Deuteronomy 21:7 Meaning and Explanation
“And they shall answer and say, Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →The elders make a formal declaration of innocence before the LORD.
The Context of Deuteronomy 21:7
The elders speak a formal oath of innocence and non-involvement.
What Does Deuteronomy 21:7 Mean?
Speaking aloud, the elders declare two things: they have not shed the blood themselves, and they have not witnessed the killing. This verbal proclamation, paired with the hand-washing, creates a complete ritual act—physical gesture and spoken word together. The phrase addresses both action (shedding blood) and knowledge (witnessing).
The declaration is made before priests and the community, creating witnesses to the elders' oath. By speaking these words over the dead heifer, they bind themselves and their city to the responsibility for pursuing true justice if further evidence emerges.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 21:7
What does Deuteronomy 21:7 mean?
The elders make a formal declaration of innocence before the LORD.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 21:7?
The elders speak a formal oath of innocence and non-involvement.