Exodus 21:13

13 However, if it is not done intentionally, but God lets it happen, they are to flee to a place I will designate.

Exodus 21:13 in Other Translations

13 And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.

13 But if he did not lie in wait for him, but God let him fall into his hand, then I will appoint for you a place to which he may flee.

13 But if it was simply an accident permitted by God, I will appoint a place of refuge where the slayer can run for safety.

13 But if there was no intent to kill - if it was an accident, an 'act of God' - I'll set aside a place to which the killer can flee for refuge.

13 But if he didn't intend any harm, and yet God caused it to happen by his hand, I will appoint a place for you where he may flee.

Exodus 21:13 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 21:13

And if a man lie not in wait
For the life of another to take it away; or does not do it willingly, as the Septuagint version, does not seek after it, nor design it:

but God delivers him into his hand;
it being suffered and ordered by the providence of God, without whose knowledge and will nothing comes to pass, even what may seem to be a contingent thing, or matter of chance, to us; or it is so brought about in providence, that one man falls into the hands of another, and his life is taken away by him, though not purposely and maliciously; because, as Aben Ezra expresses it, for another sin which he has committed, and for which he must die in this way, though not intended by the person the more immediate cause of his death:

then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee;
and there be safe both from the avenger of blood, and the civil magistrate; which place, while Israel were in the wilderness, was the camp of the Levites, according to Jarchi, or the altar, as follows; but when they were come to Canaan's land, there were cities of refuge appointed for such persons, that killed a man unawares, to flee to, and where they were safe from private vengeance, and falling a sacrifice to public justice.

Exodus 21:13 In-Context

11 If he does not provide her with these three things, she is to go free, without any payment of money.

12 “Anyone who strikes a person with a fatal blow is to be put to death.

13 However, if it is not done intentionally, but God lets it happen, they are to flee to a place I will designate.

14 But if anyone schemes and kills someone deliberately, that person is to be taken from my altar and put to death.

15 “Anyone who attacks their father or mother is to be put to death.

Cross References

• 1. Numbers 35:10-34; Deuteronomy 4:42; Deuteronomy 19:2-13; Joshua 20:9; 1Sa 24:4,10,18