Deuteronomy 19:5
As when a man goeth into the wood with his neighbour to hew wood, and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the ax to cut down the tree, and the head slippeth from the helve, and lighteth upon his neighbour, that he die; he shall flee unto one of those cities, and live:
Deuteronomy 19:5 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Bible, found in Deuteronomy 19:5, speaks about the concept of cities of refuge. In ancient Israel, cities of refuge were designated as safe havens for individuals who unintentionally caused harm to others. The verse describes a scenario where a person is cutting down a tree with their neighbor, and the ax head accidentally flies off the handle and kills the neighbor. In this case, the person responsible for the accident is instructed to flee to one of these cities of refuge to seek safety from the avenger of blood, who would seek retribution for the death of the neighbor. By fleeing to one of these cities, the individual would be protected from being wrongly harmed in return for the unintentional accident that occurred. This verse emphasizes the importance of providing a system of justice that takes into account the circumstances of each situation and ensures that justice is served fairly.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the scenario described presents a situation in which a man accidentally kills his neighbor while they are cutting wood together. The theological interpretation of this verse raises questions about the importance of responsibility and accountability in our actions towards others. The provision of cities of refuge mentioned in the verse underscores the value of seeking protection and justice in times of crisis. This specific case highlights the concept of unintentional harm and the need for mercy and grace in such situations. A deeper word study of the terms "helve" and "ax" can shed light on the tools commonly used during that time period and the potential dangers associated with their usage. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of our actions and the importance of seeking refuge and forgiveness in times of need.
Deuteronomy 19:5 in other translations
American Standard Version
as when a man goeth into the forest with his neighbor to hew wood, and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the axe to cut down the tree, and the head slippeth from the helve, and lighteth upon his neighbor, so that he dieth; he shall flee unto one of these cities and live:
World English Bible
as when a man goes into the forest with his neighbor to chop wood, and his hand fetches a stroke with the ax to cut down the tree, and the head slips from the handle, and lights on his neighbor, so that he dies, he shall flee to one of these cities and live.
Douay-Rheims
But to have gone with him to the wood to hew wood, and in cutting down the tree the axe slipped out of his hand, and the iron slipping from the handle struck his friend, and killed him: he shall flee to one of the cities aforesaid, and live:
Geneva Bible (1599)
As hee that goeth vnto the wood with his neighbor to hew wood, and his hand striketh with the axe to cut downe the tree, if the head slip from the helue, and hit his neighbour that he dieth, the same shall flee vnto one of the cities, and liue,