Deuteronomy 19:4

New Living Translation

“If someone kills another person unintentionally, without previous hostility, the slayer may flee to any of these cities to live in safety.

Cross References

Genesis 31:2

And Jacob began to notice a change in Laban’s attitude toward him.

2 Samuel 14:11

Then she said, “Please swear to me by the Lord your God that you won’t let anyone take vengeance against my son. I want no more bloodshed.” “As surely as the Lord lives,” he replied, “not a hair on your son’s head will be disturbed!”

1 Chronicles 11:2

In the past, even when Saul was king, you were the one who really led the forces of Israel. And the Lord your God told you, ‘You will be the shepherd of my people Israel. You will be the leader of my people Israel.’”

Isaiah 30:33

Topheth—the place of burning— has long been ready for the Assyrian king; the pyre is piled high with wood. The breath of the Lord, like fire from a volcano, will set it ablaze.

Numbers 35:12

These cities will be places of protection from a dead person’s relatives who want to avenge the death. The slayer must not be put to death before being tried by the community.

Numbers 35:9

The Lord said to Moses,

Deuteronomy 19:3

Survey the territory, and divide the land the Lord your God is giving you into three districts, with one of these cities in each district. Then anyone who has killed someone can flee to one of the cities of refuge for safety.

Deuteronomy 19:5

For example, suppose someone goes into the forest with a neighbor to cut wood. And suppose one of them swings an ax to chop down a tree, and the ax head flies off the handle, killing the other person. In such cases, the slayer may flee to one of the cities of refuge to live in safety.

Deuteronomy 19:6

“If the distance to the nearest city of refuge is too far, an enraged avenger might be able to chase down and kill the person who caused the death. Then the slayer would die unfairly, since he had never shown hostility toward the person who died.

Deuteronomy 4:42

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

Joshua 3:4

Since you have never traveled this way before, they will guide you. Stay about half a mile behind them, keeping a clear distance between you and the Ark. Make sure you don’t come any closer.”