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:

DEUTERONOMY 4:42KJV
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Deuteronomy 4:42 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 4:42 mean?

Deuteronomy 4:42 explains that someone who accidentally kills another person—without previous hatred or intent—can escape to a designated city and be protected, so that their life is spared. This verse sets up a way for people who commit unintentional manslaughter to find safety rather than face immediate revenge.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. He describes the purpose of certain cities, known as "cities of refuge," where someone who kills a neighbor by accident (not out of hatred or premeditation) can flee for protection. This law helps prevent cycles of personal vengeance and gives time for a fair investigation.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 4:42

  • The word for "slayer" is רֹצֵחַ (rotseach), which refers specifically to someone who kills another person, often used for manslaughter rather than murder. This distinction is important because it separates accidental killing from intentional homicide.
  • "Flee" is נוּס (nus), meaning to escape or run away. The use of this word emphasizes urgency and the need for immediate action to avoid retaliation.
  • "Unawares" comes from two words: בִּבְלִי־דַעַת (bivli-da‘at), meaning "without knowledge" or "unintentionally." This clarifies that the act was not planned or done out of malice.
  • "Hated" is שָׂנֵא (sane), meaning to hate or bear a grudge. The verse stresses that the person fleeing had no previous hatred, highlighting the accidental nature of the killing.

Why Deuteronomy 4:42 matters

  • This verse clarifies that ancient Israelite law made a clear distinction between accidental and intentional killing, showing a concern for justice and fairness.
  • Deuteronomy 4:42 introduces the concept of cities of refuge, which plays a significant role in Israel's legal system and is discussed further in later chapters.
  • The verse demonstrates an early legal protection against blood vengeance, ensuring that people had a chance for a fair hearing rather than being subject to immediate retribution.

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 7:22 And the LORD thy God will put out those nations before thee by little and little: thou mayest not consume them at once, lest the beasts of the field increase upon thee.

“unawares” Hebrew H1097 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 31:20 And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled.
  • Job 8:11 Can the rush grow up without mire? can the flag grow without water?
  • Job 41:33 Upon earth there is not his like, who is made without fear.

“times” Hebrew H8543 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 31:2 And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.
  • Exodus 21:36 Or if it be known that the ox hath used to push in time past, and his owner hath not kept him in; he shall surely pay ox for ox; and the dead shall be his own.
  • 1 Samuel 20:27 And it came to pass on the morrow, which was the second day of the month, that David's place was empty: and Saul said unto Jonathan his son, Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor to day?

“live” Hebrew H2425 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:
  • Leviticus 18:5 Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD.
  • Nehemiah 6:11 And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.