Old Testament
Deuteronomy 21:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
your elders and judges must go out and measure the distance from the body to the nearest towns.
Compare translations
Then thy elders and thy judges shall come forth, and they shall measure unto the cities which are round about him that is slain:
What Deuteronomy 21:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, the community is instructed to take responsibility when a murder occurs. The elders and judges are to measure the distance from the victim's body to the nearest towns. This act serves to determine which town is closest and thus responsible for addressing the crime. It emphasizes the importance of community involvement in justice. By measuring the distance, they ensure that the right town is held accountable for the situation. This process reflects a commitment to fairness and order in society. It also highlights the need for careful consideration and action when dealing with serious matters. The community must come together to uphold justice and support one another in times of crisis. This passage reminds us that our actions have consequences and that we must work together to maintain peace and safety in our neighborhoods. It’s a call to be vigilant and proactive in protecting one another from harm and ensuring that justice is served appropriately and fairly.
How to apply Deuteronomy 21:2 to your life
In our lives, we can apply this principle by being active participants in our communities. When we see injustice or wrongdoing, we should take steps to address it. This might mean reporting issues, supporting victims, or working with local leaders to find solutions. Together, we can create a safer environment for everyone. Let's not turn a blind eye to problems around us, but instead, engage in positive action to foster justice.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Deuteronomy 21:2
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Deuteronomy 21:2
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Deuteronomy
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Deuteronomy 21:2 teach about community justice?
Deuteronomy 21:2 emphasizes the role of the community in addressing serious crimes like murder. It instructs elders and judges to measure the distance from the victim's body to the nearest towns, highlighting the importance of accountability and collective responsibility in ensuring justice. This process ensures that the closest community is involved in addressing the crime, reinforcing the idea that justice is a communal effort.
Why do elders and judges measure distance in this verse?
The measurement of distance in Deuteronomy 21:2 serves a practical purpose: it determines which town is closest to the crime scene and thus responsible for addressing the murder. This act symbolizes the community's involvement in justice and ensures that the appropriate authorities are engaged in the process of accountability and resolution.
How can we apply the lessons from Deuteronomy 21:2 today?
We can apply the lessons from Deuteronomy 21:2 by actively participating in our communities and addressing injustices we witness. This could involve reporting crimes, supporting victims, or collaborating with local leaders to create solutions. By engaging in our neighborhoods, we foster a culture of accountability and safety, ensuring that we collectively work towards justice and peace.
What is the significance of community involvement in justice according to this verse?
The significance of community involvement in justice, as highlighted in Deuteronomy 21:2, lies in the shared responsibility of maintaining order and fairness. It underscores that justice is not solely the duty of authorities but requires the active participation of community members. This collective approach helps to build trust, promote safety, and ensure that all voices are heard in the pursuit of justice.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.