Old Testament
Deuteronomy 21:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They must declare, "We did not shed this blood, and we did not witness this killing.
Compare translations
And they shall answer and say, Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it.
What Deuteronomy 21:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, the community is called to respond when a murder occurs in their territory, and they are not involved. They must publicly declare their innocence, emphasizing that they did not take part in the violence or witness the crime. This declaration serves as a way to maintain their integrity and responsibility as a community. It highlights the importance of accountability and the need to uphold justice. By stating their lack of involvement, they protect their reputation and ensure that the innocent are not wrongly accused. This practice reinforces the idea that the community must work together to uphold moral standards and support one another in times of crisis. It also reminds us that our actions and words matter, and we should strive to be honest and transparent in our dealings with others. Ultimately, this passage encourages a collective responsibility to seek justice and truth, fostering a sense of unity and care within the community, which is essential for a healthy society.
How to apply Deuteronomy 21:7 to your life
When faced with wrongdoing, it's important to speak up and clarify your position. This passage encourages us to take responsibility for our actions and to support one another in maintaining integrity. By being honest and transparent, we can help create a just and caring community. Remember, your voice matters in upholding truth and justice in your surroundings.
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 21:7
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 21:7
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 21:7 mean?
Deuteronomy 21:7 addresses the community's response to a murder that occurs in their area. It emphasizes that they must publicly declare their innocence, stating they did not participate in or witness the crime, which reinforces their accountability and integrity as a community.
What is the significance of declaring innocence in Deuteronomy 21:7?
Declaring innocence in Deuteronomy 21:7 serves to protect the community's reputation and ensures that the innocent are not wrongly accused. This practice highlights the importance of collective responsibility in upholding justice and moral standards.
How does Deuteronomy 21:7 relate to community responsibility?
Deuteronomy 21:7 illustrates community responsibility by requiring members to collectively affirm their innocence in the face of wrongdoing. It emphasizes that communities must work together to uphold justice and support one another during crises.
What themes are present in Deuteronomy 21:7?
The themes present in Deuteronomy 21:7 include innocence, community responsibility, justice, and accountability. These themes highlight the importance of honesty and collective action in maintaining a just society.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.