Joshua 20:3 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

So that anyone who accidentally kills someone without meaning to can run there for safety. These cities will protect you from anyone seeking revenge for the death.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

God is providing safe places where people who accidentally kill someone can be protected from those who want to take revenge.

📚 Historical Context

In ancient Israel, family members had the legal right and duty to avenge a relative's death by killing the person responsible. However, God established six cities of refuge where someone who killed accidentally could flee for protection until their case could be properly judged. This system balanced justice with mercy, protecting innocent people from vengeful relatives while still holding people accountable for their actions.

Explore Similar Verses

Numbers 35:22

But if he pushed him suddenly without hatred, or threw something at him without planning it ahead of time,

Numbers 35:27

And if the avenger of blood finds him outside the boundaries of his city of refuge, and the avenger kills the one who committed manslaughter, he will not be guilty of murder.

Deuteronomy 4:42

So that anyone who accidentally killed their neighbor could run there for safety—someone who killed without meaning to and had no previous hatred toward the person. By fleeing to one of these cities, they could save their life.

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📚 Historical Context

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