Deuteronomy 21:2
Deuteronomy 21:2 in Multiple Translations
your elders and judges must come out and measure the distance from the victim to the neighboring cities.
Then thy elders and thy judges shall come forth, and they shall measure unto the cities which are round about him that is slain:
then thy elders and thy judges shall come forth, and they shall measure unto the cities which are round about him that is slain:
Then your responsible men and your judges are to come out, and give orders for the distance from the dead body to the towns round about it to be measured;
Your elders and judges must come and measure the distance from the body to the surrounding towns.
Then thine Elders and thy Iudges shall come forth, and measure vnto the cities that are round about him that is slayne.
then have thine elders and thy judges gone out and measured unto the cities which [are] round about the slain one,
then your elders and your judges shall come out, and they shall measure to the cities which are around him who is slain.
Then thy elders and thy judges shall come forth, and they shall measure to the cities which are around him that is slain:
Thy ancients and judges shall go out, and shall measure from the place where the body lieth the distance of every city round about:
If that happens, your elders and judges must go out to where that person’s corpse was found and measure the distance from there to each of the nearby towns.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 21:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 21:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/יָצְא֥וּ
זְקֵנֶ֖י/ךָ
וְ/שֹׁפְטֶ֑י/ךָ
וּ/מָדְדוּ֙
אֶל
הֶ֣/עָרִ֔ים
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
סְבִיבֹ֥ת
הֶ/חָלָֽל
וְ/יָצְא֥וּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
זְקֵנֶ֖י/ךָ
zâqên
H2205
old
Adj | Suff
וְ/שֹׁפְטֶ֑י/ךָ
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
Conj | V-Qal | Suff
וּ/מָדְדוּ֙
mâdad
H4058
to measure
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הֶ֣/עָרִ֔ים
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fp
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
סְבִיבֹ֥ת
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cp
הֶ/חָלָֽל
châlâl
H2491
slain
Art | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 21:2
וְ/יָצְא֥וּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
זְקֵנֶ֖י/ךָ
zâqên
H2205
"old"
Adj | Suff
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
וְ/שֹׁפְטֶ֑י/ךָ
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
Conj | V-Qal | Suff
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
וּ/מָדְדוּ֙
mâdad
H4058
"to measure"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
To measure means to stretch or extend something, like a line or a boundary. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's measurements for the tabernacle and temple. It can also mean to assess or evaluate something.
Definition: 1) to measure, stretch 1a) (Qal) to measure 1b) (Niphal) to be measured 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to extend, continue 1c2) to measure, measure off 1d) (Po) measured 1e) (Hithpolel) to extend oneself, stretch oneself Also means: mid.dad (מָדַד "to extend" H4059)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: measure, mete, stretch self. See also: Exodus 16:18; Ezekiel 40:32; Psalms 60:8.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הֶ֣/עָרִ֔ים
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
סְבִיבֹ֥ת
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cp
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
הֶ/חָלָֽל
châlâl
H2491
"slain"
Art | Adj
This word describes something or someone that has been profaned or hurt, like in Numbers 35:33. It can also mean to be pierced or wounded, as in physically harmed.
Definition: : killed 1) slain, fatally wounded, pierced 1a) pierced, fatally wounded 1b) slain Also means: cha.lal (חָלָל ": wounded" H2491H)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: kill, profane, slain (man), [idiom] slew, (deadly) wounded. See also: Genesis 34:27; Isaiah 66:16; Psalms 69:27.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 21:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 21:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 21:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 21:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:2
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 21:2
- Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 21:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:2
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 21:2
Context — Atonement for an Unsolved Murder
1If one is found slain, lying in a field in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess, and it is not known who killed him,
2your elders and judges must come out and measure the distance from the victim to the neighboring cities.
3Then the elders of the city nearest the victim shall take a heifer that has never been yoked or used for work, 4bring the heifer to a valley with running water that has not been plowed or sown, and break its neck there by the stream.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 13:3–4 | For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 16:18–19 | You are to appoint judges and officials for your tribes in every town that the LORD your God is giving you. They are to judge the people with righteous judgment. Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. |
Deuteronomy 21:2 Summary
This verse, Deuteronomy 21:2, is about a situation where someone is found dead, and it's not known who killed them. The leaders of the community, the elders and judges, need to figure out which city is closest to where the body was found, so they can take responsibility for what happened, as seen in Deuteronomy 21:3-4. This shows that the Bible values justice and accountability, and that we should all take responsibility for our actions, like it says in Galatians 6:5. By following God's instructions, we can maintain justice and order in our communities, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:15 and Proverbs 21:15.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the elders and judges need to measure the distance from the victim to the neighboring cities in Deuteronomy 21:2?
The elders and judges needed to measure the distance to determine which city was closest to the victim, as this city would be responsible for performing the ritual in Deuteronomy 21:3-4, as seen in the context of Deuteronomy 21:1-4, and similar to the concept of proximity and responsibility in Numbers 35:11-12
What was the purpose of the ritual described in Deuteronomy 21:1-9?
The purpose of the ritual was to atone for the unsolved murder, as the community was held accountable for the bloodshed, and to demonstrate their commitment to justice and purity, similar to the concept of corporate responsibility in Joshua 7:1-26
How does this verse relate to the concept of justice in the Bible?
This verse shows that the Bible places a high value on justice and accountability, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:15 and Proverbs 21:15, where it emphasizes the importance of investigating and punishing crimes, and ensuring that the guilty are held responsible
What can we learn from the attention to detail in this verse?
The attention to detail in measuring the distance from the victim to the neighboring cities teaches us the importance of diligence and thoroughness in our actions, as seen in Ecclesiastes 9:10, where it says, 'Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might'
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of accountability in our communities, and how can we apply this principle in our own lives?
- How does the ritual described in Deuteronomy 21:1-9 relate to the concept of vicarious atonement, and what does this reveal about God's character?
- What role do elders and judges play in maintaining justice and order in a community, according to this verse and other biblical passages, such as Exodus 18:13-26?
- In what ways can we, like the elders and judges in this verse, take initiative to address injustices and promote righteousness in our own communities, as seen in Isaiah 1:17 and Micah 6:8?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 21:2
Then thy elders and thy judges shall come forth,.... From the city or cities near to which the murder was committed, to make inquiry about it, and expiation for it; so Aben Ezra interprets it of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 21:2
Then thy elders and thy judges shall come forth, and they shall measure unto the cities which are round about him that is slain: No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:2
Thy elders and thy judges; those of thy elders who are judges; for the latter word explains and restrains the former, the judges or rulers of all the neighbouring cities, who were all concerned in this inquiry. They shall measure, unless it be evident and confessed which city is nearest, for then measuring was superfluous.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:2
Deuteronomy 21:2 Then thy elders and thy judges shall come forth, and they shall measure unto the cities which [are] round about him that is slain:Ver. 2. Then thy elders.] Some of the Sanhedrim.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:2
XXI. Deuteronomy 21:1-9. .(1) If one be found slain—It is remarkable that in our own time the most effectual remedy against outrages of which the perpetrators cannot be discovered is a fine upon the district in which they occur. (2) Thy elders and thy judges shall come forth.—Rashi says these were to be special commissioners, members of the great Sanhedrin. (3-4) An heifer, which hath not been wrought with . . . a rough valley which is neither eared nor sown.—Rashi’s note on this is curious: “The Holy One, blessed be He! said, ‘A yearling heifer which hath borne no fruit shall come and be beheaded in a place which yieldeth no fruit, to atone for the murder of the man whom they did not suffer to bear fruit.’ Some have thought that the valley was neither to be eared (ploughed) nor sown from that time forward.” The verbs are not past in the Hebrew, and the words may bear this meaning. If so, the district in which the murder occurred would be mulcted in that portion of land for ever. (5) And the priests.—See on Deuteronomy 21:8. (7) Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it.—“Not that the chief magistrates of the city are supposed to have shed this blood; but that they have not contrived or procured the murder by any maintenance or partnership in the deed” (Rashi). We cannot but feel how impossible such solemn public declarations would be if the murderer had been harboured by the inhabitants of the place. (8) Be merciful, O Lord.—In the sense of the publican’s prayer in St. Luke 18 “be propitiated,” literally, cover.
The mercy seat is the “covering” of the Law, which protects Israel from it. The sacrifices are a “covering” for the sinner from a punishment of sin. According to Rashi, the prayer in the eighth verse is spoken by the priests; and it seems probable enough. No part in the transaction is assigned to them, unless it be this. And their presence was certainly necessary. And the blood shall be forgiven them.—Literally, shall be covered for them. Not the same expression as Leviticus 4:20; Leviticus 4:26; Leviticus 4:31; Leviticus 4:35. But we can hardly follow the Jewish commentators into the question whether, if the perpetrator of the murder were afterwards discovered, the blood of the heifer which had been shed already could be allowed to atone for it, so that the murderer need not be punished.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 21:2
2. thy elders and thy judges] The combination is remarkable, and recent commentators take one or the other as secondary. Steuern. retains elders (see introd. note), but Berth. and Marti are right in taking this as editorial since D does not elsewhere speak of the elders of the whole nation as P does.
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 21:2
The elders represented the citizens at large, the judges the magistracy: priests Deuteronomy 21:5 from the nearest priestly town, were likewise to be at hand.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:2
2. Thy elders and thy judges shall come forth — These are understood to be the elders and judges of the adjacent places. The elders represented the people, the judges the magistracy.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 21:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Sin of Silence by Laurence White | In this sermon, the speaker urges Christians in America to take action against evil and fight for righteousness. He references the story of the White Rose, a group of university st |
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The Decree of Judgment by Aaron Dunlop | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of judgment and the decree of judgment as prescribed by the Lord. The sermon explores the idea that what we sow, we will reap, a |
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Be a Servant of All! by Bill Gothard | Bill Gothard shares a powerful story of a bitter beggar who, after initially rejecting God due to his hardships, eventually accepts Christ and becomes a dynamic witness of the Gosp |
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If the Foundations Are Destroyed by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the critical role of the church in guiding society during turbulent times, asserting that if the foundations of truth are destroyed, the righteous must act |
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Epistle 188 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of living in the seed of God, which overcomes the devil and the strife he causes. He calls for a rejection of false accusations against those w |
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Epistle 111 by George Fox | George Fox warns believers to speak plainly and truthfully, allowing their words to reflect the light of Christ within them. He emphasizes that words should be life-giving and root |
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1 Timothy 1:5-7 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of genuine love, faith, and a pure heart in following God's commandments, warning against the dangers of vain pursuits and false teachings |