Exodus 21:14
But if a man willfully attacks another to kill him by cunning, you shall take him from my altar, that he may die.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse highlights a shocking truth: even the sacred space of God's altar offers no sanctuary for a premeditated killer. God declares that the gravity of intentional murder outweighs the sanctity of His own worship space, demonstrating His absolute hatred for such a heinous crime.
This verse comes as part of a larger section laying out laws for justice and daily life, directly following regulations for accidental killings. It sharpens the distinction between unintentional harm and deliberate malice, emphasizing that even a supposed sanctuary like God's altar offers no protection for premeditated murder. The context sets up a crucial contrast with the later provision of cities of refuge, highlighting that sanctuary is for the unintentional, not the wicked.
What does it mean to attack someone 'willfully' and 'by cunning'? This verse draws a sharp distinction between different kinds of killing, especially when it involves deceit.
The Hebrew word translated as 'willfully' or 'presumptuously' here carries a sense of boldness, arrogance, and intentional malice. It's not just a heat-of-the-moment act, but a planned, determined assault. The addition of 'by cunning' or 'guile' emphasizes that the killer used trickery, deception, or underhanded methods to achieve their goal. This wasn't an open confrontation where the victim had a fair chance; it was a predatory act designed to catch them unawares. The law here targets the cold-blooded, deceptive murderer.
Imagine fleeing to the holiest place you know for safety, only to be dragged out. Why would God Himself allow this to happen?
In ancient Israel, the altar of God was considered a place of asylum, a last resort for those fleeing danger. Some understood it as a sanctuary where even criminals might find protection, perhaps by clinging to its horns (as seen in 1 Kings 1:50). However, this verse makes it unequivocally clear: the protection of the altar does not extend to the wilful, cunning murderer. God's abhorrence of murder is so profound that He would rather allow His altar's sanctity to be breached than permit such a heinous crime to escape justice. This demonstrates that while God values the atonement offered at the altar, He demands accountability for those who deliberately shed innocent blood.
Understand the original words
zid · Hebrew Verb (Hiphil)
An act of killing performed with deliberate, premeditated intent or malice, often associated with a 'high hand' or prideful rebellion against God's law.
ormah · Hebrew Noun
Skill or craftiness used to deceive or achieve a malicious purpose; implies premeditation and calculated malice rather than an impulsive act.
mizbeah · Hebrew Noun
The place of sacrifice where atonement is made to God; the symbol of God's presence and holiness. While it offered sanctuary for some, it provided no protection for the intentional murderer.
This passage directly contrasts the protection offered to those who accidentally cause death with the severe punishment for intentional murderers, reinforcing the idea that premeditated killing forfeits any claim to sanctuary.
1 Kings 1:50This historical account shows a man fleeing to the altar for safety, illustrating the asylum function the altar served, which Exodus 21:14 explicitly denies to wilful murderers.
Numbers 35:16-21This section provides a detailed legal framework for distinguishing between accidental manslaughter and intentional murder, highlighting the gravity of 'murder with a weapon' and the penalty of death, aligning with the principle in Exodus 21:14.
1 Kings 2:28This passage describes Joab being taken from the altar to face execution for murder, demonstrating the practical application of the principle that even sanctuary could not protect a deliberate killer.
clarkeExodus 21:14: "But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die."
Thou shalt take him from mine altar - Before the cities of refuge were assigned, the altar of God was the common asylum.
gillExodus 21:14: "But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die."
But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile,.... That comes with malice in his heart, with wrath in his countenance, in a bold, daring, hostile manner, using all the art, cunning, and contrivance he can, to take away the life of his neighbour; no asylum, no refuge, not anything to screen him from justice is to be allow…
This verse highlights a shocking truth: even the sacred space of God's altar offers no sanctuary for a premeditated killer. God declares that the gravity of intentional murder outweighs the sanctity of His own worship space, demonstrating His absolute hatred for such a heinous crime.
This verse comes as part of a larger section laying out laws for justice and daily life, directly following regulations for accidental killings. It sharpens the distinction between unintentional harm and deliberate malice, emphasizing that even a supposed sanctuary like God's altar offers no protection for premeditated murder. The context sets up a crucial contrast with the later provision of cities of refuge, highlighting that sanctuary is for the unintentional, not the wicked.
This verse comes as part of a larger section laying out laws for justice and daily life, directly following regulations for accidental killings. It sharpens the distinction between unintentional harm and deliberate malice, emphasizing that even a supposed sanctuary like God's altar offers no protection for premeditated murder. The context sets up a crucial contrast with the later provision of cities of refuge, highlighting that sanctuary is for the unintentional, not the wicked.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Exodus 21:14 is available in the Sola app.
"But if a man willfully attacks another to kill him by cunning, you shall take him from my altar, that he may die." — This verse highlights a shocking truth: even the sacred space of God's altar offers no sanctuary for a premeditated killer. God declares that the gravity of intentional murder outweighs the sanctity…
