Joshua 20:3

20:3 Anyone who accidentally kills someone can escape there; these cities will be a place of asylum from the avenger of blood.

Joshua 20:9

20:9 These were the cities of refuge appointed for all the Israelites and for resident foreigners living among them. Anyone who accidentally killed someone could escape there and not be executed by the avenger of blood, at least until his case was reviewed by the assembly.


tn Heb “so that the one who kills, taking life accidentally without knowledge, may flee there.”

tn The Hebrew text reads simply “the cities.” The words “for refuge” are supplied for clarification.

tn Heb “and not die by the hand of.”

tn Heb “until he stands before the assembly.” The words “at least” are supplied for clarification.