Joshua 20:5

WEB

If the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver up the manslayer into his hand; because he struck his neighbor unintentionally, and did not hate him before.

KJV

And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime.

Commentary

And if the avenger of blood pursue after him,.... To the city of refuge , whither he is fled, and demand him: then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hands; to be slain by him, but shall protect him: because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime; See Gill on Num 35:22 ; see Gill on Num 35:23 , and See Gill on Deu 19:6 .