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 19:11KJVWhat 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.