Exodus 21:14

12 He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.

13 And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.

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.

15 And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death.

16 And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.

This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
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.
KJV
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.
WEB
If a man schemes and comes presumptuously on his neighbor to kill him, you shall take him from my altar, that he may die.
ASV
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.
DARBY
But if a man act wantonly toward his neighbour, and slay him with guile, thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.
BLB
But if a man acts presumptuously against his neighbor to kill him by treachery, you shall take him away from My altar to die.
ÅB
Men om noen bærer seg så formastelig at, at han dreper sin neste med svik, da skal du ta ham om det så var fra mitt alter: han skal dø.
OTB
Men hvis noen handler med ond hensikt for å drepe sin nabo, skal du ta ham selv fra Mitt alter for å bli dømt til døden.
B1930
Men om nogen bærer sig så formastelig at, at han dreper sin næste med svik, da skal du ta ham om det så var fra mitt alter: han skal dø.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • 1 Kings 2:28–34

    Then tidings came to Joab: for Joab had turned after Adonijah, though he turned not after Absalom. And Joab fled unto the tabernacle of the LORD, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.

    Read in context
  • Hebrews 10:26

    For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

    Read in context
  • Deuteronomy 1:43

    So I spake unto you; and ye would not hear, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD, and went presumptuously up into the hill.

    Read in context
  • 1 Kings 1:50–51

    And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.

    Read in context
  • Numbers 15:30–31

    But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

    Read in context
  • Numbers 35:20–21

    But if he thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die;

    Read in context
  • Psalms 19:13

    Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

    Read in context
  • 2 Samuel 20:9–10

    And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.

    Read in context