Deuteronomy 21:9
Deuteronomy 21:9 in Multiple Translations
So you shall purge from among you the guilt of shedding innocent blood, since you have done what is right in the eyes of the LORD.
So shalt thou put away the guilt of innocent blood from among you, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the LORD.
So shalt thou put away the innocent blood from the midst of thee, when thou shalt do that which is right in the eyes of Jehovah.
So you will take away the crime of a death without cause from among you, when you do what is right in the eyes of the Lord.
This is how you are to remove from yourselves the guilt of shedding innocent blood, since you have done what is right in the Lord's sight.
So shalt thou take away the cry of innocet blood from thee, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the Lord.
and thou dost put away the innocent blood out of thy midst, for thou dost that which [is] right in the eyes of Jehovah.
So you shall put away the innocent blood from among you, when you shall do that which is right in the LORD’s eyes.
So shalt thou remove the guilt of innocent blood from among you, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the LORD.
And thou shalt be free from the innocent’s blood, that was shed, when thou shalt have done what the Lord hath commanded thee.
By doing that, you will be doing what Yahweh considers to be right, and you will not be considered to be guilty for murdering that person.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 21:9
BAB
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 21:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אַתָּ֗ה
תְּבַעֵ֛ר
הַ/דָּ֥ם
הַ/נָּקִ֖י
מִ/קִּרְבֶּ֑/ךָ
כִּֽי
תַעֲשֶׂ֥ה
הַ/יָּשָׁ֖ר
בְּ/עֵינֵ֥י
יְהוָֽה
וְ/אַתָּ֗ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
תְּבַעֵ֛ר
bâʻar
H1197
to burn
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
הַ/דָּ֥ם
dâm
H1818
blood
Art | N-ms
הַ/נָּקִ֖י
nâqîy
H5355
innocent
Art | Adj
מִ/קִּרְבֶּ֑/ךָ
qereb
H7130
entrails
Prep | N-ms | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תַעֲשֶׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
הַ/יָּשָׁ֖ר
yâshâr
H3477
Jashar
Art | Adj
בְּ/עֵינֵ֥י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 21:9
וְ/אַתָּ֗ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
תְּבַעֵ֛ר
bâʻar
H1197
"to burn"
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
To be brutish means to be stupid or barbarous, and can also refer to consuming something by fire or eating. It is used to describe someone who is dull-hearted or unreceptive.
Definition: : burn/ignite 1) to burn, consume, kindle, be kindled 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to begin to burn, be kindled, start burning 1a2) to burn, be burning 1a3) to burn, consume 1a4) Jehovah's wrath, human wrath (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to kindle, burn 1b2) to consume, remove (of guilt) (fig.) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to kindle 1c2) to burn up 1c3) to consume (destroy) 1d) (Pual) to burn
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: be brutish, bring (put, take) away, burn, (cause to) eat (up), feed, heat, kindle, set (on fire), waste. See also: Exodus 3:2; Psalms 39:4; Psalms 2:12.
הַ/דָּ֥ם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
Art | N-ms
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
הַ/נָּקִ֖י
nâqîy
H5355
"innocent"
Art | Adj
Innocent or guiltless, this word is used to describe someone who is morally clean or free from blame, such as Noah in Genesis 6:9. It emphasizes a person's integrity and moral purity.
Definition: 1) clean, free from, exempt, clear, innocent 1a) free from guilt, clean, innocent 1b) free from punishment 1c) free or exempt from obligations Also means: na.qi (נָקִיא "innocent" H5355B)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: blameless, clean, clear, exempted, free, guiltless, innocent, quit. See also: Genesis 24:41; Job 9:23; Psalms 10:8.
מִ/קִּרְבֶּ֑/ךָ
qereb
H7130
"entrails"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
תַעֲשֶׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
הַ/יָּשָׁ֖ר
yâshâr
H3477
"Jashar"
Art | Adj
Jashar refers to being straight or just, like doing what is convenient and right. A man named Jashar lived before Israel's monarchy, as mentioned in Joshua 10:13. He wrote a book of poetry and songs, now lost.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 15:26; Psalms 32:11; Psalms 7:11.
בְּ/עֵינֵ֥י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 21:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 21:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 21:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 21:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:9
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 21:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:9
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 21:9
Context — Atonement for an Unsolved Murder
7and they shall declare, “Our hands did not shed this blood, nor did our eyes see it.
8Accept this atonement, O LORD, for Your people Israel whom You have redeemed, and do not hold the shedding of innocent blood against them.” And the bloodshed will be atoned for.
9So you shall purge from among you the guilt of shedding innocent blood, since you have done what is right in the eyes of the LORD.
10When you go to war against your enemies and the LORD your God delivers them into your hand and you take them captive, 11if you see a beautiful woman among them, and you desire her and want to take her as your wife,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 19:12–13 | the elders of his city must send for him, bring him back, and hand him over to the avenger of blood to die. You must show him no pity. You are to purge from Israel the guilt of shedding innocent blood, that it may go well with you. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 10:30–31 | Nevertheless, the LORD said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in carrying out what is right in My sight and have done to the house of Ahab all that was in My heart, four generations of your sons will sit on the throne of Israel.” Yet Jehu was not careful to follow the instruction of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam had caused Israel to commit. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 13:18 | because you obey the LORD your God, keeping all His commandments I am giving you today and doing what is right in the eyes of the LORD your God. |
Deuteronomy 21:9 Summary
[This verse is saying that when the Israelites did what was right in God's eyes, they were able to purge the guilt of shedding innocent blood from among them, which means they were able to make things right with God and with the victims' families. This is similar to what happens when we confess our sins to God and ask for forgiveness, as seen in 1 John 1:9. By doing what is right, the Israelites were able to maintain a good relationship with God and with each other. This verse reminds us that our actions have consequences, and that we must take responsibility for them, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'purge from among you the guilt of shedding innocent blood'?
This means that the Israelites were to take responsibility for ensuring that justice was served when innocent blood was shed, as seen in Deuteronomy 21:7-8, and to make atonement for it, so that they might remain right with God, as stated in Deuteronomy 21:9.
Why is it important to do 'what is right in the eyes of the LORD'?
Doing what is right in God's eyes is crucial because it demonstrates our obedience and love for Him, as expressed in John 14:15, and it also ensures that we remain in a right relationship with Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 21:9.
How does this verse relate to the concept of atonement in the Bible?
This verse is connected to the idea of atonement, as the Israelites were to make atonement for the shedding of innocent blood, which is a theme that continues throughout the Bible, including in the book of Leviticus, such as Leviticus 17:11, and ultimately finds its fulfillment in the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross, as described in Romans 3:25.
What is the significance of the phrase 'since you have done what is right in the eyes of the LORD'?
This phrase highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, as it shows that the Israelites' actions were in line with God's will, and it is a reminder that our obedience is pleasing to Him, as stated in Colossians 3:20, and is a key aspect of our relationship with Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can ensure that I am doing what is right in God's eyes, and how can I apply this principle to my everyday life?
- How can I balance the need for justice with the need for mercy and compassion, as seen in this verse and in other parts of the Bible, such as Matthew 5:7?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be contributing to the shedding of innocent blood, whether physically or spiritually, and how can I make amends and seek forgiveness?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and justice, even when I don't understand the circumstances surrounding the shedding of innocent blood, and how can I find comfort in His presence, as described in Psalm 23:4?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 21:9
So shalt thou put away the guilt of innocent blood from among you,.... Which otherwise, the person not being found out, and brought to just punishment for it, would devolve upon the whole.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 21:9
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.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:9
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 21:9
9. So shalt thou put away] Heb. and thou, thou shalt put away, an emphatic variation of the formula with which D usually closes similar laws (see Deuteronomy 13:5, (6), Deuteronomy 19:13, etc.), as if he only now resumed his own words. when thou shalt do, etc.] To make the construction right we should prefix to this clause, the words that it may be well with thee. See Deuteronomy 6:18.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:9
FORMS TO BE WHEN ONE WAS FOUND SLAIN, Deuteronomy 21:1-9.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 21:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Revival in Our World by Stephen Olford | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the theme of revival in our world today. He highlights the current state of society, characterized by exploitation, division, immorality, and |