# refuge, refugee, shelter, sheltered

## Definition:

The term “refuge” refers to a place or condition of safety and protection. A “refugee” is someone who is seeking a safe place. A “shelter” refers to a place that can protect from weather or danger.

* In the Bible, God is often referred to as a refuge where his people can be safe, protected, and cared for.
* The term “city of refuge” in the Old Testament referred to one of several cities where a person who accidentally killed someone could go for protection from people who would attack them in revenge.
* A “shelter” is often a physical structure such as a building or roof that can provide protection to people or animals.
* Sometimes “shelter” means “protection,” as when Lot said that his guests were “under the shelter” of his roof. He was saying that they should be safe because he was taking responsibility to protect them as members of his household.

## Translation Suggestions:

* The term “refuge” could be translated as “safe place” or “place of protection.”
* “Refugees” are people leaving their home to escape from a dangerous situation, and could be translated as “aliens,” “homeless people,” or “exiles.” 
* Depending on the context, the term “shelter” could be translated as “something that protects” or “protection” or “protected place.”
* If it refers to a physical structure, “shelter” could also be translated as “protective building” or “house of safety.”
* The phrase “into safe shelter” could be translated as “into a safe place” or “into a place that will protect.”
* To “find shelter” or to “take shelter” or to “take refuge” could be translated as to “find a place of safety” or to “put oneself in a protected place.”

## Bible References:

* [2 Samuel 22:3-4](rc://en/tn/help/2sa/22/03)
* [Deuteronomy 32:37-38](rc://en/tn/help/deu/32/37)
* [Isaiah 23:14](rc://en/tn/help/isa/23/14)
* [Jeremiah 16:19](rc://en/tn/help/jer/16/19)
* [Numbers 35:24-25](rc://en/tn/help/num/35/24)
* [Psalm 046:01](rc://en/tn/help/psa/046/01)
* [Psalms 028:08](rc://en/tn/help/psa/028/08)

## Word Data:

* Strong’s: H2620, H4268, H4498, H4585, H4733, H4869
