Old Testament
Joshua 20:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He must stay in that city until he stands before the community for judgment and until the high priest of that time dies. Then the slayer can return to his own city and house, the place he fled from.
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And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled.
What Joshua 20:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the law regarding cities of refuge is explained. If someone accidentally kills another person, they can flee to a designated city of refuge to avoid revenge from the victim's family. They must remain in that city until they have a chance to stand before the community for a fair trial. Additionally, they must stay there until the high priest of that time dies. Once these conditions are met, the person can safely return to their original home. This system was designed to provide protection and ensure justice, preventing blood feuds and allowing for a legal process to take place.
How to apply Joshua 20:6 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of justice and mercy in our communities. It reminds us to create safe spaces for those in need and to ensure fair treatment for all. We should also reflect on how we handle conflicts and seek peaceful resolutions.
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 20:6 mean?
Joshua 20:6 explains the law for those who accidentally kill someone. They must stay in a city of refuge until they can face a fair trial and until the high priest dies, allowing them to return home safely.
What is the significance of the high priest's death in Joshua 20:6?
The high priest's death signifies the end of the period of protection for the accidental killer. Once the high priest dies, the individual is free to return to their original home without fear of retribution.
How does Joshua 20:6 relate to justice and mercy?
Joshua 20:6 highlights the balance between justice and mercy by providing a safe haven for those who unintentionally harm others. It ensures that they are treated fairly while also protecting the rights of the victim's family.
What are cities of refuge mentioned in Joshua 20:6?
Cities of refuge were designated places where individuals who accidentally killed someone could flee to avoid revenge. These cities provided a legal process for determining guilt and ensuring safety.
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