But if any man hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth into one of these cities:

DEUTERONOMY 19:11KJV
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Deuteronomy 19:11 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 19:11 mean?

Deuteronomy 19:11 describes a situation where someone deliberately hates another person, lies in wait to attack, kills that person, and then tries to escape by fleeing to one of the designated cities of refuge. This verse sets up a case of intentional murder, not accidental killing.

In this part of Deuteronomy, Moses is speaking to the Israelites about laws for their community as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The verse explains that the cities of refuge, which were meant to protect people who killed accidentally, are not meant for those who commit murder on purpose. This distinction is important for justice and fairness in the community.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 19:11

  • The word for "hate" (שָׂנֵא, śānēʾ) means an active, ongoing hostility, not just a passing dislike. This shows the act is premeditated.
  • "Neighbour" (רֵעַ, rēaʿ) refers to a fellow member of the community, emphasizing that this law is about relationships within Israel.
  • "Lie in wait" (אָרַב, ʾārav) describes planning and waiting for the right moment to attack, highlighting the deliberate nature of the crime.
  • "Smite him mortally" uses נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh), which often means "life" or "soul," showing that the attack is meant to be fatal, not just to injure.

Why Deuteronomy 19:11 matters

  • This verse clears up that the cities of refuge were not a loophole for murderers to escape justice; they were only for those who killed unintentionally.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of intent and motive in Israelite law, making a clear distinction between accidental and deliberate actions.
  • Deuteronomy 19:11 connects to the larger passage about justice and fairness, showing that the community must carefully judge each case to protect both the innocent and the victims.

Where else these words appear

“these” Hebrew H411 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 19:8 Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.
  • Genesis 26:3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;
  • Deuteronomy 4:42 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:

“wait” Hebrew H693 · used in 40 verses

  • Joshua 8:2 And thou shalt do to Ai and her king as thou didst unto Jericho and her king: only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall ye take for a prey unto yourselves: lay thee an ambush for the city behind it.
  • Judges 16:12 Delilah therefore took new ropes, and bound him therewith, and said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And there were liers in wait abiding in the chamber. And he brake them from off his arms like a thread.
  • Psalms 10:9 He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net.

“hate” Hebrew H8130 · used in 139 verses

  • Genesis 24:60 And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.
  • Esther 9:5 Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them.
  • Proverbs 1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

“fleeth” Hebrew H5127 · used in 143 verses

  • Genesis 14:10 And the vale of Siddim was full of slimepits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and they that remained fled to the mountain.
  • Judges 9:21 And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother.
  • 1 Chronicles 19:14 So Joab and the people that were with him drew nigh before the Syrians unto the battle; and they fled before him.