Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee.
Don't feel sorry for him, but you must remove the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, so that things will go well for you.
This verse is saying that justice must be carried out without mercy when someone has committed murder, in order to protect the community from God's judgment.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses is delivering God's laws to the Israelites as they prepare to settle in the Promised Land, including regulations for maintaining justice and order in their society. This verse specifically addresses the rules for cities of refuge, which were designated safe havens for those who accidentally caused someone's death, but it stresses that intentional murderers must face consequences without mercy to prevent the defilement of the land by innocent blood. These instructions reflect the ancient Israelite emphasis on communal purity and the seriousness of blood guilt under God's covenant.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.