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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

Deuteronomy 21:1–6

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
IF one be found slain in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee to possess it, lying in the field, and it be not known who hath slain him:
Then thy elders and thy judges shall come forth, and they shall measure unto the cities which are round about him that is slain:
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;
And the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer unto a rough valley, which is neither eared nor sown, and shall strike off the heifer’s neck there in the valley:
And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the Lord thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the Lord; and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be tried:
And all the elders of that city, that are next unto the slain man, shall wash their hands over the heifer that is beheaded in the valley:
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PASSAGE SELECTION

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Choose up to 10 verses in this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

23 Essential passages are open for comparison.

Reference depth

From verse 1

  1. Isaiah 26:21Rank 1 from verse 1
    Open

    21For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.

  2. Acts 28:4Rank 2 from verse 1
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    4And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.

  3. Proverbs 28:17Rank 3 from verse 1
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    17A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

  4. Psalms 5:6Rank 4 from verse 1
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    6Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.

  5. Psalms 9:12Rank 5 from verse 1
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    12When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.

From verse 2

  1. Deuteronomy 16:18–19Rank 1 from verse 2
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    18¶ Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.

    19Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.

  2. Romans 13:3–4Rank 2 from verse 2
    Open

    3For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

    4For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

From verse 3

  1. Numbers 19:2Rank 1 from verse 3
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    2This is the ordinance of the law which the Lord hath commanded, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke:

  2. Jeremiah 31:18Rank 2 from verse 3
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    18¶ I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the Lord my God.

  3. Matthew 11:28–30Rank 3 from verse 3
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    28¶ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

    29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

    30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

  4. Philippians 2:8Rank 4 from verse 3
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    8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

From verse 4

  1. 1 Peter 2:21–24Rank 1 from verse 4
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    21For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

    22Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

    23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

    24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

  2. 1 Peter 3:18Rank 2 from verse 4
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    18For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

From verse 5

  1. 1 Chronicles 23:13Rank 1 from verse 5
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    13The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses: and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, to burn incense before the Lord, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever.

  2. Deuteronomy 10:8Rank 2 from verse 5
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    8¶ At that time the Lord separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the Lord, to stand before the Lord to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.

  3. Malachi 2:7Rank 3 from verse 5
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    7For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.

  4. Deuteronomy 19:17Rank 4 from verse 5
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    17Then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the Lord, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days;

  5. Deuteronomy 18:5Rank 5 from verse 5
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    5For the Lord thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the Lord, him and his sons for ever.

From verse 6

  1. Psalms 26:6Rank 1 from verse 6
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    6I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O Lord:

  2. Psalms 73:13Rank 2 from verse 6
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    13Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.

  3. Hebrews 9:10Rank 3 from verse 6
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    10Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

  4. Jeremiah 2:22Rank 4 from verse 6
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    22For though thou wash thee with nitre, and take thee much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord God.

  5. Job 9:30Rank 5 from verse 6
    Open

    30If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean;

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

Deuteronomy 21:1

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

land

↗

Sense 1: The ground or earth; a country, territory, or region. Sense 2: To set or come on shore.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

which

↗

1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

lying

↗

1. Reclining, resting, remaining, or being situated in a place. 2. Speaking or representing what is false or deceptive. 3. Lying with a person; having sexual intercourse.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Deuteronomy 21:2

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

forth

↗

1. Outward, away, or forward from a place, person, possession, or former position. 2. In constructions of bearing or producing, into birth, growth, fruit, or another stated result. 3. With verbs such as put, stretch, spread, or reach, outward by extension or exertion. 4. In constructions of showing, speaking, issuing, or displaying, into view, expression, publication, or effect. 5. Onward from a stated time or point, as in from that time forth.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

measure

↗

Sense 1: A standard or instrument for determining amount or size; an amount so determined. Sense 2: To determine, allot, or proportion.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

which

↗

1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

about

↗

1. Around or near in place, position, or movement; on every side, in a circuit, from place to place, or turned from one direction or state toward another. 2. Approximately in number, measure, distance, or time. 3. Concerning, occupied with, or engaged in a matter. 4. On the point of, intending, or attempting an action.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Deuteronomy 21:3

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

which

↗

1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

next

↗

Nearest or immediately succeeding in place, time, order, or turn.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

man

↗

1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

even

↗

1. Used to emphasize, include, or precisely identify what is meant: indeed, precisely, or namely. 2. Used to mark a boundary, endpoint, or full reach in place, time, or degree: up to, as far as, or through. 3. In ‘even as,’ ‘even so,’ and like constructions, just as, exactly so, or in the same manner. 4. The evening, or close of day. 5. Equal, level, identical, balanced, or uniform.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

take

↗

To receive, seize, carry, accept, choose, or lay hold of.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

COMBINED MEANING

wrought

↗

Worked, laboured, acted, made, formed, fashioned, performed, produced, or brought about.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

drawn

↗

1. Pulled or dragged. 2. Brought, led, or attracted. 3. Taken out or extracted. 4. Marked out in a line.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

yoke

↗

Sense 1: A frame fitted to the necks of draft animals, joining them for work. Sense 2: A pair of animals so joined. Sense 3: A bond, burden, service, or condition of subjection.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

Deuteronomy 21:4

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

rough

↗

Uneven, rugged, or not smooth; by extension, coarse, harsh, or violent.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

which

↗

1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

neither

↗

1. Also not; nor, introducing or joining a further negative statement or prohibition. 2. Not either, or none, of the alternatives named, commonly in a neither ... nor construction.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

sown

↗

1. Scattered or planted as seed. 2. By figure, imparted, spread, or laid down.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

strike

↗

1. To hit, smite, or make forceful contact, including striking off or through. 2. To apply something by a striking motion. 3. To strike hands: to clasp hands in pledge or surety.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Deuteronomy 21:5

COMBINED MEANING

priests

↗

Persons set apart to religious service, sanctuary duty, sacrifice, intercession, teaching, or representation before a deity.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

Levi

↗

Levi, a son of Jacob and ancestor of the tribe bearing his name.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

minister

↗

Sense 1: As a noun, one who serves, attends, or executes an appointed charge or office. Sense 2: As a verb, to serve, attend, or perform service. Sense 3: To give, afford, supply, convey, or cause what is named to be supplied.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

bless

↗

To pronounce or bestow good, favor, or happiness; to praise, thank, or glorify God.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

name

↗

Sense 1: A word, appellation, or designation by which a person or thing is called or known. Sense 2: The person or persons named or represented. Sense 3: Reputation, character, renown, or remembrance. Sense 4: The authority, behalf, or standing represented by a name. Sense 5: As a verb, to call, designate, or mention by name.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

word

↗

Sense 1: A spoken or written expression, saying, message, command, promise, report, or matter. Sense 2: God's revealed word.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

every

↗

Each individual or member of the class, group, place, time, side, or kind named; all distributively.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

stroke

↗

1. A blow or act of striking. 2. A wound or affliction resulting from a blow.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

Deuteronomy 21:6

COMBINED MEANING

next

↗

Nearest or immediately succeeding in place, time, order, or turn.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

man

↗

1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

wash

↗

To cleanse with water or another liquid; to bathe or cause water to pass over.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

hands

↗

Sense 1: The end parts of the arms used for holding and working. Sense 2: Figures of power, possession, agency, or aid.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

READ THE PASSAGE

View in context

Suggested context · Deuteronomy 21:1–9

The selected passage is highlighted. Context is a study aid.

21:1IF one be found slain in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee to possess it, lying in the field, and it be not known who hath slain him:

Selected passage

21:2Then thy elders and thy judges shall come forth, and they shall measure unto the cities which are round about him that is slain:

Selected passage

21:3And 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;

Selected passage

21:4And the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer unto a rough valley, which is neither eared nor sown, and shall strike off the heifer’s neck there in the valley:

Selected passage

21:5And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the Lord thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the Lord; and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be tried:

Selected passage

21:6And all the elders of that city, that are next unto the slain man, shall wash their hands over the heifer that is beheaded in the valley:

Selected passage

21:7And they shall answer and say, Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it.

21:8Be merciful, O Lord, unto thy people Israel, whom thou hast redeemed, and lay not innocent blood unto thy people of Israel’s charge. And the blood shall be forgiven them.

21:9So 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.

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