Deuteronomy 21:3

Deuteronomy 21:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then the elders of the city nearest the victim shall take a heifer that has never been yoked or used for work,

King James Version KJV

And it shall be, that the city which is next unto the slain man, even the elders of that city shall take an heifer, which hath not been wrought with, and which hath not drawn in the yoke;

American Standard Version ASV

and it shall be, that the city which is nearest unto the slain man, even the elders of that city shall take a heifer of the herd, which hath not been wrought with, and which hath not drawn in the yoke;

Bible in Basic English BBE

And whichever town is nearest to the body, the responsible men of that town are to take from the herd a young cow which has never been used for work or put under the yoke;

Free Bible Version FBV

Then the elders of the town that's found to be nearest to the body shall take a cow that has never been put under a yoke or used for work.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Aud let ye Elders of that citie, which is next vnto the slaine man, take out of the droue an heifer that hath not bene put to labour, nor hath drawen in the yoke.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and it hath been, the city which [is] near unto the slain one, even the elders of that city have taken a heifer of the herd, which hath not been wrought with, which hath not drawn in the yoke,

World English Bible WEB

It shall be that the elders of the city which is nearest to the slain man shall take a heifer of the herd, which hasn’t been worked with and which has not drawn in the yoke.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And it shall be that the city which is next to the slain man, even the elders of that city shall take a heifer which hath not been wrought with, and which hath not drawn in the yoke;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the ancients of that city which they shall perceive to be nearer than the rest, shall take a heifer of the herd, that hath not drawn in the yoke, nor ploughed the ground,

Translation for Translators T4T

Then the elders in the town that is closest to where the corpse was found must select a young cow that has never been used for doing work.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 21:3

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Deuteronomy 21:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/הָיָ֣ה הָ/עִ֔יר הַ/קְּרֹבָ֖ה אֶל הֶ/חָלָ֑ל וְ/לָֽקְח֡וּ זִקְנֵי֩ הָ/עִ֨יר הַ/הִ֜וא עֶגְלַ֣ת בָּקָ֗ר אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא עֻבַּד֙ בָּ֔/הּ אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא מָשְׁכָ֖ה בְּ/עֹֽל

וְ/הָיָ֣ה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3ms

הָ/עִ֔יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fs

הַ/קְּרֹבָ֖ה qârôwb H7138 near Art | Adj

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הֶ/חָלָ֑ל châlâl H2491 slain Art | Adj

וְ/לָֽקְח֡וּ lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-3cp

זִקְנֵי֩ zâqên H2205 old Adj

הָ/עִ֨יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fs

הַ/הִ֜וא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Art | Pron

עֶגְלַ֣ת ʻeglâh H5697 heifer N-fs

בָּקָ֗ר bâqâr H1241 cattle N-cs

אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

עֻבַּד֙ ʻâbad H5647 to serve V-Pual-Perf-3ms

בָּ֔/הּ Prep | Suff

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

מָשְׁכָ֖ה mâshak H4900 to draw V-Qal-Perf-3fs

בְּ/עֹֽל ʻôl H5923 yoke Prep | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 21:3

וְ/הָיָ֣ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

הָ/עִ֔יר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Art | N-fs

In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.

Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.

הַ/קְּרֹבָ֖ה qârôwb H7138 "near" Art | Adj

This Hebrew word means near, describing something close in place, time, or relationship. It is used in the book of Genesis to describe family relationships. The word is used to describe a close connection.

Definition: 1) near 1a) of place 1b) of time 1c) of personal relationship 1c1) kinship

Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: allied, approach, at hand, [phrase] any of kin, kinsfold(-sman), (that is) near (of kin), neighbour, (that is) next, (them that come) nigh (at hand), more ready, short(-ly). See also: Genesis 19:20; Psalms 75:2; Psalms 15:3.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

הֶ/חָלָ֑ל châlâl H2491 "slain" Art | Adj

This word describes something or someone that has been profaned or hurt, like in Numbers 35:33. It can also mean to be pierced or wounded, as in physically harmed.

Definition: : killed 1) slain, fatally wounded, pierced 1a) pierced, fatally wounded 1b) slain Also means: cha.lal (חָלָל ": wounded" H2491H)

Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: kill, profane, slain (man), [idiom] slew, (deadly) wounded. See also: Genesis 34:27; Isaiah 66:16; Psalms 69:27.

וְ/לָֽקְח֡וּ lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-3cp

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

זִקְנֵי֩ zâqên H2205 "old" Adj

This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.

Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)

Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.

הָ/עִ֨יר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Art | N-fs

Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.

הַ/הִ֜וא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Art | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

עֶגְלַ֣ת ʻeglâh H5697 "heifer" N-fs

This word refers to a young female calf, nearly grown into a heifer. It is also the name of a place near Zoar and south of Moab. The word is often translated as 'calf', 'cow', or 'heifer'.

Definition: heifer

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: calf, cow, heifer. See also: Genesis 15:9; Isaiah 7:21; Isaiah 15:5.

בָּקָ֗ר bâqâr H1241 "cattle" N-cs

Domesticated cattle or oxen, used for work or sacrifice, like the animals used in the temple sacrifices in 1 Kings 8:63.

Definition: 1) cattle, herd, oxen, ox 1a) cattle (generic pl. but sing. in form-coll) 1b) herd (particular one) 1c) head of cattle (individually)

Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beeve, bull ([phrase] -ock), [phrase] calf, [phrase] cow, great (cattle), [phrase] heifer, herd, kine, ox. See also: Genesis 12:16; Deuteronomy 8:13; Psalms 66:15.

אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

עֻבַּד֙ ʻâbad H5647 "to serve" V-Pual-Perf-3ms

To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.

Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve

Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.

בָּ֔/הּ "" Prep | Suff

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

מָשְׁכָ֖ה mâshak H4900 "to draw" V-Qal-Perf-3fs

To draw can mean many things in the Bible, such as to pull or lead something, to sow seeds, or to make music. It is used in various contexts, including war, farming, and worship. The word is used in different forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to draw, drag, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw (and lift out), drag along, lead along, drag or lead off, draw down 1a2) to draw (the bow) 1a3) to proceed, march 1a4) to draw out or give (a sound) 1a5) to draw out, prolong, continue 1a6) to trail (seed in sowing) 1a7) to cheer, draw, attract, gratify 1b) (Niphal) to be drawn out 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be drawn out, be postponed, be deferred 1c2) to be tall

Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: draw (along, out), continue, defer, extend, forbear, [idiom] give, handle, make (pro-, sound) long, [idiom] sow, scatter, stretch out. See also: Genesis 37:28; Psalms 85:6; Psalms 10:9.

בְּ/עֹֽל ʻôl H5923 "yoke" Prep | N-ms

This word refers to a yoke, which is a wooden beam placed over the necks of animals to help them pull heavy loads. In the Bible, it can also mean a burden or a responsibility, like in Matthew 11:30 where Jesus talks about His yoke being easy.

Definition: yoke

Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: yoke. See also: Genesis 27:40; Isaiah 10:27; Isaiah 9:3.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 21:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Deuteronomy 21:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 21:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 21:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:3
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:3
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:3
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 21:3
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 21:3
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:3
Sermons on Deuteronomy 21:3

Context — Atonement for an Unsolved Murder

1If one is found slain, lying in a field in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess, and it is not known who killed him, 2your elders and judges must come out and measure the distance from the victim to the neighboring cities.

3Then the elders of the city nearest the victim shall take a heifer that has never been yoked or used for work,

4bring the heifer to a valley with running water that has not been plowed or sown, and break its neck there by the stream. 5And the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them to serve Him and pronounce blessings in His name and to give a ruling in every dispute and case of assault.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Numbers 19:2	“This is the statute of the law that the LORD has commanded: Instruct the Israelites to bring you an unblemished red heifer that has no defect and has never been placed under a yoke.
2	Matthew 11:28–30	Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
3	Jeremiah 31:18	I have surely heard Ephraim’s moaning: ‘You disciplined me severely, like an untrained calf. Restore me, that I may return, for You are the LORD my God.
4	Philippians 2:8	And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross.

Deuteronomy 21:3 Summary

This verse is talking about a special ceremony to help clean the community of guilt when someone is murdered and the killer is not found. The leaders of the city would take a young cow that had never been used for work and use it in a ritual to ask for God's forgiveness, as seen in Deuteronomy 21:8. This shows how much God values human life and wants justice and purity, similar to what we see in Exodus 20:13. It's a reminder that our actions have consequences and that we should strive to live with integrity and compassion, just like God calls us to in Micah 6:8.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was it necessary for the elders of the city to take a heifer that had never been yoked or used for work?

The heifer's purity and untouched state were crucial for the ritual to atone for the unsolved murder, symbolizing innocence and the need for purification, as seen in Numbers 19:2 and Deuteronomy 21:8.

What is the significance of the elders' involvement in this process?

The elders' participation represented the community's collective responsibility to seek justice and cleansing, as they were the leaders and spiritual guides of the city, much like the role of elders in Acts 20:17 and 1 Timothy 5:17.

How does this ritual relate to the concept of bloodguiltiness in the Bible?

The ritual in Deuteronomy 21:3-9 addressed the defilement of the land due to bloodshed, emphasizing the importance of atonement and cleansing, as also seen in Numbers 35:33-34 and Psalm 106:38.

What can we learn from this ancient ritual about God's view of human life and violence?

This ritual highlights God's abhorrence of violence and murder, as well as His desire for justice and purification, reflecting the value He places on human life, as stated in Genesis 9:6 and Exodus 20:13.

Reflection Questions

What does this verse reveal about God's concern for justice and the sanctity of human life?
How can I, as a believer, reflect God's heart for justice and compassion in my own community?
In what ways can I, like the elders in this verse, take responsibility for promoting purity and righteousness in my own sphere of influence?
What does the use of a heifer that has never been yoked or used for work teach me about the importance of humility and surrender in my relationship with God?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 21:3

And it shall be, that the city which is next unto the slain man,.... And so suspected, as the Targum of Jonathan, of the murder; or the murderer is in it, or however belonged to it: even the elders

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 21:3

Then thy elders and thy judges shall come forth, and they shall measure unto the cities which are round about him that is slain: No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:3

A fit vicegerent and representative of the murderer, in whose stead it was killed, who by this act hath shown himself to be a son of Belial, who would not bear the yoke of God’ s law. A type also of Christ, who was obliged to no work, and under no yoke, but what he had voluntarily taken upon himself.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:3

Deuteronomy 21:3 And it shall be, [that] the city [which is] next unto the slain man, even the elders of that city shall take an heifer, which hath not been wrought with, [and] which hath not drawn in the yoke;Ver. 3. Shall take a heifer.] Signifying Christ, who is the propitiation for his people’ s sins,

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:3

XXI. Deuteronomy 21:1-9. .(1) If one be found slain—It is remarkable that in our own time the most effectual remedy against outrages of which the perpetrators cannot be discovered is a fine upon the district in which they occur. (2) Thy elders and thy judges shall come forth.—Rashi says these were to be special commissioners, members of the great Sanhedrin. (3-4) An heifer, which hath not been wrought with . . . a rough valley which is neither eared nor sown.—Rashi’s note on this is curious: “The Holy One, blessed be He! said, ‘A yearling heifer which hath borne no fruit shall come and be beheaded in a place which yieldeth no fruit, to atone for the murder of the man whom they did not suffer to bear fruit.’ Some have thought that the valley was neither to be eared (ploughed) nor sown from that time forward.” The verbs are not past in the Hebrew, and the words may bear this meaning. If so, the district in which the murder occurred would be mulcted in that portion of land for ever. (5) And the priests.—See on Deuteronomy 21:8. (7) Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it.—“Not that the chief magistrates of the city are supposed to have shed this blood; but that they have not contrived or procured the murder by any maintenance or partnership in the deed” (Rashi). We cannot but feel how impossible such solemn public declarations would be if the murderer had been harboured by the inhabitants of the place. (8) Be merciful, O Lord.—In the sense of the publican’s prayer in St. Luke 18 “be propitiated,” literally, cover. The mercy seat is the “covering” of the Law, which protects Israel from it. The sacrifices are a “covering” for the sinner from a punishment of sin. According to Rashi, the prayer in the eighth verse is spoken by the priests; and it seems probable enough. No part in the transaction is assigned to them, unless it be this. And their presence was certainly necessary. And the blood shall be forgiven them.—Literally, shall be covered for them. Not the same expression as Leviticus 4:20; Leviticus 4:26; Leviticus 4:31; Leviticus 4:35. But we can hardly follow the Jewish commentators into the question whether, if the perpetrator of the murder were afterwards discovered, the blood of the heifer which had been shed already could be allowed to atone for it, so that the murderer need not be punished.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 21:3

3. and it shall be, etc.] Lit. and it shall be as regards the city which … that the elders of that city shall take, etc. Similar construction in Deuteronomy 12:11, Deuteronomy 18:19. an heifer of the herd] 1 Samuel 16:2, Genesis 15:9 (a three year old) for sacrifice. which hath not been wrought with] Heifers were used for work, Judges 14:18, Hosea 10:11, Jeremiah 50:11, but this one, destined for a sacred use, must not have been so profaned: cp. Deuteronomy 15:19, of firstlings, Numbers 19:2, of the red heifer.

Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 21:3

The requirements as regards place and victim are symbolic. The heifer represented the murderer, so far at least as to die in his stead, since he himself could not be found.

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:3

3. The city which is next unto the slain man — The nearest city was to expiate the bloodguiltiness.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 21:3

	Sermon	Description
	The Efficacy of Redemption by Watchman Nee	Watchman Nee emphasizes the unique role of the red heifer in the sacrificial system of Israel, highlighting that while other sacrifices addressed immediate needs, the red heifer wa
	The Revival Hymn by Compilations	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the mission to spread the word of God. He shares a story about the Moravian missions and how their purpose was for the land
	Effectual Fervent Prayer by Corrie Ten Boom	In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing their reliance on God's strength and their desire to be a channel for His living water. They then pray for various individuals, inc
	A Man of God by Leonard Ravenhill	This sermon reflects on a 70-year journey of faith, witnessing various church tragedies and worldly events, yet remaining steadfast by looking up to Jesus, reading the Word, and fo
	Reading From the Beatitudes by D.L. Moody	D.L. Moody emphasizes the profound blessings found in the Beatitudes, particularly focusing on the comfort promised to those who mourn and the meek. He explains that mourning signi
	Aaron's Failure by Duncan Campbell	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of his daughter giving a testimony before leaving for Nepal. She attributes her faith and presence at the meeting to her pa
	The Voice of the Holy Spirit by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the state of being lost that humanity is in. He describes how people are lost inwardly and unaware of their lostness. The preacher also crit