Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When they flee to one of these cities, they are to stand in the entrance of the city gate and state their case before the elders of that city. Then the elders are to admit the fugitive into their city and provide a place to live among them. New Living Translation “Upon reaching one of these cities, the one who caused the death will appear before the elders at the city gate and present his case. They must allow him to enter the city and give him a place to live among them. English Standard Version He shall flee to one of these cities and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city and explain his case to the elders of that city. Then they shall take him into the city and give him a place, and he shall remain with them. Berean Standard Bible When 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 Literal Bible And he flees to one of these cities, and stands at the entrance of the gate of the city, and declares in the ears of the elders of that city his case, and they shall take him into the city as one of them and give to him a place, that he may dwell among them. King James Bible And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. New King James Version And when he flees to one of those cities, and stands at the entrance of the gate of the city, and declares his case in the hearing of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city as one of them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. New American Standard Bible Then he shall flee to one of these cities, and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city, and state his case in the presence of the elders of that city; and they shall receive him into the city to them and give him a place, so that he may remain among them. NASB 1995 ‘He shall flee to one of these cities, and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city and state his case in the hearing of the elders of that city; and they shall take him into the city to them and give him a place, so that he may dwell among them. NASB 1977 ‘And he shall flee to one of these cities, and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city and state his case in the hearing of the elders of that city; and they shall take him into the city to them and give him a place, so that he may dwell among them. Legacy Standard Bible And he shall flee to one of these cities and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city and speak his case in the hearing of the elders of that city; and they shall take him into the city to them and give him a place, so that he may live among them. Amplified Bible He shall flee to one of these cities, and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city and explain his case to the elders of that city; and they shall take him into [the protection of] the city and give him a place [to stay], so that he may live among them. Berean Annotated Bible When 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. Christian Standard Bible When someone flees to one of these cities, stands at the entrance of the city gate, and states his case before the elders of that city, they are to bring him into the city and give him a place to live among them. Holman Christian Standard Bible When someone flees to one of these cities, stands at the entrance of the city gate, and states his case before the elders of that city, they are to bring him into the city and give him a place to live among them. American Standard Version And he shall flee unto one of those cities, and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city, and declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city; and they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. English Revised Version And he shall flee unto one of those cities, and shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city; and they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. GOD'S WORD® Translation " 'A person who kills someone accidentally can run to one of these cities. There he will stand at the entrance to the city, where court is held, and present his case to the leaders of that city. Then they will take him into their city and give him a place to live with them. Good News Translation You can run away to one of these cities, go to the place of judgment at the entrance to the city, and explain to the leaders what happened. Then they will let you into the city and give you a place to live in, so that you can stay there. International Standard Version He may run to one of those cities, stand at the entrance to the city gate, and tell his side of the story to the elders of the city. They are to bring him inside the city with them and provide him a place to live among them. NET Bible The one who committed manslaughter should escape to one of these cities, stand at the entrance of the city gate, and present his case to the leaders of that city. They should then bring him into the city, give him a place to stay, and let him live there. New Heart English Bible He shall flee to one of those cities, and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city, and declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city. They shall take him into the city with them, and give him a place, that he may live among them. Webster's Bible Translation And when he that doth flee to one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city to them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen 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. World English Bible He shall flee to one of those cities, and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city, and declare his case in the ears of the elders of that city. They shall take him into the city with them, and give him a place, that he may live among them. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionWhen [one] has fled to one of these cities, and has stood [at] the opening of the gate of the city, and has spoken his matter in the ears of [the] elderly of that city, then they have gathered him into the city to them, and have given a place to him, and he has dwelt with them. Berean Literal Bible And he flees to one of these cities, and stands at the entrance of the gate of the city, and declares in the ears of the elders of that city his case, and they shall take him into the city as one of them and give to him a place, that he may dwell among them. Young's Literal Translation When one hath fled unto one of these cities, and hath stood at the opening of the gate of the city, and hath spoken in the ears of the elders of that city his matter, then they have gathered him into the city unto them, and have given to him a place, and he hath dwelt with them. Smith's Literal Translation And he fled to one of these cities and stood at the door of the gate of the city, and spake in the ears of the old men of that city, his words, and they received him into the city to them, and they gave to him a place, and he dwelt with them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when he shall flee to one of these cities: he shall stand before the gate of the city, and shall speak to the ancients of that city, such things as prove him innocent: and so shall they receive him, and give him a place to dwell in. Catholic Public Domain Version And when he will have fled to one of these cities, he shall stand before the gate of the city, and he shall speak to the ancients of that city, the things that prove him innocent. And so shall they receive him, and give him a place in which to live. New American Bible To one of these cities the killer shall flee, and standing at the entrance of the city gate, shall plead his case in the hearing of the elders of the city, who must receive him and assign him a place in which to live among them. New Revised Standard Version The slayer shall flee to one of these cities and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city, and explain the case to the elders of that city; then the fugitive shall be taken into the city, and given a place, and shall remain with them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when he that shall flee to one of these cities shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city, and shall speak to the elders of that city and explain his case, they shall take him into the city with them and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he will flee into one of these cities and he shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city and he shall speak before the Elders of that city, and he shall speak his words to them in the city and they will give to him a place to dwell with them OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he shall flee unto one of those cities, and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city, and declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city; and they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Six Cities of Refuge…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. 5Now 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.… Cross References When someone flees to one of these cities, Deuteronomy 4:42 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: Numbers 35:11 designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. 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. stands at the entrance of the city gate, Deuteronomy 21:19 his father and mother are to lay hold of him and bring him to the elders of his city, to the gate of his hometown, 2 Samuel 15:2 He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out and ask, “What city are you from?” And if he replied, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,” Ruth 4:1 Meanwhile, Boaz went to the gate and sat down there. Soon the kinsman-redeemer of whom he had spoken came along, and Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down. and states his case before its elders, Deuteronomy 25:7-9 But if the man does not want to marry his brother’s widow, she is to go to the elders at the city gate and say, “My husband’s brother refuses to preserve his brother’s name in Israel. He is not willing to perform the duty of a brother-in-law for me.” / Then the elders of his city shall summon him and speak with him. If he persists and says, “I do not want to marry her,” / his brother’s widow shall go up to him in the presence of the elders, remove his sandal, spit in his face, and declare, “This is what is done to the man who will not maintain his brother’s line.” Deuteronomy 22:15-17 Then the young woman’s father and mother shall bring the proof of her virginity to the city elders at the gate / and say to the elders, “I gave my daughter in marriage to this man, but he has come to hate her. / And now he has accused her of shameful conduct, saying, ‘I discovered that your daughter was not a virgin.’ But here is the proof of her virginity.” And they shall spread out the cloth before the city elders. Ruth 4:2 Then Boaz took ten of the elders of the city and said, “Sit here,” and they did so. they are to bring him into the city Numbers 35:25 The assembly is to protect the manslayer from the hand of the avenger of blood. Then the assembly will return him to the city of refuge to which he fled, and he must live there until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil. Deuteronomy 19:4-5 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: / 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. 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, and give him a place to live among them. Numbers 35:28 because the manslayer must remain in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest. Only after the death of the high priest may he return to the land he owns. 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. Leviticus 25:35 Now if your countryman becomes destitute and cannot support himself among you, then you are to help him as you would a foreigner or stranger, so that he can continue to live among you. 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. Treasury of Scripture And when he that does flee to one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city to them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. at the entering Revelation 4:1,2 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter… Job 5:4 His children are far from safety, and they are crushed in the gate, neither is there any to deliver them. Job 29:7 When I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street! take Psalm 26:9 Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men: that he may 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 Admit Case Cause Cities City Declare Dwell Ears Elders Entering Entrance Explain Hearing Live Stand StateJump to Next Admit Case Cause Cities City Declare Dwell Ears Elders Entering Entrance Explain Hearing Live Stand StateJoshua 20 1. God commands7. and the children of Israel appoint the six cities of refuge When someone flees to one of these cities The cities referred to are the cities of refuge, established by God through Moses and Joshua as places where individuals who committed unintentional manslaughter could seek asylum. This provision is found in Numbers 35:9-15 and Deuteronomy 19:1-13. The concept underscores God's justice and mercy, providing protection for those who accidentally caused death, distinguishing between murder and manslaughter. These cities were strategically located throughout Israel to be accessible to all, symbolizing God's provision and care for His people. 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 Persons / Places / Events 1. Cities of RefugeDesignated cities where individuals who committed unintentional manslaughter could seek asylum and receive a fair trial. 2. Elders of the City Leaders responsible for hearing the case of the fugitive and deciding whether to grant asylum. 3. Fugitive The person who accidentally caused a death and seeks refuge to avoid revenge from the victim's family. 4. City Gate The place where legal matters and community decisions were often made in ancient Israelite society. 5. Asylum Process The procedure by which the fugitive presents his case to the elders and is granted temporary protection. Teaching Points Justice and MercyThe cities of refuge illustrate God's balance of justice and mercy, providing protection while ensuring accountability. Community Responsibility The role of the elders highlights the importance of community involvement in upholding justice and offering support. Seeking Refuge in God Just as the fugitive sought refuge in the city, believers are encouraged to seek refuge in God through Christ. Intentional vs. Unintentional Sin The distinction between intentional and unintentional acts calls us to examine our own actions and seek forgiveness where needed. Welcoming the Stranger The command to admit the fugitive into the city challenges us to be welcoming and compassionate to those seeking help. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joshua 20:4?2. How does Joshua 20:4 demonstrate God's provision for justice and mercy? 3. What steps should a person take when seeking refuge, according to Joshua 20:4? 4. How does Joshua 20:4 connect with the concept of sanctuary in Exodus 21:13? 5. In what ways can we apply the principles of refuge today? 6. Why is it important to "state his case" before the elders, as mentioned? 7. What is the significance of the city of refuge in Joshua 20:4? 8. How does Joshua 20:4 reflect God's justice and mercy? 9. Why were cities of refuge necessary in ancient Israelite society? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 20? 11. Why would a just God need these specific cities of refuge in Joshua 20 if He could prevent unjust killings in the first place? 12. How can the compassionate approach to accidental killers in Joshua 20 be reconciled with the violent conquests described earlier, such as in Joshua 6? 13. Deuteronomy 21:18-21: Does the mandate to stone a rebellious son conflict with the commandment against murder (Exodus 20:13)? 14. Deuteronomy 19:2-3: Is there any archaeological evidence of Israel establishing and maintaining these cities of refuge as described? What Does Joshua 20:4 Mean When someone flees to one of these cities• Joshua 20:4: “When someone flees to one of these cities …” highlights the urgency for a person who has accidentally taken a life. • God instituted six cities of refuge (Numbers 35:9-15; Deuteronomy 19:1-6) so that innocent blood would not be shed rashly. • The flight itself pictures seeking God’s appointed place of mercy; Hebrews 6:18 echoes this principle: we “have fled for refuge to take hold of the hope set before us.” stands at the entrance of the city gate • The gate served as the community’s courthouse (Ruth 4:1-2; Proverbs 31:23). • By placing himself at the gate, the fugitive submits to public scrutiny, embracing transparency rather than hiding. • This gesture affirms that justice must be open and accountable (Deuteronomy 16:18-20). and states his case before its elders • Elders were responsible for judging matters (Deuteronomy 19:12; 21:19). • The fugitive recounts the incident, acknowledging any responsibility and claiming protection under God’s law. • This procedure guards against both mob vengeance (Numbers 35:12) and false refuge seekers, balancing mercy with truth (Exodus 23:7). they are to bring him into the city • Once the elders discern innocence in an unintentional death, they act immediately, sheltering the fugitive (Numbers 35:22-25). • God’s design prevents premature bloodshed by the avenger (Deuteronomy 19:6). • The act reflects God’s own willingness to receive repentant sinners who seek His provided refuge (Psalm 46:1). and give him a place to live among them • Protection is coupled with provision; the refugee becomes part of the community until trial or the high priest’s death (Joshua 20:6; Numbers 35:25-28). • This arrangement pictures restoration and safety within God’s covenant people (Leviticus 25:35). • Welcoming the fugitive points forward to Christ who prepares a place for believers (John 14:2-3) and unites them within His household (Ephesians 2:19). summary Joshua 20:4 portrays God’s just and merciful system: the accidental manslayer flees to a refuge city, publicly appeals to its elders, is granted shelter, and receives a home until full justice is served. The verse affirms that God values innocent life, demands transparent justice, and offers gracious protection—ultimately foreshadowing the refuge found in Christ. Verse 4. - And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities. This passage is in accordance with the instructions given in Numbers 35, but is not a quotation from it. The passage may be translated, "and he shall flee ... and shall stand." Shall declare his cause. Literally, shall speak. This was to be clone at the "gate of the city," the place where all legal business was transacted (see Ruth 4:1; 2 Samuel 15:2).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew When someone fleesוְנָ֞ס (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 אַחַ֣ת ׀ (’a·ḥaṯ) Number - feminine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first of these הָאֵ֗לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh) Article | Pronoun - common plural Strong's 428: These, those cities, מֵהֶעָרִ֣ים (mê·he·‘ā·rîm) Preposition-m, Article | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 5892: Excitement stands וְעָמַד֙ (wə·‘ā·maḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations at the entrance פֶּ֚תַח (pe·ṯaḥ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6607: An opening, door, entrance way of the gate שַׁ֣עַר (ša·‘ar) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate of the city, הָעִ֔יר (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement and states וְדִבֶּ֛ר (wə·ḏib·ber) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue his case דְּבָרָ֑יו (də·ḇā·rāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause before [its] elders, זִקְנֵ֥י־ (ziq·nê) Adjective - masculine plural construct Strong's 2205: Old they are to bring וְאָסְפ֨וּ (wə·’ā·sə·p̄ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 622: To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, remove him into the city הָעִ֙ירָה֙ (hā·‘î·rāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement and give וְנָתְנוּ־ (wə·nā·ṯə·nū-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 5414: To give, put, set him a place מָק֖וֹם (mā·qō·wm) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition to live וְיָשַׁ֥ב (wə·yā·šaḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry among them. עִמָּֽם׃ (‘im·mām) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 5973: With, equally with Links Joshua 20:4 NIVJoshua 20:4 NLT Joshua 20:4 ESV Joshua 20:4 NASB Joshua 20:4 KJV Joshua 20:4 BibleApps.com Joshua 20:4 Biblia Paralela Joshua 20:4 Chinese Bible Joshua 20:4 French Bible Joshua 20:4 Catholic Bible OT History: Joshua 20:4 He shall flee to one of those (Josh. 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