Joshua 20:4 Meaning and Explanation
“And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The fugitive states his case at the city gate, and the elders receive him and give him a place to live.
What Does Joshua 20:4 Mean?
The city gate was the place of public hearing, where elders sat to weigh matters of justice. The one fleeing must stop there and openly declare his cause. He is not smuggled in; he is heard, and then welcomed into the community to dwell among them.
There is dignity in this process. The frightened runner is not left outside but brought in and given a place to live. Refuge is not merely escape from danger; it is belonging. The God of Israel does not only rescue the endangered, He grants them a home among His people, a picture of how grace receives the one who comes confessing and gives them a place at the table.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joshua 20:4
What does Joshua 20:4 mean?
The fugitive states his case at the city gate, and the elders receive him and give him a place to live.