Deuteronomy 21:2 Meaning and Explanation
“Then thy elders and thy judges shall come forth, and they shall measure unto the cities which are round about him that is slain:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Community leaders and judges measure the distance from the body to nearby cities.
The Context of Deuteronomy 21:2
Leaders respond to an unsolved death by identifying the closest community.
What Does Deuteronomy 21:2 Mean?
The elders and judges perform a practical survey—measuring which city is closest to where the body was found. This measurement determines which community bears the primary responsibility for the subsequent ritual actions and atonement.
This process involves both legal authority (judges) and community representatives (elders), showing that both governance and communal witness are needed to resolve the breach caused by unsolved bloodshed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 21:2
What does Deuteronomy 21:2 mean?
Community leaders and judges measure the distance from the body to nearby cities.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 21:2?
Leaders respond to an unsolved death by identifying the closest community.