These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation.

JOSHUA 20:9KJV
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Joshua 20:9 (KJV)

What does Joshua 20:9 mean?

Joshua 20:9 describes how certain cities were set apart as safe places for anyone in Israel—including foreigners living among them—who accidentally killed someone, so they could escape there and not be killed by a family avenger before having a fair hearing. This verse explains the purpose of these cities as a protection for those who caused a death unintentionally.

In the context of Joshua, God had instructed the Israelites to establish these "cities of refuge" after they entered the land. Joshua, as the leader, is making sure everyone—Israelite and non-Israelite alike—knows where they can go if they need this protection. The verse highlights both justice and mercy, making sure that even outsiders had the same right to safety and a proper trial.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 20:9

  • "Stranger" (גֵּר, ger): This word means a foreigner or non-Israelite living among the people. Its use here shows that the law of refuge was meant for everyone in the land, not just native Israelites.
  • "Sojourneth" (גּוּר, gur): This word refers to someone living temporarily or residing as a guest. It reinforces that even those without permanent status in Israel were protected.
  • "Avenger" (גָּאַל, go'el): This is the word for a family protector or redeemer, often responsible for avenging wrongful deaths. The verse makes clear that the avenger could not act until a fair hearing was held.
  • "Unawares" (שְׁגָגָה, shegagah): This word means by accident or unintentionally. The cities of refuge were only for those who killed someone without intent, not for murderers.

Why Joshua 20:9 matters

  • Joshua 20:9 clarifies that God's justice system in Israel was not only for Israelites but also for foreigners and temporary residents, showing an early example of equal protection under the law.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of due process, making sure that even in cases of death, people were not punished before their case was properly heard by the community.
  • This verse connects to the broader biblical theme of balancing justice and mercy, and it shows how the community was responsible for both protecting the innocent and upholding justice.

Where else these words appear

“unawares” Hebrew H7684 · used in 18 verses

  • Leviticus 4:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them:
  • Leviticus 22:14 And if a man eat of the holy thing unwittingly, then he shall put the fifth part thereof unto it, and shall give it unto the priest with the holy thing.
  • Numbers 15:29 Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them.

“stranger” Hebrew H1616 · used in 83 verses

  • Genesis 15:13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
  • Leviticus 25:35 And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.
  • Deuteronomy 26:13 Then thou shalt say before the LORD thy God, I have brought away the hallowed things out of mine house, and also have given them unto the Levite, and unto the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy commandments which thou hast commanded me: I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them:

“avenger” Hebrew H1350 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 48:16 The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.
  • Joshua 20:3 That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.
  • Isaiah 41:14 Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

“sojourneth” Hebrew H1481 · used in 94 verses

  • Genesis 12:10 And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.
  • Numbers 22:3 And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.
  • Psalms 61:4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.