then you shall select cities to be cities of refuge for you, that the manslayer who kills any person without intent may flee there.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just say "accidental killing"; it specifies "kills any person without intent." This subtle distinction highlights that the focus is not solely on how someone died, but on the killer's internal state – their lack of malice or purpose to harm. This points to a system that sought to protect not just the innocent, but also those whose hearts were clear, even when tragic outcomes occurred.
then you shall select cities to be cities of refuge for you, that the manslayer who kills any person without intent may flee there.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God is instructing Moses on how to establish cities of refuge throughout the land of Israel. These cities are for those who have accidentally killed someone, providing a safe haven from the "avenger of blood" who would otherwise be obligated by ancient custom to seek retribution. This system is designed to protect the innocent from rash judgment while still upholding justice for intentional murder.
Imagine accidentally causing harm and facing the wrath of an avenger. God's law provided a unique way to prevent bloodshed and ensure justice, even in those tragic mistakes.
The cities of refuge weren't for murderers who acted with malice. The key phrase here is 'kills any person without intent.' This highlights a crucial distinction in God's law:
Intent Matters
How could God's justice, which demands the punishment of shedding blood, also provide a place of safety? It reveals a profound balance in His character.
The institution of cities of refuge reveals God's deep concern for both justice and mercy. It wasn't a loophole to escape all consequence, but a carefully regulated system:
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The Balance of Law
Understand the original words
miqlat · Hebrew Noun
A designated place, often associated with the holiness or authority of God, where those in danger can find safety, protection, and immunity from immediate harm or retribution. In the context of Israel's law, these provided a legal buffer against impulsive justice.
rotsach · Hebrew Noun
One who has caused the death of another person, specifically used here to distinguish between accidental or unintentional killing and premeditated murder. This legal category triggers the provisions for asylum.
bishgagah · Hebrew Prepositional phrase
Refers to an action done without premeditation, malice, or prior intent to kill. The Hebrew highlights the absence of 'enmity' or 'lying in wait,' distinguishing it from capital murder.
The institution of cities of refuge wasn't a new legal concept but a refinement of an ancient custom called 'blood vengeance' (Goelism), where a relative avenged a death. This divine provision balanced the need for justice with mercy, protecting those who accidentally caused death from immediate, passionate revenge before a fair trial.
c. 1400 BC
Torah Given at Sinai
The foundational laws and covenant instructions are given to the Israelites, including the initial mention of cities of refuge in Exodus 21.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites begin their military campaign to conquer the Promised Land, preparing for settlement and the establishment of the Levitical cities.
c. 1400 BC
Land Allotment in Canaan
The land is divided among the twelve tribes, with specific cities and surrounding pasturelands designated for the Levites, including the future cities of refuge.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Divine Instruction for Cities of Refuge
God commands Moses to designate six specific cities throughout the land as places of refuge for those who accidentally cause a death.
c. 1350 BC - 1050 BC
Period of the Judges
A turbulent era characterized by cycles of disobedience, oppression, and deliverance, during which the cities of refuge would have served their intended purpose amid prevailing lawlessness.
This passage shows the ancient concept of blood vengeance, which the cities of refuge were designed to regulate and prevent from escalating into unchecked violence.
Exodus 21:12-14This earlier passage directly addresses the distinction between intentional and unintentional killing, laying the groundwork for the need for cities of refuge to protect those who killed by accident.
Deuteronomy 19:4-5This passage reiterates the purpose of the cities of refuge, emphasizing that they are for the unintentional manslayer and contrasting this with intentional murder.
Joshua 20:1-6This passage describes the practical implementation and designation of the cities of refuge, showing how God's provision for justice and mercy was put into action.
Hebrews 6:18This New Testament passage alludes to the cities of refuge as a strong confirmation of God's promises, linking the physical refuge in Old Testament times to the spiritual hope found in Christ.
gillNumbers 35:11: "Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares."
Then ye shall appoint your cities to be cities of refuge for you,.... And, according to the Jewish writers (i), these were neither to be made large nor little, but middling; and they appointed them where there were markets and fairs, at which goods were to be sold; and where there was plenty of water, and a multitude of people; and where there…
bensonNumbers 35:11: "Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares."
Numbers 35:11 . Unawares — Or ignorantly, as it is, Deuteronomy 19:4 , and Joshua 20:3 ; that is, besides his intention, having no such design, and no hatred to him, Numbers 35:22 .
The verse doesn't just say "accidental killing"; it specifies "kills any person without intent." This subtle distinction highlights that the focus is not solely on how someone died, but on the killer's internal state – their lack of malice or purpose to harm. This points to a system that sought to protect not just the innocent, but also those whose hearts were clear, even when tragic outcomes occurred.
God is instructing Moses on how to establish cities of refuge throughout the land of Israel. These cities are for those who have accidentally killed someone, providing a safe haven from the "avenger of blood" who would otherwise be obligated by ancient custom to seek retribution. This system is designed to protect the innocent from rash judgment while still upholding justice for intentional murder.
God is instructing Moses on how to establish cities of refuge throughout the land of Israel. These cities are for those who have accidentally killed someone, providing a safe haven from the "avenger of blood" who would otherwise be obligated by ancient custom to seek retribution. This system is designed to protect the innocent from rash judgment while still upholding justice for intentional murder.
"then you shall select cities to be cities of refuge for you, that the manslayer who kills any person without intent may flee there." — The verse doesn't just say "accidental killing"; it specifies "kills any person without intent." This subtle distinction highlights that the focus is not solely on how someone died, but on the kill…
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Last reviewed October 2026