Definition: Lest the avenger of the blood pursue the slayer, while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and slay him; whereas he [was] not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Deuteronomy 19:6. It’s a bit complex, but I'll try to make it easy to understand. Here’s the explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse deals with a situation where someone who kills another person is facing danger – potentially even death. It’s about protecting those who are involved in taking a life and ensuring justice is done fairly. Let's look at the parts: “Lest the avenger of the blood pursue the slayer…” This is the core of the problem. "The avenger of the blood" refers to someone who is looking for revenge for a killing. The verse is asking: “What if this person, seeking revenge, tries to catch up with the person who killed them?” “…while his heart is hot…” This means that the person right now is feeling intense anger and rage – they're on the verge of acting violently. Their emotions are making them act impulsively. “and overtake him, because the way is long…” The “way” refers to the process of pursuing someone – it’s a long and difficult journey. The verse emphasizes that this isn’t a quick or easy task. “…slay him; whereas he [was] not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past.” This is the key part. The person who was killed didn't deserve to die. It’s because they were not truly deserving of death. However, it also means that this person wasn't completely deserving of death before the killing happened. The verse says: “He hated him not in time past – meaning he didn't hate him before the act.” Putting it all together: This verse is saying that if someone who kills another is acting out of anger and is on the verge of violence, it’s wrong for them to pursue the person they killed. It's a warning against taking revenge that could lead to harm or injustice. It's about protecting those involved in taking a life and ensuring justice is served fairly. In essence, it’s a call to be careful and consider the consequences of violence. Why is this passage important? This verse is often interpreted as emphasizing the importance of justice and fairness in dealing with those who take lives. It reminds us that taking a life is a serious matter that should be handled with care and consideration for all involved, especially the victim. --- Disclaimer: I'm an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on common interpretations of scripture. If you need a deeper understanding, it’s always best to consult with a religious leader or expert in biblical studies. Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context of this passage? Compare it to another Bible passage?