Deuteronomy 19:6

Amharic Catholic Version (መጽሐፍ ቅዱስ - (ካቶሊካዊ እትም - ኤማሁስ)) No Year

አለበለዚያ በተንኰል ሳይሆን ድንገት ሳያስበው ባልንጀራውን ቢገድል፥ መንገዱ ረጅም ከሆነ ደም ተበቃዩ በንዴት ተከታትሎ ይደርስበትና፥ መገደል የማይገባውን ሰው ሊገድል ይችላል።

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Deuteronomy explains that if someone kills another person accidentally, they should be protected from being killed by the family of the person who was killed. It says this to ensure that innocent people are not punished for something they did not intend to do.

Explained for Children

Imagine you accidentally break your friend's toy while playing. Your friend's big brother might be really angry and want to punish you, but this verse says that it's not fair to punish someone for something they didn't mean to do. It's like saying, 'Let's give the person who made the mistake a chance.'

Historical Background

Deuteronomy was written by Moses around 1200 B.C. to the Israelites who were about to enter the Promised Land. The cultural setting was one where family honor was paramount, and the concept of 'blood revenge' was common. Moses is outlining laws to prevent unjust retaliation.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse can be applied to situations where someone may be unfairly blamed or punished for something they didn't intend to do. It teaches us to be cautious in our judgments and to ensure that justice is fair and just.

Topics

• justice
• fairness
• accidental harm
• protection
• family honor
• punishment

Related Verses

• Numbers 35:26-28
• Exodus 21:12-14
• Joshua 20:1-6
• Numbers 35:9-15
• Matthew 5:38-42

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'avenger of the blood' mean?

The 'avenger of the blood' refers to a family member who takes it upon themselves to avenge the death of a relative. This practice was common in ancient cultures, including the Israelites.

How does this verse relate to justice?

This verse emphasizes the need for fair and just treatment, especially in cases of accidental harm. It advocates for protection against hasty and unfair retaliation.

What is the cultural context of this verse?

The cultural context involves a society where family honor was highly valued, and retaliation for a death, even accidental, was common. Moses is providing a framework to prevent unjust retaliation.

How can this verse be applied to modern situations?

In modern times, this verse can remind us to be cautious in our judgments and to ensure that justice is fair and just, especially when dealing with unintended harm or mistakes.