Exodus 21:13 Meaning and Explanation
“And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Unintentional killing—when God permits it to occur without premeditation—carries a different consequence: the killer may flee to a designated place of refuge.
The Context of Exodus 21:13
Unintentional killers may flee to a city of refuge
What Does Exodus 21:13 Mean?
The law distinguishes between intentional murder and tragic accident. If someone kills without lying in wait (plotting), but the death occurs as if providentially allowed, God offers an escape route: a city of refuge where the killer can flee to avoid revenge. This mercy acknowledges that not all killings are equally blameworthy.
The provision of refuge shows God's desire to prevent endless cycles of vengeance. It recognizes human frailty and the difference between a deliberate killer and someone caught in circumstances beyond their control, offering a path to safety and eventual restitution.
Exodus 21:13 in the Original Language
waylay/lie in wait (אָרַב), 'to ambush or plot' — the intent to harm makes the act murder
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 21:13
What does Exodus 21:13 mean?
Unintentional killing—when God permits it to occur without premeditation—carries a different consequence: the killer may flee to a designated place of refuge.
What is the context of Exodus 21:13?
Unintentional killers may flee to a city of refuge