Deuteronomy 21:7
Deuteronomy 21:7 in Multiple Translations
and they shall declare, “Our hands did not shed this blood, nor did our eyes see it.
And they shall answer and say, Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it.
and they shall answer and say, Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it.
Will say, This death is not the work of our hands and our eyes have not seen it.
“We had nothing to do with this murder, and we didn't see who did it.
And shall testifie, and say, Our handes haue not shed this blood, neither haue our eies seene it.
and they have answered and said, Our hands have not shed this blood, and our eyes have not seen —
They shall answer and say, “Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it.
And they shall answer and say, Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it .
And shall say: Our hands did not shed this blood, nor did our eyes see it.
and they must say, ‘We did not murder this person [MTY], and we did not see who did it.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 21:7
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 21:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עָנ֖וּ
וְ/אָמְר֑וּ
יָדֵ֗י/נוּ
לֹ֤א
שפכה
שָֽׁפְכוּ֙
אֶת
הַ/דָּ֣ם
הַ/זֶּ֔ה
וְ/עֵינֵ֖י/נוּ
לֹ֥א
רָאֽוּ
וְ/עָנ֖וּ
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
וְ/אָמְר֑וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
יָדֵ֗י/נוּ
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cd | Suff
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
שפכה
shâphak
H8210
to pour
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
שָֽׁפְכוּ֙
shâphak
H8210
to pour
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/דָּ֣ם
dâm
H1818
blood
Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֔ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
וְ/עֵינֵ֖י/נוּ
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Conj | N-cd | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
רָאֽוּ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 21:7
וְ/עָנ֖וּ
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
וְ/אָמְר֑וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יָדֵ֗י/נוּ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cd | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
שפכה
shâphak
H8210
"to pour"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To pour or spill something out, like blood or a liquid. In the Bible, it can mean to shed blood or to pour out one's heart in prayer or complaint. For example, in Psalm 42:4, the writer pours out his soul to God.
Definition: : pour 1) to pour, pour out, spill 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour, pour out 1a2) to shed (blood) 1a3) to pour out (anger or heart) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be poured out, be shed 1c) (Pual) to be poured out, be shed 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be poured out 1d2) to pour out oneself
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (up), gush out, pour (out), shed(-der, out), slip. See also: Genesis 9:6; Jeremiah 6:6; Psalms 22:15.
שָֽׁפְכוּ֙
shâphak
H8210
"to pour"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To pour or spill something out, like blood or a liquid. In the Bible, it can mean to shed blood or to pour out one's heart in prayer or complaint. For example, in Psalm 42:4, the writer pours out his soul to God.
Definition: : pour 1) to pour, pour out, spill 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour, pour out 1a2) to shed (blood) 1a3) to pour out (anger or heart) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be poured out, be shed 1c) (Pual) to be poured out, be shed 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be poured out 1d2) to pour out oneself
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (up), gush out, pour (out), shed(-der, out), slip. See also: Genesis 9:6; Jeremiah 6:6; Psalms 22:15.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/דָּ֣ם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
Art | N-ms
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
הַ/זֶּ֔ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
וְ/עֵינֵ֖י/נוּ
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Conj | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
רָאֽוּ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 21:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 21:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 21:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 21:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:7
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 21:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:7
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 21:7
Context — Atonement for an Unsolved Murder
5And the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them to serve Him and pronounce blessings in His name and to give a ruling in every dispute and case of assault.
6Then all the elders of the city nearest the victim shall wash their hands by the stream over the heifer whose neck has been broken,
7and they shall declare, “Our hands did not shed this blood, nor did our eyes see it.
8Accept this atonement, O LORD, for Your people Israel whom You have redeemed, and do not hold the shedding of innocent blood against them.” And the bloodshed will be atoned for. 9So you shall purge from among you the guilt of shedding innocent blood, since you have done what is right in the eyes of the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 21:21–23 | For what does he care about his household after him, when the number of his months has run out? Can anyone teach knowledge to God, since He judges those on high? One man dies full of vigor, completely secure and at ease. |
| 2 | Job 21:31–34 | Who denounces his behavior to his face? Who repays him for what he has done? He is carried to the grave, and watch is kept over his tomb. The clods of the valley are sweet to him; everyone follows behind him, and those before him are without number. So how can you comfort me with empty words? For your answers remain full of falsehood.” |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 16:8 | The LORD has paid you back for all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned, and the LORD has delivered the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. See, you have come to ruin because you are a man of bloodshed!” |
| 4 | Psalms 7:3–4 | O LORD my God, if I have done this, if injustice is on my hands, if I have rewarded my ally with evil, if I have plundered my foe without cause, |
| 5 | Numbers 5:19–28 | And he is to put the woman under oath and say to her, ‘If no other man has slept with you and you have not gone astray and become defiled while under your husband’s authority, may you be immune to this bitter water that brings a curse. But if you have gone astray while under your husband’s authority and have defiled yourself and lain carnally with a man other than your husband’— and the priest shall have the woman swear under the oath of the curse—‘then may the LORD make you an attested curse among your people by making your thigh shrivel and your belly swell. May this water that brings a curse enter your stomach and cause your belly to swell and your thigh to shrivel.’ Then the woman is to say, ‘Amen, Amen.’ And the priest shall write these curses on a scroll and wash them off into the bitter water. He is to have the woman drink the bitter water that brings a curse, and it will enter her and cause her bitter suffering. The priest shall take from her hand the grain offering for jealousy, wave it before the LORD, and bring it to the altar. Then the priest is to take a handful of the grain offering as a memorial portion and burn it on the altar; after that he is to have the woman drink the water. When he has made her drink the water, if she has defiled herself and been unfaithful to her husband, then the water that brings a curse will enter her and cause bitter suffering; her belly will swell, her thigh will shrivel, and she will become accursed among her people. But if the woman has not defiled herself and is clean, she will be unaffected and able to conceive children. |
Deuteronomy 21:7 Summary
This verse, Deuteronomy 21:7, is about a group of leaders saying they did not commit a murder, which is part of a ritual to make things right with God after someone has been killed and the killer is not found. It shows how important it is to value human life and to be honest, as commanded in Exodus 20:16. By saying 'our hands did not shed this blood,' they are publicly declaring their innocence, similar to the principle of distancing oneself from sin seen in Genesis 4:10. This teaches us about taking responsibility for doing what is right in our communities, just like it is important to seek justice and righteousness as seen in Micah 6:8.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the elders declaring their innocence in Deuteronomy 21:7?
The declaration by the elders in Deuteronomy 21:7 signifies their formal statement of not being involved in the murder, which is a crucial step in the ritual to atone for the shedding of innocent blood, as seen in Deuteronomy 21:8-9, and is reminiscent of the importance of speaking truth as commanded in Exodus 20:16.
Why is it important for the elders to say 'our hands did not shed this blood'?
The statement 'our hands did not shed this blood' in Deuteronomy 21:7 is a public affirmation of their innocence, similar to the principle in Deuteronomy 19:10, emphasizing the value of human life and the need to distance themselves from the guilt of murder, which is a sin against God as noted in Genesis 9:6.
How does this ritual relate to the broader theme of justice in the Bible?
The ritual described in Deuteronomy 21:7 is part of a larger biblical theme of justice, where the community takes responsibility for the actions that occur within it, echoing the call for justice in Deuteronomy 16:20 and the importance of righteousness as seen in Psalms 106:3.
What does this verse teach us about corporate responsibility?
Deuteronomy 21:7 teaches that the community has a shared responsibility to ensure justice is upheld, as also highlighted in Leviticus 4:13-21, where the community must atone for unintentional sins, showing that corporate responsibility is a biblical concept that emphasizes the collective role in maintaining righteousness.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, like the elders in this verse, publicly stand for what is right and declare my innocence from the sins of my community?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of corporate responsibility in my own community to promote justice and righteousness?
- What are some modern-day applications of the ritual described in Deuteronomy 21:7, in terms of taking responsibility for the sins of our society?
- How does the concept of atonement for the shedding of innocent blood relate to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as described in Hebrews 9:22?
- What role does personal and collective repentance play in maintaining a just and righteous community, as seen in 2 Chronicles 7:14?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 21:7
And they shall answer and say,.... The elders of the city, at the time of the washing of their hands: our hands have not shed this blood; have been no ways concerned in it, nor accessory to it: the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 21:7
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 21:7
They shall answer, to wit, to the priests who shall examine them and determine this controversy. This blood; this about which the present inquiry is made; or this which is here present; for it is thought the corpse of the slain man was brought into the same place where the heifer was slain. Neither have our eyes seen it; nor have we seen or understood how or by whom this was done.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:7
Deuteronomy 21:7 And they shall answer and say, Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen [it].Ver. 7. And they shall answer.] To the priest’ s examining them, and in God’ s name making inquisition for blood.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:7
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 21:7
7. answer] testify, as in Deuteronomy 5:20 (9th Comm.), and Deuteronomy 19:16.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:7
FORMS TO BE WHEN ONE WAS FOUND SLAIN, Deuteronomy 21:1-9.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 21:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
If I Perish I Perish-03 Ministry From Esther by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the struggle between the flesh and the spirit in the life of a believer. He emphasizes that when the flesh dominates, it leads to moral defea |