vli da'at" means without knowledge or awareness. This distinction is crucial, as it differentiates between premeditated murder and accidental manslaughter. The law provided a means of mercy for those who did not intend harm, reflecting God's understanding and compassion for human fallibility.

may flee there
The concept of fleeing to a place of refuge is central to this verse. The Hebrew word "nus" means to flee or escape. This provision allowed the accused to seek asylum in a city of refuge, highlighting God's provision for safety and justice. It symbolizes the spiritual refuge found in God, where believers can find protection and peace amidst life's trials and accusations.

and find protection
The phrase "find protection" is derived from the Hebrew "chayah," meaning to live or have life. This protection is not just physical safety but also a preservation of life and dignity. It reflects God's desire to protect the innocent and provide a means of redemption and restoration. Spiritually, it points to the ultimate protection found in Christ, our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1).

from the avenger of blood
The "avenger of blood" is translated from the Hebrew "go'el ha-dam." The "go'el" was a family member responsible for avenging the death of a relative, a practice rooted in ancient Near Eastern customs. This role was both a duty and a right, emphasizing the importance of justice and familial responsibility. However, the provision of cities of refuge tempered this practice with mercy, ensuring that justice did not become vengeance. It foreshadows the New Testament teaching of leaving vengeance to God (Romans 12:19) and highlights the balance between justice and mercy in God's law.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 3. - Unawares and unwittingly. Literally, in error, in not knowing. Numbers 35:16-18 and Deuteronomy 19:5, give a clear explanation of what is here meant. Knobel notices that the first of these expressions is found in Leviticus 4:2, and the second in Deuteronomy 4:42. The latter is "superfluous," and therefore a "filling up of the Deuteronomist." The "Deuteronomist" must have been very active in his "filling up." If he were really so lynx-eyed in a matter of style, it is a wonder that he was so careless, as we are told he is, in matters of fact. To more ordinary minds it would seem as if the author, familiar with the books of Moses, was quoting Deuteronomy for the precept, and Leviticus for the nature of the offence. The avenger of blood. The Hebrew word is worthy of notice. It is Goel; that is, literally, redeemer, one who buys back at the appointed price what has fallen into other hands, as a farm, a field, a slave, or anything consecrated to God. Hence, since the duly of such redemption, on the death of the owner, devolved upon the nearest relative, it came to mean "blood relation." Thus Boaz (Ruth 4:1, 6, 8) is called the Goel of Elimelech and his widow. In the present passage, the phrase "the redeemer (LXX. ἀγχιστεύων next of kin) of the blood" signifies the exactor of the only penalty which can satisfy justice, namely, the death of the murderer. So we are taught in Genesis 9:6; Exodus 21:12, 14; Leviticus 24:17, 21. This duty, which in civilised society belongs to the government, in uncivilised tribes is usually left to the relatives of the murdered man. Hence the terrible blood feuds which have raged between families for generations, and which are not only to be found among savage nations, but even in countries which lay claim to civilisation. In Ireland, for instance, it is not so long ago since one of these blood feuds in the county Tipperary had acquired such formidable proportions that the authorities of the Roman Catholic Church there were compelled to resort to a mission in order to put an end to it. A man had been killed nearly a century before in an affray which commenced about the age of a colt. His relatives felt bound to avenge the murder, and their vengeance was again deemed to require fresh vengeance, until faction fights between the "Three-Year-Olds" and the "Four-Year-Olds" had grown almost into petty wars. A thrilling story written by the late Prosper Merimee turns upon the Corsican vendetta, and so true is this story to life that in the very year (1879) in which these words were written an occurrence precisely similar, save in its termination, was reported in the daily journals to have taken place in that island. The only way in which the feud could be terminated was by summoning the representatives of the two families before the authorities and exacting an oath from them that they would cease their strife. It is no small corroboration of the Divine origin of the Mosaic law that we find here a provision for mitigating the evils of this rude code, and for at least delivering the accidental homicide from the penalty of this law of retaliation. Yet for the offence of wilful murder the penalties enjoined by the Jewish law were terribly severe. A deliberate violation of the sanctity of human life was an offence for which no palliation could be pleaded. No right of sanctuary was to be granted to him who had wantonly slain a fellow creature. "No satisfaction" was to be taken for his life (Numbers 35:31). "The land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, save by the blood of him that shed it" (ver. 33). Such provisions might be expected of a lawgiver who had laid down as the fundamental principle of humanity that man was created "in the image of God," after His likeness; that God had "breathed the breath of life" into him, and man had thus "become a living soul" (Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:7). Such inward harmony is there between Moses' inspired revelations concerning God's purpose in creation, and the precepts he was commanded to deliver to the children of Israel.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

so that anyone
רוֹצֵ֔חַ (rō·w·ṣê·aḥ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7523: To dash in pieces, kill, to murder

who kills
מַכֵּה־ (mak·kêh-)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5221: To strike

another
נֶ֥פֶשׁ (ne·p̄eš)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

unintentionally
בִּשְׁגָגָ֖ה (biš·ḡā·ḡāh)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7684: A mistake, inadvertent transgression

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

may flee
לָנ֥וּס (lā·nūs)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5127: To flit, vanish away

there.
שָׁ֙מָּה֙ (šām·māh)
Adverb | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

These will be
וְהָי֤וּ (wə·hā·yū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

your refuge
לְמִקְלָ֔ט (lə·miq·lāṭ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4733: Refuge, asylum

from the avenger
מִגֹּאֵ֖ל (mig·gō·’êl)
Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1350: To redeem, act as kinsman

of blood.
הַדָּֽם׃ (had·dām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed

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OT History: Joshua 20:3 That the manslayer who kills any person (Josh. Jos)