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Deuteronomy 22:8

When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence.

Deuteronomy 22:8 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse from the book of Deuteronomy provides guidance on building safety measures for houses in ancient Israel. The command to construct a battlement around the roof of a new house was meant to prevent accidents and protect the inhabitants from harm. In the time period when this verse was written, roofs were often flat and used for various activities, making them potentially hazardous. By installing a battlement, a low protective wall or barrier, around the edge of the roof, the risk of someone falling and getting injured or killed was significantly reduced. The reasoning behind this command was to ensure the safety and well-being of the household members and visitors. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of taking precautions to prevent accidents and the need to prioritize the safety of others in our daily lives.

Theological Overview

One important aspect of the theological interpretation of the verse "When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence" is the emphasis on responsibility and care for others. In this verse, the commandment to build a battlement around the roof of a house is given to prevent accidents and potential harm to others. The idea behind this directive is to create a safe environment and to take necessary precautions to protect the well-being of all individuals. Additionally, this verse can also be seen as a reflection of the principle of love and concern for one's neighbor, as it demonstrates the importance of looking out for the safety and welfare of those around us. By examining the cultural context and historical background of this verse, we can understand the underlying message of responsibility and compassion embedded within it.

Deuteronomy 22:8 in other translations

American Standard Version

When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thy house, if any man fall from thence.

World English Bible

When you build a new house, then you shall make a railing around your roof, so that you don’t bring blood on your house if anyone falls from there.

Douay-Rheims

When thou buildest a new house, thou shalt make a battlement to the roof round about: lest blood be shed in thy house, and thou be guilty, if any one slip, and fall down headlong.

Geneva Bible (1599)

When thou buildest a newe house, thou shalt make a battlemet on thy roofe, that thou lay not blood vpon thine house, if any man fal thence.