Exodus 21:13-14

21:13 But if he does not do it with premeditation, ¹  but it happens by accident, ²  then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee. 21:14 But if a man willfully attacks his neighbor to kill him cunningly, ³  you will take him even from my altar that he may die.

[21:13]  ¹ tn Heb “if he does not lie in wait” (NASB similar).

[21:13]  ² tn Heb “and God brought into his hand.” The death is unintended, its circumstances outside human control.

[21:14]  ³ tn The word עָרְמָה (’ormah) is problematic. It could mean with prior intent, which would be connected with the word in Prov 8:5, 12 which means “understanding” (or “prudence” – fully aware of the way things are). It could be connected also to an Arabic word for “enemy” which would indicate this was done with malice or evil intentions (U. Cassuto, Exodus, 270). The use here seems parallel to the one in Josh 9:4, an instance involving intentionality and clever deception.