Manslayer
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Manslayer in the Bible?
A legal term in ancient Israelite law denoting an individual responsible for homicide without premeditated intent, who was granted asylum in specific cities to avoid blood vengeance.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this distinction clarifies the biblical legal framework's differentiation between murder and manslaughter, revealing how ancient Israel balanced justice with protection against vigilante retribution.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Manslayer. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Manslayer in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Manslayer clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Manslayer." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/manslayer/