Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Any of the Israelites or any foreigner residing among them who killed someone accidentally could flee to these designated cities and not be killed by the avenger of blood prior to standing trial before the assembly. New Living Translation These cities were set apart for all the Israelites as well as the foreigners living among them. Anyone who accidentally killed another person could take refuge in one of these cities. In this way, they could escape being killed in revenge prior to standing trial before the local assembly. English Standard Version These were the cities designated for all the people of Israel and for the stranger sojourning among them, that anyone who killed a person without intent could flee there, so that he might not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, till he stood before the congregation. Berean Standard Bible These are the cities appointed for all the Israelites and foreigners among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood prior to standing trial before the assembly. Berean Literal Bible These were the cities appointed for all the sons of Israel, and for the sojourner who is sojourning in their midst, for the fleeing there of anyone striking a person in error, that he would not die by the hand of the avenger of the blood until his standing before the face of the congregation. King James Bible These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation. New King James Version These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel and for the stranger who dwelt among them, that whoever killed a person accidentally might flee there, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood until he stood before the congregation. New American Standard Bible These were the designated cities for all the sons of Israel and for the stranger who resides among them, so that whoever kills a person unintentionally may flee there, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood until he stands before the congregation. NASB 1995 These were the appointed cities for all the sons of Israel and for the stranger who sojourns among them, that whoever kills any person unintentionally may flee there, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood until he stands before the congregation. NASB 1977 These were the appointed cities for all the sons of Israel and for the stranger who sojourns among them, that whoever kills any person unintentionally may flee there, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood until he stands before the congregation. Legacy Standard Bible These were the appointed cities for all the sons of Israel and for the sojourner who sojourns among them, that whoever strikes down any person unintentionally may flee there and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood until he stands before the congregation. Amplified Bible These were the appointed cities for all the Israelites and for the stranger sojourning (living temporarily) among them, so that whoever killed any person unintentionally may flee there, and not die by the hand of the blood avenger until he had stood before the congregation [for judgment]. Berean Annotated Bible These are the cities appointed for all the Israelites (God prevails) and foreigners among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood prior to standing trial before the assembly. Christian Standard Bible These are the cities appointed for all the Israelites and the aliens residing among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there and not die at the hand of the avenger of blood until he stands before the assembly. Holman Christian Standard Bible These are the cities appointed for all the Israelites and foreigners among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there and not die at the hand of the avenger of blood until he stands before the assembly. American Standard Version These were the appointed cities for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person unwittingly might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation. Contemporary English Version These Safe Towns were set up, so that if Israelites or even foreigners who lived in Israel accidentally killed someone, they could run to one of these towns. There they would be safe until a trial could be held, even if one of the victim's relatives came looking for revenge. English Revised Version These were the appointed cities for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person unwittingly might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation. GOD'S WORD® Translation These are the cities chosen as cities of refuge for all Israelites, including the foreigners living among them. Anyone who accidentally kills someone may escape to these cities. Then he will not be handed over to the relative who can avenge a death before he stands trial in front of the congregation. Good News Translation These were the cities of refuge chosen for all the people of Israel and for any foreigner living among them. Any who killed a person accidentally could find protection there from the one looking for revenge; they could not be killed unless they had first received a public trial. International Standard Version These were appointed to be cities for all the Israelis and for the foreigner who lives among them, so that whoever kills anyone unintentionally may run there and not die at the hands of a closely related avenger until he stands for trial before the community. NET Bible These were the cities of refuge appointed for all the Israelites and for resident foreigners living among them. Anyone who accidentally killed someone could escape there and not be executed by the avenger of blood, at least until his case was reviewed by the assembly. New Heart English Bible These were the appointed cities for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger who sojourns among them, that whoever kills any person unintentionally might flee there, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stands before the congregation. Webster's Bible Translation These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger sojourning among them, that whoever should kill any person unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThese are the cities appointed for all the Israelites and foreigners among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood prior to standing trial before the assembly. World English Bible These were the appointed cities for all the children of Israel, and for the alien who lives among them, that whoever kills any person unintentionally might flee there, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stands trial before the congregation. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThese have been cities of meeting for all the sons of Israel, and for a sojourner who is sojourning in their midst, for the fleeing there of anyone striking life through ignorance, and he does not die by the hand of the redeemer of blood until his standing before the congregation. Berean Literal Bible These were the cities appointed for all the sons of Israel, and for the sojourner who is sojourning in their midst, for the fleeing there of anyone striking a person in error, that he would not die by the hand of the avenger of the blood until his standing before the face of the congregation. Young's Literal Translation These have been cities of meeting for all the sons of Israel, and for a sojourner who is sojourning in their midst, for the fleeing thither of any one smiting life inadvertently, and he doth not die by the hand of the redeemer of blood till his standing before the company. Smith's Literal Translation These were cities of appointment for all the sons of Israel, and for the stranger sojourning in the midst of them, to flee there, every one smiting a soul in mistake: and he shall not die by the hand of the nearest relation of blood till his standing before the assembly. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThese cities were appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the strangers, that dwelt among them: that whosoever had killed a person unawares might flee to them, and not die by the hand of the kinsman, coveting to revenge the blood that was shed, until he should stand before the people to lay open his cause. Catholic Public Domain Version These cities were established for all the sons of Israel, and for the new arrivals who were living among them, so that whoever had struck down a life unintentionally might flee to these, and not die at the hand of a close relative who desires to vindicate the blood that was shed, until he should stand before the people, in order to present his case. New American Bible These are the designated cities to which any Israelite or alien residing among them who had killed a person unintentionally might flee to escape death at the hand of the avenger of blood, until the killer could appear before the community. New Revised Standard Version These were the cities designated for all the Israelites, and for the aliens residing among them, that anyone who killed a person without intent could flee there, so as not to die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until there was a trial before the congregation. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThese were the cities set apart for all the children of Israel and for the strangers that sojourned among them, that any one who killed a person unawares might flee there, and not be delivered into the hand of the avenger of blood, until he had stood before the congregation. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated These are the cities of salvation and of the place of refuge for all the children of Israel and for the settlers who dwell among them that will be escaping there, everyone who kills a life suddenly, that he would not be delivered into the hand of him who seeks vengeance of blood, until he shall stand before the assembly in judgment OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917These were the appointed cities for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person through error might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation. Brenton Septuagint Translation These were the cities selected for the sons of Israel, and for the stranger abiding among them, that every one who smites a soul unintentionally should flee thither, that he should not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he should stand before the congregation for judgement. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Six Cities of Refuge…8And beyond the Jordan, east of Jericho, they designated Bezer on the wilderness plateau from the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh. 9These are the cities appointed for all the Israelites and foreigners among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood prior to standing trial before the assembly. Cross References These are the cities appointed for all the Israelites and foreigners among them, Numbers 35:15 These six cities will serve as a refuge for the Israelites and for the foreigner or stranger among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there. Leviticus 24:22 You are to have the same standard of law for the foreign resident and the native; for I am the LORD your God.’” Exodus 12:49 The same law shall apply to both the native and the foreigner who resides among you.” so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there 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. Numbers 35:11 designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. 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. and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood Numbers 35:19 The avenger of blood is to put the murderer to death; when he finds him, he is to kill him. Deuteronomy 19:12 the elders of his city must send for him, bring him back, and hand him over to the avenger of blood to die. Numbers 35:27 and the avenger of blood finds him outside of his city of refuge and kills him, then the avenger will not be guilty of bloodshed, prior to standing trial before the assembly. 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. Numbers 35:24-25 then the congregation must judge between the slayer and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances. / 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 19:17-18 both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time. / The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is proven to be a liar who has falsely accused his brother, Numbers 35:9-34 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. Treasury of Scripture These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojournes among them, that whoever kills any person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation. the cities Numbers 35:15 These six cities shall be a refuge, both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither. until he stood Joshua 20:4,6 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… Jump to Previous Appointed Avenger Blood Children Cities Congregation Die Hand Israel Kill Killeth Kills Sojourneth Sojourning Sojourns Stands Stood Stranger Thither Unawares UnintentionallyJump to Next Appointed Avenger Blood Children Cities Congregation Die Hand Israel Kill Killeth Kills Sojourneth Sojourning Sojourns Stands Stood Stranger Thither Unawares UnintentionallyJoshua 20 1. God commands7. and the children of Israel appoint the six cities of refuge These are the cities appointed for all the Israelites and foreigners among them The cities of refuge were designated by God through Moses and later established by Joshua. They served as a sanctuary for those who committed manslaughter unintentionally. This provision was not only for the Israelites but also extended to foreigners residing among them, reflecting God's justice and mercy. The inclusion of foreigners highlights the universality of God's law and His concern for justice for all people, not just His chosen nation. This inclusivity foreshadows the New Testament message of salvation being available to all nations through Christ. so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood prior to standing trial before the assembly Persons / Places / Events 1. Cities of RefugeThese were specific cities designated by God through Moses and Joshua as safe havens for those who committed manslaughter unintentionally. They provided protection from the "avenger of blood" until a fair trial could be conducted. 2. Israelites The chosen people of God, who were given the law and the land of Canaan. The cities of refuge were part of the legal system established for them. 3. Foreigners Non-Israelites residing among the Israelites. The inclusion of foreigners in the provision of refuge highlights God's justice and mercy extended to all people. 4. Avenger of Blood A family member of the deceased who had the cultural and legal right to avenge the death. The cities of refuge provided a means to prevent blood feuds and ensure justice. 5. Assembly The governing body or community leaders who would conduct the trial to determine the guilt or innocence of the person seeking refuge. Teaching Points God's Justice and MercyThe cities of refuge illustrate God's balance of justice and mercy, providing protection while ensuring accountability. Inclusivity in God's Law The inclusion of foreigners in the provision of refuge demonstrates God's care for all people, not just the Israelites. The Importance of Due Process The requirement for a trial before the assembly underscores the importance of due process and fair judgment in God's legal system. Spiritual Refuge in Christ Just as the cities of refuge provided safety, Christ is our spiritual refuge, offering protection and salvation from sin. Community Responsibility The role of the assembly in determining the outcome highlights the responsibility of the community in upholding justice and mercy. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joshua 20:9?2. How does Joshua 20:9 illustrate God's provision for justice and mercy? 3. What role do cities of refuge play in promoting community safety and fairness? 4. How can we apply the concept of refuge in our modern justice system? 5. How does Joshua 20:9 connect with God's laws in Exodus and Numbers? 6. How can believers today offer refuge and support to those seeking justice? 7. What is the significance of cities of refuge in Joshua 20:9 for justice and mercy? 8. How does Joshua 20:9 reflect God's provision for accidental killers? 9. Why were both Israelites and foreigners included in the protection of Joshua 20:9? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 20? 11. Who is the Avenger of Blood in the Bible? 12. How plausible is it that the avenger of blood system (Numbers 35:19) was enforced fairly in the context of ancient Near Eastern tribal justice? 13. How does the system of protection for manslaughter in Joshua 20:1-6 align or conflict with other Mosaic laws on homicide and justice? 14. Why is there no conclusive archaeological evidence for the six cities of refuge (Numbers 35:9-15) if they were central to Israelite legal practice? What Does Joshua 20:9 Mean These are the cities appointedGod Himself selected six “cities of refuge” (Joshua 20:1–2; Numbers 35:9–15). Their appointment was: • Specific—Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron, Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan (Joshua 20:7–8). • Permanent—“appointed” means fixed by divine authority, not subject to human alteration. • Purposeful—each city sat within easy reach, with clear roads kept open year-round (Deuteronomy 19:3). The Lord’s careful planning highlights His unwavering commitment to righteous justice and compassionate protection. for all the Israelites and foreigners among them Refuge was not limited to native sons. Exodus 12:49 and Leviticus 24:22 affirm “the same law shall apply to the native and to the foreigner.” By including sojourners, God revealed: • His impartial character (Acts 10:34). • Israel’s call to model His fairness to the nations (Deuteronomy 10:18–19). • A foreshadowing of the gospel’s reach beyond ethnic boundaries (Ephesians 2:13–19). No one living under Israel’s covenant community was excluded from this provision. so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally The statute distinguished between accidental manslaughter and premeditated murder (Exodus 21:12–14; Numbers 35:22–24). Unintentional killing might occur through: • Workplace mishaps (Deuteronomy 19:5). • Sudden accidents in daily life. Key truth: God values life so highly that even unintentional loss requires immediate and structured response, yet He also recognizes differing motives. may flee there Fleeing was not cowardice but obedience. It provided: • Immediate safety from emotional retaliation. • An opportunity to present the facts calmly. Roads to these cities were straight, well-marked, and regularly maintained (Deuteronomy 19:3), underscoring God’s urgency that refuge be reachable quickly. and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood The “avenger of blood” (goel) was the nearest male relative responsible for retributive justice (Numbers 35:19). The refuge system: • Curbed vigilante vengeance, channeling it under divine oversight. • Balanced the victim’s family’s right to justice with the suspect’s right to safety. Romans 12:19 later echoes this principle—God reserves ultimate vengeance for Himself. prior to standing trial before the assembly Protection in the city was temporary until a formal hearing before the elders (Numbers 35:12, 24–25). The assembly determined intent and, if innocence was confirmed, required the man to remain in the city until the high priest’s death. This shows: • Due process rooted in eyewitness testimony (Deuteronomy 17:6). • Community responsibility for fair judgment. • A picture of Christ, our High Priest, whose death secures eternal refuge (Hebrews 6:18; 7:26–27). summary Joshua 20:9 presents a God-designed system that marries justice with mercy. The appointed cities demonstrate His sovereignty, their accessibility reveals His compassion, and the required trial upholds His standard of truth. By extending protection to both Israelite and foreigner, the verse anticipates the universal refuge found in Jesus Christ, in whom sinners may flee and be safe from judgment while awaiting their righteous verdict paid in full at the cross. Verse 9. - Appointed. Or, of refuge or resort. Our version has followed the LXX. and Vulgate here. Greek, unawares; Hebrew, in error or inadvertently, as above. Matthew Henry's note on the cities of refuge is worthy of remark. He says, "I delight not in quibbling on names, yet am willing to take notice of these." Thus Kedesh, he reminds us, is holy. Shechem, a shoulder, reminding us of Him upon whose shoulder the government was to be. Hebron is fellowship, recalling the fellowship we have in Christ. Bezer is a fortification, reminding us of God our stronghold (later criticism, however, gives another derivation to this unusual word, which in Job 22:24, 25, means the ore of a precious metal), Ramoth is height or exaltation, and to such exaltation we are called in Jesus Christ. Lastly, Golan is exultation, so says Matthew Henry, deriving it from גִיל or גוּל. But Gesenius derives it with equal probability from גלה "to make bare," hence to lead into captivity.
Hebrew Theseאֵ֣לֶּה (’êl·leh) Pronoun - common plural Strong's 428: These, those are הָיוּ֩ (hā·yū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be the cities עָרֵ֨י (‘ā·rê) Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 5892: Excitement appointed הַמּֽוּעָדָ֜ה (ham·mū·‘ā·ḏāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4152: An appointed place, asylum for all לְכֹ֣ל ׀ (lə·ḵōl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the Israelites בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son and foreigners וְלַגֵּר֙ (wə·lag·gêr) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1616: A guest, a foreigner among them, בְּתוֹכָ֔ם (bə·ṯō·w·ḵām) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre so that anyone כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every who kills מַכֵּה־ (mak·kêh-) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular construct Strong's 5221: To strike a person נֶ֖פֶשׁ (ne·p̄eš) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion unintentionally בִּשְׁגָגָ֑ה (biš·ḡā·ḡāh) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 7684: A mistake, inadvertent transgression may flee לָנ֣וּס (lā·nūs) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 5127: To flit, vanish away there שָׁ֔מָּה (šām·māh) Adverb | third person feminine singular Strong's 8033: There, then, thither and not וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no die יָמ֗וּת (yā·mūṯ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4191: To die, to kill by the hand בְּיַד֙ (bə·yaḏ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 3027: A hand of the avenger גֹּאֵ֣ל (gō·’êl) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct Strong's 1350: To redeem, act as kinsman of blood הַדָּ֔ם (had·dām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed prior עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while to standing [trial] עָמְד֖וֹ (‘ā·mə·ḏōw) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations before לִפְנֵ֥י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face the assembly. הָעֵדָֽה׃ (hā·‘ê·ḏāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5712: A stated assemblage Links Joshua 20:9 NIVJoshua 20:9 NLT Joshua 20:9 ESV Joshua 20:9 NASB Joshua 20:9 KJV Joshua 20:9 BibleApps.com Joshua 20:9 Biblia Paralela Joshua 20:9 Chinese Bible Joshua 20:9 French Bible Joshua 20:9 Catholic Bible OT History: Joshua 20:9 These were the appointed cities for all (Josh. Jos) |
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