Deuteronomy 19 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

This chapter continues Moses’ second speech, which began in chapter five.1. Cities of refuge (1–13)2. Property lines (14)3. Rules regarding witnesses (15–21)

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

Witnesses

In the ancient Near East, it was common for a person to be punished by the testimony of a single person, especially if this was an important person. The rules in this chapter give protection to people, especially the poor, by requiring multiple witnesses. This allowed justice to be done. (See: testimony)

Cities of refuge

Verses 1–13 discuss cities of refuge, which are towns to which a killer could flee. These verses address both cases where the killer accidentally kills another person and cases where the killer plans the murder. In those times, a close family member of the deceased would be obligated to take revenge for the killing of his family member by finding and killing the manslayer (someone who accidentally kills another human being). Yahweh provides protection for the killer who killed accidentally so that he will not be punished too harshly.(See: refuge and avenge)

Translation Issues in This Chapter

“you” and “your” singular and plural

Even though Moses is addressing all the Israelites, he uses the singular forms of “you.” If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation. (See: figs-youcrowd)

Generic nouns in hypothetical situations

This chapter gives instructions and warnings for the Israelites. In these hypothetical conditions, singular nouns like “man,” “witness,” and “neighbor” represent those groups of people in general, not a specific person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could clarify that these terms refer to any person who fulfills the hypothetical situation. (See: figs-genericnoun and grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical)