Old Testament
Joshua 20:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
If the avenger of blood pursues him, they must not hand over the slayer, because he killed his neighbor unintentionally and did not hate him beforehand.
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And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime.
What Joshua 20:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the law provides protection for someone who accidentally causes the death of another person. If a person kills someone unintentionally, they cannot be handed over to the avenger of blood, who is typically a family member seeking revenge. This law recognizes the difference between intentional murder and accidental killing, emphasizing that the slayer did not harbor hatred or intent to harm the victim. The cities of refuge were established to offer safety for those who committed unintentional manslaughter, allowing them to escape the vengeance of the victim's family until a fair trial could be conducted. This reflects a principle of justice that values mercy and the importance of intent in determining guilt. It highlights the need for a fair legal process and the protection of individuals from wrongful punishment based on circumstances beyond their control.
How to apply Joshua 20:5 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of understanding intent in our actions. In our daily lives, we should strive to be compassionate and fair, recognizing that mistakes can happen. It encourages us to seek justice while also showing mercy to those who may have acted without malice.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 20:5 mean?
Joshua 20:5 explains that if someone kills another person accidentally, they should not be handed over to the avenger of blood. This law distinguishes between intentional murder and unintentional killing, emphasizing the importance of intent in determining guilt.
What is the significance of cities of refuge in Joshua 20:5?
The cities of refuge mentioned in Joshua 20:5 were established to protect individuals who committed unintentional manslaughter. They provided a safe haven from the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be held, highlighting the need for justice and mercy.
What does 'avenger of blood' mean in Joshua 20:5?
The 'avenger of blood' refers to a family member of a murder victim who seeks revenge for the death. In the context of Joshua 20:5, the verse protects someone who accidentally killed another from being delivered to this avenger.
How does Joshua 20:5 relate to justice and mercy?
Joshua 20:5 illustrates the balance between justice and mercy by recognizing that not all killings are the same. It emphasizes that accidental harm should be treated differently than intentional murder, allowing for compassion in the legal process.
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