Deu 21:1 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Deut 21:1-9: 21:1-9 The guilt of murder was usually removed through the death of the murderer (19:11-13 ; Num 35:30-34 ). However, if the murderer was unknown, the guilt could still be removed by using this ritual. 21:1 In contrast to the word translated murder in the Ten Commandments (see study note on 5:17), the Hebrew verb here translated murdered (literally pierced through ) indicates clear evidence that the death was not by natural causes.

a21:1-9►

b19:11-13►

cNum 35:30-34►

‏ Deuteronomy 21:1

Summary for Deut 21:1-9: 21:1-9 ^a The guilt of murder was usually removed through the death of the murderer (19:11-13 ^b; Num 35:30-34 ^c). However, if the murderer was unknown, the guilt could still be removed by using this ritual. 21:1 ^d In contrast to the word translated murder in the Ten Commandments (see study note on 5:17), the Hebrew verb here translated murdered (literally pierced through) indicates clear evidence that the death was not by natural causes.