Deuteronomy 19:5 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 19:5 mean?

Deuteronomy 19:5 describes a situation where a man accidentally kills his neighbor while chopping wood, explaining that if the axe head slips off and strikes the neighbor so that he dies, the man may flee to a designated city and live. This verse sets out an example of unintentional killing, showing that the person is not to be treated as a murderer.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites, giving them laws about justice and mercy as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The verse uses a practical example—an accident in the woods—to explain why cities of refuge are needed: to protect people who cause death by accident, not out of hatred or intent. This helps the community distinguish between murder and manslaughter.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 19:5

• "Neighbour" (רֵעַ, rêaʿ): This word means a fellow member of the community, not just someone living next door. It emphasizes that the law applies to anyone within the Israelite society, not just close friends.
• "Slippeth" (נָשַׁל, nashal): This verb means to slip off or fall away. The detail that the axe head "slips" highlights the accidental nature of the event, showing there was no intent to harm.
• "Flee" (נוּס, nus): This word means to run away or escape. The instruction to "flee" to a city of refuge underlines that the person needs immediate protection from revenge, even though the act was unintentional.

Why Deuteronomy 19:5 matters

• Deuteronomy 19:5 clarifies that not all killings are treated the same; it gives a concrete example to help the Israelites understand the difference between accidental death and murder.
• The verse shows the importance of justice balanced with mercy, making sure that someone who did not mean to kill is not punished as a murderer.
• This verse connects to the broader passage about cities of refuge, helping the reader see why these cities were established and how they functioned to prevent cycles of personal vengeance.