Deuteronomy 21:3 Meaning and Explanation
“And it shall be, that the city which is next unto the slain man, even the elders of that city shall take an heifer, which hath not been wrought with, and which hath not drawn in the yoke;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The nearest city's elders must provide an unused heifer for a sacrificial ritual.
The Context of Deuteronomy 21:3
The nearest city provides an unblemished heifer as the instrument of atonement.
What Does Deuteronomy 21:3 Mean?
The heifer must be unused—never put to labor and never yoked. This requirement emphasizes that only something of absolute worth and innocence, untainted by previous use, can serve in this extraordinary ritual. The sacrifice is costly and visible, requiring genuine loss from the community.
By providing this animal, the nearest city takes collective ownership of the problem. They cannot delegate this responsibility; their leaders must secure and present the heifer themselves, marking their commitment to addressing the injustice.
Deuteronomy 21:3 in the Original Language
egel (עֶגֶל), 'heifer'—a young cow, chosen for youth and purity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 21:3
What does Deuteronomy 21:3 mean?
The nearest city's elders must provide an unused heifer for a sacrificial ritual.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 21:3?
The nearest city provides an unblemished heifer as the instrument of atonement.