Exodus 21:14
Exodus 21:14 in Multiple Translations
But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death.
But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.
And if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbor, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.
But if a man makes an attack on his neighbour on purpose, to put him to death by deceit, you are to take him from my altar and put him to death.
But if someone deliberately plans and purposely kills another, you must take them away from my altar and execute them.
But if a man come presumptuously vpon his neighbour to slay him with guile, thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.
'And when a man doth presume against his neighbour to slay him with subtilty, from Mine altar thou dost take him to die.
If a man schemes and comes presumptuously on his neighbor to kill him, you shall take him from my altar, that he may die.
But if a man shall come presumptuously upon his neighbor, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from my altar, that he may die.
If a man kill his neighbour on set purpose and by lying in wait for him: thou shalt take him away from my altar, that he may die.
But if someone gets angry with another person and kills him, even if the murderer runs to the altar, a place that God designated as a place to be safe, you must execute him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 21:14
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.
Exodus 21:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/כִֽי
יָזִ֥ד
אִ֛ישׁ
עַל
רֵעֵ֖/הוּ
לְ/הָרְג֣/וֹ
בְ/עָרְמָ֑ה
מֵ/עִ֣ם
מִזְבְּחִ֔/י
תִּקָּחֶ֖/נּוּ
לָ/מֽוּת
וְ/כִֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj | Conj
יָזִ֥ד
zûwd
H2102
to boil
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
אִ֛ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
רֵעֵ֖/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
N-ms | Suff
לְ/הָרְג֣/וֹ
hârag
H2026
to kill
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
בְ/עָרְמָ֑ה
ʻormâh
H6195
craftiness
Prep | N-fs
מֵ/עִ֣ם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Prep
מִזְבְּחִ֔/י
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-ms | Suff
תִּקָּחֶ֖/נּוּ
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
לָ/מֽוּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 21:14
וְ/כִֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj | 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.
יָזִ֥ד
zûwd
H2102
"to boil"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to boil over with pride or arrogance, like in Exodus when the Israelites rebelled against God. It can also mean to act presumptuously or be insolent. In the Bible, it often describes people who defy God's authority.
Definition: 1) to boil, boil up, seethe, act proudly, act presumptuously, act rebelliously, be presumptuous, be arrogant, be rebelliously proud 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act presumptuously 1a2) to deal arrogantly (with 'al') 1a3) to defy proudly (with 'el') 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to boil, seethe, act proudly 1b2) to act presumptuously, act insolently Aramaic equivalent: zud (זוּד "be proud" H2103)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: be proud, deal proudly, presume, (come) presumptuously, sod. See also: Genesis 25:29; Deuteronomy 18:20; Jeremiah 50:29.
אִ֛ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
רֵעֵ֖/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
לְ/הָרְג֣/וֹ
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
בְ/עָרְמָ֑ה
ʻormâh
H6195
"craftiness"
Prep | N-fs
This word means craftiness or trickery, but can also imply good sense or discretion. It is used in the Bible to describe both positive and negative actions.
Definition: shrewdness, craftiness, prudence
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: guile, prudence, subtilty, wilily, wisdom. See also: Exodus 21:14; Proverbs 1:4; Proverbs 8:5.
מֵ/עִ֣ם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
מִזְבְּחִ֔/י
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
N-ms | Suff
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
תִּקָּחֶ֖/נּוּ
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
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.
לָ/מֽוּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — Exodus 21:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 21:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 21:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 21:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 21:14
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 21:14
- Sermons on Exodus 21:14
Context — Personal Injury Laws
12Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death.
13If, 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.
14But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death.
15Whoever strikes his father or mother must surely be put to death. 16Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 2:28–34 | When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” And the king replied, “Do just as he says. Strike him down and bury him, and so remove from me and from the house of my father the innocent blood that Joab shed. The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army. Their blood will come back upon the heads of Joab and his descendants forever; but for David, his descendants, his house, and his throne, there shall be peace from the LORD forever.” So Benaiah son of Jehoiada went up, struck down Joab, and killed him. He was buried at his own home in the wilderness. |
| 2 | Hebrews 10:26 | If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, |
| 3 | Numbers 15:30–31 | But the person who sins defiantly, whether a native or foreigner, blasphemes the LORD. That person shall be cut off from among his people. He shall certainly be cut off, because he has despised the word of the LORD and broken His commandment; his guilt remains on him.” |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 27:24 | ‘Cursed is he who strikes down his neighbor in secret.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 1:43 | So I spoke to you, but you would not listen. You rebelled against the command of the LORD and presumptuously went up into the hill country. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 19:11–13 | If, however, a man hates his neighbor and lies in wait, attacks him and kills him, and then flees to one of these cities, 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. |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 3:27 | When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel. |
| 8 | 1 Kings 1:50–51 | But Adonijah, in fear of Solomon, got up and went to take hold of the horns of the altar. It was reported to Solomon: “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, and he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon first swear to me not to put his servant to the sword.’” |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 20:9–10 | “Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him. Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 17:12–13 | But the man who acts presumptuously, refusing to listen either to the priest who stands there to serve the LORD your God, or to the judge, must be put to death. You must purge the evil from Israel. Then all the people will hear and be afraid, and will no longer behave arrogantly. |
Exodus 21:14 Summary
This verse, Exodus 21:14, teaches us that God takes murder very seriously and that those who plan and intentionally harm others will face severe consequences. It emphasizes that seeking refuge, even in a place of worship, cannot save someone who has committed such a crime. This reminds us of the value God places on human life, as also seen in Exodus 20:13, and encourages us to respect and honor one another. By understanding this verse, we can better appreciate God's justice and mercy, and live in a way that honors Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'act willfully' against someone?
To act willfully means to intentionally and deliberately plan to harm someone, as seen in Exodus 21:14, which contrasts with accidental harm mentioned in Exodus 21:13, where God allowed it to happen.
Why does the verse mention taking the person away from God's altar?
The altar represents a place of worship and refuge, but in this case, it's emphasized that even seeking refuge at God's altar cannot save someone who has willfully committed murder, as indicated in Exodus 21:14, highlighting the seriousness of the crime.
How does this verse relate to the concept of justice in the Bible?
This verse shows that God values justice and holds people accountable for their actions, especially when it comes to taking someone's life, as also seen in Genesis 9:6, where it's written that whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed.
What is the significance of the death penalty in this verse?
The death penalty in Exodus 21:14 serves as a deterrent to murder and emphasizes the value God places on human life, as also stated in Exodus 20:13, where it says 'You shall not murder'.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I might be 'scheming' against others, even if it's not physical harm, and how can I change my actions to honor God?
- How does this verse challenge my understanding of justice and mercy, and what does it teach me about God's character?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of respecting human life, as emphasized in this verse, to my everyday interactions with others?
- What does this verse reveal about the importance of accountability and consequences for our actions, and how can I live in light of this truth?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:14
But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile,.... That comes with malice in his heart, with wrath in his countenance, in a bold, daring, hostile manner, using all the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:14
He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death. He that smiteth a man so that he die, shall be surely put to death.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 21:14
If a man come presumptuously, i.e. do this proudly, boldly, purposely, and maliciously; for so the word signifies. From mine altar, which not only in the wilderness, but afterward, seems to have been esteemed a place of refuge, , as it also was among the heathens: but God so far abhors murder, that he will rather venture the pollution of his own altar than the escape of the murderer. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 21:14
Exodus 21:14 But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.Ver. 14. Thou shalt take him, &c.] "A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let none stay him"; - where the word Adam, rendered man, hath in the original a little d, to show that a murderer is not worthy to be called a man; - he is to be drawn from the altar to the slaughter.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:14
(14) If a man come presumptuously.—Rather, if a man come maliciously, or with premeditation. (Vulg., de industria.) Thou shalt take him from mine altar.—Comp. 1 Kings 2:28-34. In most parts of the ancient world a scruple was felt about putting criminals to death when once they had taken sanctuary, and those who did so were regarded as accursed (Herod. v. 71, 72; Thucyd. i. 126; Plut. Vit. Sol., § 12). The Mosaic Law regarded this scruple as a superstition, and refused to sanction it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 21:14
Verse 14. Thou shalt take him from mine altar] Before the cities of refuge were assigned, the altar of God was the common asylum.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:14
14. But the protection of the altar is not to be extended to the wilful murderer. Cf. Deuteronomy 19:11-13; also the more detailed treatment of the case of wilful murder in the law of P (Numbers 35:16-21). from mine altar] See 1 Kings 1:50; 1 Kings 2:28, which shew that the fugitive would seize hold of the ‘horns’ (see on ch. Exodus 27:2) of the altar, in order to avail himself of its protection. The altar served as an asylum also among the Greeks (Thuc. iv. 98).
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 21:14
14. Take him from mine altar — The cases of Adonijah and Joab, as read in 1 Kings 1:50; 1 Kings 2:28, are illustrations of the prevalent notion that the altar was a place of security from violence.
Sermons on Exodus 21:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Hebrews - Part 30): Sin Willfully - No More Sacrifice by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of feeling down and encountering the Salvation Army on the street corner. The Salvation Army's song, "I need no other sacr |
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A Deadly Choice by Chuck Smith | This sermon emphasizes the importance of making the right choice regarding Jesus Christ, highlighting the biblical theme of choosing between life and death. It explores the consequ |
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(Poland) Jesus Loves Sinners by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares powerful testimonies of individuals who were living on the streets and trapped in addiction. Through the love of Jesus Christ, they experienced |
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Jehovah Raphi-the Lord That Heals by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that there is something of God that will not let go of us. He speaks of God's love, mercy, and compassion, and how He sends His servants to |
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A Fearful Thing by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consequences of denying and disobeying God. He references the story of Adam and Eve and how their actions set the stage for the fallen na |
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Learning to Hope by Francis Chan | In this sermon, Francis Chan shares a personal experience of stepping out in faith and seeing God come through. He recounts a powerful encounter with a man who had been transformed |
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(Fury of Fire) 02 - a Fury of Fire & the Vengeance of God by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following the Word of God rather than the traditions of men. He encourages the listeners to examine their beliefs and teac |