KJV ORIGINAL
But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
But if someone deliberately plans to kill their neighbor through deception, you must take that person away from my altar so they can be put to death.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
God is saying that premeditated murder cannot be escaped by seeking sanctuary at His altar - such deliberate evil must face justice.
📚 Historical Context
This verse comes from the civil laws God gave Moses for governing Israel. In ancient times, people could flee to altars or cities of refuge for protection from revenge killings, but this law makes clear that premeditated murder forfeits that right to sanctuary. The altar mentioned refers to the sacrificial altar where people might grab the horns seeking divine protection.
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