Deuteronomy 19:4 · KJV
"And this is the case of the slayer, which shall flee thither, that he may live: Whoso killeth his neighbour ignorantly, whom he hated not in time past;"
King James Version
What does Deuteronomy 19:4 mean? →Passage Context
2Thou shalt separate three cities for thee in the midst of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.
3Thou shalt prepare thee a way, and divide the coasts of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to inherit, into three parts, that every slayer may flee thither.
4And this is the case of the slayer, which shall flee thither, that he may live: Whoso killeth his neighbour ignorantly, whom he hated not in time past;
5As when a man goeth into the wood with his neighbour to hew wood, and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the axe to cut down the tree, and the head slippeth from the helve, and lighteth upon his neighbour, that he die; he shall flee unto one of those cities, and live:
6Lest the avenger of the blood pursue the slayer, while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and slay him; whereas he was not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past.
Reflection Questions
1
How do you define unintentional harm in your life?
2
What does forgiveness look like for you in situations of accidental wrongdoing?
3
When have you felt the need for mercy in your own mistakes?
Life Application
forgiveness
Consider how you can extend grace to those who make mistakes unintentionally.
justice
Reflect on how justice can be balanced with mercy in your interactions.
Related Devotions
Related Prayers
Daily Bible in Your Inbox
Get a daily verse, devotional, and prayer delivered every morning.