Deuteronomy 21:1 Meaning and Explanation
“If one be found slain in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it, lying in the field, and it be not known who hath slain him:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →An unsolved murder in the land requires a communal remedy.
The Context of Deuteronomy 21:1
Introduction to the unsolved-murder ritual that follows.
What Does Deuteronomy 21:1 Mean?
When a body is discovered in the countryside and the killer is unknown, the case falls under sacred law. The community cannot simply ignore an unsolved death—it creates a breach in the land that demands formal restoration.
The law assumes that someone in the community may know something, or that the community itself bears responsibility to seek justice. This opens a ritual process that involves both leadership and the priesthood working together.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 21:1
What does Deuteronomy 21:1 mean?
An unsolved murder in the land requires a communal remedy.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 21:1?
Introduction to the unsolved-murder ritual that follows.