What does Deuteronomy 21:1 mean?
"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:" - Deuteronomy 21:1
Deuteronomy 21:1 (KJV) states, "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."
This verse is found in the Old Testament of the Bible and comes from the book of Deuteronomy. The book of Deuteronomy is part of the Torah, which is the first five books of the Bible and is attributed to Moses. It is a book that contains the speeches and teachings of Moses as the Israelites are about to enter the Promised Land.
In this particular verse, there are several themes at play. First, we see the theme of justice and the importance of addressing wrongdoing. The verse speaks to the scenario of a murdered individual being found in the land that God has given to the people. It emphasizes the gravity of the situation - the loss of life and the need to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
Another theme present in this verse is that of responsibility. The land is a gift from the Lord, and as such, there is an inherent responsibility for the people to uphold justice and righteousness within it. The verse suggests that it is the collective responsibility of the community to address and resolve such a grave matter.
Additionally, the verse conveys the idea of the unknown. The fact that the identity of the perpetrator is not known adds a layer of mystery and uncertainty to the situation. This can evoke a sense of unease and the need to seek out the truth, ultimately leading to the pursuit of justice.
In its broader context, this verse is part of a larger section of laws and regulations outlined in the book of Deuteronomy. These laws cover a wide range of aspects of community life, including social, legal, and ethical matters. The verse reflects the importance of maintaining order and addressing acts of violence within the community.
From a symbolic standpoint, this verse can be seen as a representation of the pursuit of justice and the quest for truth. It speaks to the need to uncover the truth and hold individuals accountable for their actions. Symbolically, it may also represent the idea of seeking closure and resolution in the face of tragedy.
In a broader theological context, this verse can be interpreted as a reflection of God's righteousness and his expectation for his people to uphold justice. It demonstrates God's concern for the welfare of his people and the establishment of a just and orderly society.
Overall, Deuteronomy 21:1 (KJV) carries important themes of justice, responsibility, and the pursuit of truth within its verses. It serves as a reminder of the moral and ethical obligations of the community and the inherent value of seeking justice and resolution in the face of wrongdoing.
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Deuteronomy 21:1 - "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:"
"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:" - Deuteronomy 21:1
Deuteronomy 1.1-21
Deuteronomy 1:21 - "Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged."
Deuteronomy 27:21 - "Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen."
Deuteronomy 21:21 - "And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear."
Deuteronomy 7:21 - "Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for the LORD thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible."
Deuteronomy 18:21 - "And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?"
Deuteronomy 21:7 - "And they shall answer and say, Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it."
Deuteronomy 21:22 - "¶ And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree:"
Deuteronomy 2:21 - "A people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims; but the LORD destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead:"
Deuteronomy 21:6 - "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:"
Deuteronomy 24:21 - "When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean it afterward: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow."
Deuteronomy 21:12 - "Then thou shalt bring her home to thine house; and she shall shave her head, and pare her nails;"
Deuteronomy 21:11 - "And seest among the captives a beautiful woman, and hast a desire unto her, that thou wouldest have her to thy wife;"
Deuteronomy 15:21 - "And if there be any blemish therein, as if it be lame, or blind, or have any ill blemish, thou shalt not sacrifice it unto the LORD thy God."
Deuteronomy 19:21 - "And thine eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot."
Deuteronomy 21:2 - "Then thy elders and thy judges shall come forth, and they shall measure unto the cities which are round about him that is slain:"
Deuteronomy 21:20 - "And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard."
Deuteronomy 10:21 - "He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen."
Deuteronomy 29:21 - "And the LORD shall separate him unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in this book of the law:"
Deuteronomy 6:21 - "Then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh's bondmen in Egypt; and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand:"
Deuteronomy 16:21 - "¶ Thou shalt not plant thee a grove of any trees near unto the altar of the LORD thy God, which thou shalt make thee."
Deuteronomy 21:9 - "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."
Deuteronomy 21:15 - "¶ If a man have two wives, one beloved, and another hated, and they have born him children, both the beloved and the hated; and if the firstborn son be hers that was hated:"
Deuteronomy 28:21 - "The LORD shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest to possess it."
Deuteronomy 32:41
Deuteronomy 21:19 - "Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place;"
Deuteronomy 21:17 - "But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his."
Deuteronomy 32:43