Deuteronomy 19:7
New International Version
This is why I command you to set aside for yourselves three cities.

New Living Translation
That is why I am commanding you to set aside three cities of refuge.

English Standard Version
Therefore I command you, You shall set apart three cities.

Berean Standard Bible
This is why I am commanding you to set apart for yourselves three cities.

King James Bible
Wherefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt separate three cities for thee.

New King James Version
Therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall separate three cities for yourself.’

New American Standard Bible
Therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall set aside for yourself three cities.’

NASB 1995
“Therefore, I command you, saying, ‘You shall set aside three cities for yourself.’

NASB 1977
“Therefore, I command you, saying, ‘You shall set aside three cities for yourself.’

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore, I am commanding you, saying, ‘You shall set apart three cities for yourself.’

Amplified Bible
Therefore, I command you, saying, ‘You shall set aside three cities [of refuge] for yourself.’

Christian Standard Bible
This is why I am commanding you to set apart three cities for yourselves.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
This is why I am commanding you to set apart three cities for yourselves.

American Standard Version
Wherefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt set apart three cities for thee.

Contemporary English Version
That's why I said there must be three Safe Towns.

English Revised Version
Wherefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt separate three cities for thee.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
This is why I'm commanding you to set aside three cities for yourselves.

Good News Translation
This is why I order you to set aside three cities.

International Standard Version
Therefore I am commanding you to reserve three cities."

Majority Standard Bible
This is why I am commanding you to set apart for yourselves three cities.

NET Bible
Therefore, I am commanding you to set apart for yourselves three cities.

New Heart English Bible
Therefore I command you, saying, You shall set apart three cities for yourselves.

Webster's Bible Translation
Wherefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt separate three cities for thee.

World English Bible
Therefore I command you to set apart three cities for yourselves.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
therefore I am commanding you, saying, You separate three cities for yourself.

Young's Literal Translation
therefore I am commanding thee, saying, Three cities thou dost separate to thee.

Smith's Literal Translation
For this I command thee, saying, Three cities thou shalt separate to thee.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Therefore I command thee, that thou separate three cities at equal distance one from another.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For this reason, I instruct you to separate three cities at equal distance from one another.

New American Bible
for this reason I command you: Set apart three cities.

New Revised Standard Version
Therefore I command you: You shall set apart three cities.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Therefore I command you, saying, You shall set apart three cities for you.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because of this, I command you and I say to you that you shall set apart three towns for yourselves.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Wherefore I command thee, saying: 'Thou shalt separate three cities for thee.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Therefore I charge thee, saying, Thou shalt separate for thy self three cities.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Cities of Refuge
6Otherwise, the avenger of blood might pursue the manslayer in a rage, overtake him if the distance is great, and strike him dead though he did not deserve to die, since he did not intend any harm. 7This is why I am commanding you to set apart for yourselves three cities. 8And if the LORD your God enlarges your territory, as He swore to your fathers, and gives you all the land He promised them,…

Cross References
Joshua 20:1-9
Then the LORD said to Joshua, / “Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, / so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood. ...

Numbers 35:9-15
Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, / designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. ...

Exodus 21:13
If, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee.

Deuteronomy 4:41-43
Then Moses set aside three cities across the Jordan to the east / to which a manslayer could flee after killing his neighbor unintentionally without prior malice. To save one’s own life, he could flee to one of these cities: / Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau belonging to the Reubenites, Ramoth in Gilead belonging to the Gadites, or Golan in Bashan belonging to the Manassites.

Hebrews 6:18
Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.

Matthew 5:21-22
You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ / But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.

Acts 2:23
He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross.

Romans 12:19
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”

1 John 3:15
Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer.

Genesis 9:6
Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind.

2 Samuel 14:14
For we will surely die and be like water poured out on the ground, which cannot be recovered. Yet God does not take away a life, but He devises ways that the banished one may not be cast out from Him.

Isaiah 35:8
And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it—only those who walk in the Way—and fools will not stray onto it.

Psalm 46:1
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.

Proverbs 18:10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Luke 23:34
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.


Treasury of Scripture

Why I command you, saying, You shall separate three cities for you.

Deuteronomy 19:8
And if the LORD thy God enlarge thy coast, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, and give thee all the land which he promised to give unto thy fathers;

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Apart Cities Command Commanding Marked Ordering Purpose Separate Three Thyself Towns Wherefore Yourselves
Deuteronomy 19
1. The cities of refuge
4. The privilege thereof for the manslayer
14. The landmark is not to be removed
15. At least two witnesses are required
16. the punishment of a false witness














This is why I am commanding you
The command given here is part of the broader legal and moral instructions provided by Moses to the Israelites. It reflects the divine authority behind the laws, emphasizing that these are not merely human ordinances but commands from God. This phrase underscores the importance of obedience to God's directives, a recurring theme throughout Deuteronomy. The command is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where obedience is a response to God's faithfulness and love.

to set apart for yourselves
The act of setting apart, or sanctifying, is significant in biblical terms, often indicating something that is dedicated to God or has a special purpose. In this context, it refers to designating specific cities as places of refuge. This concept of setting apart is seen throughout Scripture, such as the sanctification of the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8) and the consecration of the priests (Exodus 28:41). It highlights the idea of holiness and separation for a divine purpose.

three cities
These cities of refuge were to be strategically located to provide accessible places of asylum for those who committed manslaughter unintentionally. The number three is significant, as it represents completeness and divine perfection in biblical numerology. The cities were part of a larger system of justice that balanced mercy and retribution, reflecting God's character. The establishment of these cities is further detailed in Joshua 20, where the specific cities are named: Kedesh, Shechem, and Hebron. This provision foreshadows the ultimate refuge found in Jesus Christ, who offers protection and salvation to all who seek Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who is delivering God's laws and instructions to the people before they enter the Promised Land.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are receiving these instructions as part of the covenant relationship with God.

3. Cities of Refuge
These are the three cities that God commands to be set apart as places of asylum for those who have committed unintentional manslaughter.
Teaching Points
God's Justice and Mercy
The establishment of cities of refuge demonstrates God's balance of justice and mercy. While justice demands accountability, mercy provides a means of protection for those who have sinned unintentionally.

The Importance of Obedience
The command to set apart cities of refuge underscores the importance of obedience to God's laws. It reminds believers that God's instructions are purposeful and for the well-being of the community.

Christ as Our Refuge
Just as the cities of refuge provided safety for the Israelites, Christ is our refuge today. Believers can find safety and forgiveness in Him, especially when we fall short.

Community Responsibility
The command to establish cities of refuge highlights the community's role in ensuring justice and protection for all its members. It encourages believers to actively participate in creating a just and merciful society.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
This is why
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

I
אָנֹכִ֥י (’ā·nō·ḵî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

am commanding
מְצַוְּךָ֖ (mə·ṣaw·wə·ḵā)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

you to set apart
תַּבְדִּ֥יל (taḇ·dîl)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 914: To be divided, separate

three
שָׁלֹ֥שׁ (šā·lōš)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice

cities
עָרִ֖ים (‘ā·rîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5892: Excitement

for yourselves.
לָֽךְ׃ (lāḵ)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 19:7 Therefore I command you saying You shall (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 19:6
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