Exodus 21:13 - but not if it is unintentional, but God allows it to happen: then I will appoint you a place where he shall flee.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Exodus 21:13" mean?
Exodus 21:13 addresses the situation of manslaughter, specifically when someone kills another person unintentionally. Let's break down the verse and its meaning:
"but not if it is unintentional": This clearly states the verse is concerned with accidental killings, not murder.
"but God allows it to happen": This acknowledges the role of a higher power in the event. It suggests that even accidental events are within God's overall plan or at least permitted by God.
"then I will appoint you a place where he shall flee": This is the key part. It prescribes a consequence and a solution. "I" likely refers to God, speaking through Moses. "A place where he shall flee" refers to a city of refuge.
In essence, the verse is establishing that if someone unintentionally kills another person, they are not to be punished as a murderer. However, they are not entirely blameless either. God will provide a city of refuge where the unintentional killer can flee to escape the vengeance of the victim's family (the "blood avenger").
Here's a more detailed explanation of the context:
Cities of Refuge: These were designated cities established to provide sanctuary for those who had committed accidental manslaughter. The unintentional killer could flee to this city, where they would be safe from the immediate anger of the victim's relatives.
The Blood Avenger: In ancient Israelite society, the closest male relative of the deceased had the right (and sometimes the duty) to avenge the death. The cities of refuge were meant to prevent this blood vengeance from being carried out on someone who wasn't truly guilty of murder.
The Purpose: The cities of refuge served several purposes:
Protection: They protected the unintentional killer from immediate revenge.
Justice: They allowed for a more measured investigation and judgment of the case.
Reconciliation: They provided a space for emotions to cool down and for the community to consider the situation fairly.
Divine Provision: The establishment of these cities highlights God's concern for justice and his provision for those who acted without malice.
In summary, Exodus 21:13 outlines a legal provision for unintentional killing, establishing a system of cities of refuge to protect the accused from vengeful pursuit, ensuring a more just and measured response to such incidents.
Exodus 21:13 - but not if it is unintentional, but God allows it to happen: then I will appoint you a place where he shall flee.
What does "Exodus 21:13" mean?
Exodus 21:13 addresses the situation of manslaughter, specifically when someone kills another person unintentionally. Let's break down the verse and its meaning:
"but not if it is unintentional": This clearly states the verse is concerned with accidental killings, not murder.
"but God allows it to happen": This acknowledges the role of a higher power in the event. It suggests that even accidental events are within God's overall plan or at least permitted by God.
"then I will appoint you a place where he shall flee": This is the key part. It prescribes a consequence and a solution. "I" likely refers to God, speaking through Moses. "A place where he shall flee" refers to a city of refuge.
In essence, the verse is establishing that if someone unintentionally kills another person, they are not to be punished as a murderer. However, they are not entirely blameless either. God will provide a city of refuge where the unintentional killer can flee to escape the vengeance of the victim's family (the "blood avenger").
Here's a more detailed explanation of the context:
Cities of Refuge: These were designated cities established to provide sanctuary for those who had committed accidental manslaughter. The unintentional killer could flee to this city, where they would be safe from the immediate anger of the victim's relatives.
The Blood Avenger: In ancient Israelite society, the closest male relative of the deceased had the right (and sometimes the duty) to avenge the death. The cities of refuge were meant to prevent this blood vengeance from being carried out on someone who wasn't truly guilty of murder.
The Purpose: The cities of refuge served several purposes:
Protection: They protected the unintentional killer from immediate revenge.
Justice: They allowed for a more measured investigation and judgment of the case.
Reconciliation: They provided a space for emotions to cool down and for the community to consider the situation fairly.
Divine Provision: The establishment of these cities highlights God's concern for justice and his provision for those who acted without malice.
In summary, Exodus 21:13 outlines a legal provision for unintentional killing, establishing a system of cities of refuge to protect the accused from vengeful pursuit, ensuring a more just and measured response to such incidents.