Deuteronomy 21:4 nasb — and the elders of that city shall bring the heifer down to a valley with running water, which has not been plowed or so…

NASB

"and the elders of that city shall bring the heifer down to a valley with running water, which has not been plowed or sown, and shall break the heifer's neck there in the valley."

— Deuteronomy 21:4, NASB

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Deuteronomy 21:4 in Other Translations

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Deuteronomy 21 — Context

1

"If a slain person is found lying in the open country in the land which the LORD your God gives you to possess, and it is not known who has struck him,

2

then your elders and your judges shall go out and measure the distance to the cities which are around the slain one.

3

"It shall be that the city which is nearest to the slain man, that is, the elders of that city, shall take a heifer of the herd, which has not been worked and which has not pulled in a yoke;

4

and the elders of that city shall bring the heifer down to a valley with running water, which has not been plowed or sown, and shall break the heifer's neck there in the valley.

5

"Then the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come near, for the LORD your God has chosen them to serve Him and to bless in the name of the LORD; and every dispute and every assault shall be settled by them.

6

"All the elders of that city which is nearest to the slain man shall wash their hands over the heifer whose neck was broken in the valley;

7

and they shall answer and say, 'Our hands did not shed this blood, nor did our eyes see it.

Deuteronomy 21:4 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Deuteronomy 21:4 say?
Deuteronomy 21:4 in the NASB reads: “and the elders of that city shall bring the heifer down to a valley with running water, which has not been plowed or sown, and shall break the heifer's neck there in the valley.”
Where is Deuteronomy 21:4 in the Bible?
Deuteronomy 21:4 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 21, verse 4.
Who wrote Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). Largely framed as Moses' farewell speeches; the closing chapter narrating his death was likely added by Joshua or a later editor. It was written c. 1406 BC.
What is the book of Deuteronomy about?
Deuteronomy is Moses' final sermons to Israel before they enter the Promised Land — a renewed call to love and obey the LORD. It re-states the Law, rehearses Israel's history, and lays before the people blessing for obedience and curse for rebellion.
What are the major themes of Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy explores themes including Covenant, Love, Obedience, Remembrance, Blessing & Curse. These themes shape the meaning and context of Deuteronomy 21:4.
What translation should I read Deuteronomy 21:4 in?
Deuteronomy 21:4 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Deuteronomy 21:4?
Deuteronomy 21:4 reads (NASB): “and the elders of that city shall bring the heifer down to a valley with running water, which has not been plowed or sown, and shall break the heifer's neck there in the valley.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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