Deuteronomy 19:6 Meaning and Explanation
“Lest the avenger of the blood pursue the slayer, while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and slay him; whereas he was not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The refuge exists to prevent the bereaved from executing the innocent person before trial.
The Context of Deuteronomy 19:6
The refuge prevents blood vengeance against the innocent.
What Does Deuteronomy 19:6 Mean?
This verse explains the problem the refuge solves: raw grief and anger ('heart is hot') driving immediate vengeance. The avenger—often the victim's nearest kinsman—naturally pursues the killer. Without cities of refuge, the 'long way' to a judicial center might mean the avenger catches and kills the innocent man before any judgment occurs.
The law protects against passionate injustice. Even though the bereaved has legitimate grief, executing an innocent person—even accidentally—would itself be murder, and the law prioritizes protecting the unintentional killer from this risk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 19:6
What does Deuteronomy 19:6 mean?
The refuge exists to prevent the bereaved from executing the innocent person before trial.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 19:6?
The refuge prevents blood vengeance against the innocent.