CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 35:19 The avenger of blood is to put the murderer to death; when he finds him, he is to kill him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/35-19.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/04_Num_35_19.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 35:19 - Six Cities of Refuge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The avenger of blood is to put the murderer to death; when he finds him, he is to kill him." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/35-19.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/35-19.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/35.htm">Chapter 35</a> > Verse 19</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad19.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/35-18.htm" title="Numbers 35:18">◄</a> Numbers 35:19 <a href="/numbers/35-20.htm" title="Numbers 35:20">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/numbers/35.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/numbers/35.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death; when the avenger comes upon the murderer, the avenger shall put the murderer to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/35.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The victim’s nearest relative is responsible for putting the murderer to death. When they meet, the avenger must put the murderer to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/35.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The avenger of blood shall himself put the murderer to death; when he meets him, he shall put him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/35.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The avenger of blood is to put the murderer to death; when he finds him, he is to kill him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/35.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/35.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The avenger of blood himself shall put the murderer to death; when he meets him, he shall put him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/35.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The blood avenger himself shall put the murderer to death; he himself shall put him to death when he meets him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/35.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8216The blood avenger himself shall put the murderer to death; he shall put him to death when he meets him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/35.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />‘The blood avenger himself shall put the murderer to death; he shall put him to death when he meets him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/35.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The blood avenger himself shall put the murderer to death; he shall put him to death when he meets him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/35.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The blood avenger shall himself put the murderer to death; he shall put him to death when he meets him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/35.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The avenger of blood himself is to kill the murderer; when he finds him, he is to kill him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/35.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The avenger of blood himself is to kill the murderer; when he finds him, he is to kill him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/35.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The avenger of blood shall himself put the murderer to death: when he meeteth him, he shall put him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/35.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />by one of the victim's relatives. He will take revenge for his relative's death as soon as he finds you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/35.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The avenger of blood shall himself put the manslayer to death: when he meeteth him, he shall put him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/35.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The relative who can avenge the death must make sure a murderer is put to death. When he catches up with the murderer, he must kill him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/35.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The dead person's nearest relative has the responsibility for putting the murderer to death. When he finds you, he is to kill you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/35.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The blood avenger himself is to execute the murderer. When he meets him, the blood avenger is to put him to death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/35.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The avenger of blood is to put the murderer to death; when he finds him, he is to kill him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/35.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The avenger of blood himself must kill the murderer; when he meets him, he must kill him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/35.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The avenger of blood shall himself put the murderer to death: when he meets him, he shall put him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/35.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The avenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/35.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The avenger of blood shall himself put the murderer to death. When he meets him, he shall put him to death. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/35.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The redeemer of blood puts the murderer to death himself; in his coming against him he puts him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/35.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'The redeemer of blood himself doth put the murderer to death; in his coming against him he doth put him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/35.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The nearest relative of blood he shall kill the slayer: in his meeting him he shall kill him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/35.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The kinsman of him that was slain, shall kill the murderer: as soon as he apprehendeth him, he shall kill him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/35.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The close relative of the deceased shall put to death the murderer; as soon as he apprehends him, he shall put him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/35.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The avenger of blood is the one who will kill the murderer, putting the individual to death on sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/35.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The avenger of blood is the one who shall put the murderer to death; when they meet, the avenger of blood shall execute the sentence.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/35.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The avenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer when he meets him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/35.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The seeker of vengeance of blood shall kill the murderer when he meets him.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/35.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The avenger of blood shall himself put the murderer to death; when he meeteth him, he shall put him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/35.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The avenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: whensoever he shall meet him he shall slay him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/35-19.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=10874" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/35.htm">Six Cities of Refuge</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">18</span>If anyone has in his hand a deadly object of wood, and he strikes and kills another, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death. <span class="reftext">19</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1350.htm" title="1350: gō·’êl (V-Qal-Prtcpl-msc) -- To redeem, act as kinsman. A primitive root, to redeem, i.e. To be the next of kin.">The avenger</a> <a href="/hebrew/1818.htm" title="1818: had·dām (Art:: N-ms) -- Blood. From damam; blood of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively bloodshed.">of blood</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7523.htm" title="7523: hā·rō·ṣê·aḥ (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To murder, slay. A primitive root; properly, to dash in pieces, i.e. Kill, especially to murder.">is to put the murderer</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: yā·mîṯ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">to death;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6293.htm" title="6293: bə·p̄iḡ·‘ōw- (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3ms) -- To meet, encounter, reach. A primitive root; to impinge, by accident or violence, or by importunity.">when he finds</a> <a href="/hebrew/ḇōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">he</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: yə·mî·ṯen·nū (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms:: 3mse) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">is to kill him.</a> </span><span class="reftext">20</span>Likewise, if anyone maliciously pushes another or intentionally throws an object at him and kills him,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-12.htm">Deuteronomy 19:12</a></span><br />the elders of his city must send for him, bring him back, and hand him over to the avenger of blood to die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Joshua 20:3-5</a></span><br />so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood. / When someone flees to one of these cities, stands at the entrance of the city gate, and states his case before its elders, they are to bring him into the city and give him a place to live among them. / Now if the avenger of blood pursues him, they must not surrender the manslayer into his hand, because that man killed his neighbor accidentally without prior malice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/21-12.htm">Exodus 21:12-14</a></span><br />Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death. / If, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee. / But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/24-17.htm">Leviticus 24:17</a></span><br />And if a man takes the life of anyone else, he must surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Deuteronomy 19:6</a></span><br />Otherwise, the avenger of blood might pursue the manslayer in a rage, overtake him if the distance is great, and strike him dead though he did not deserve to die, since he did not intend any harm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/14-7.htm">2 Samuel 14:7</a></span><br />Now the whole clan has risen up against your maidservant and said, ‘Hand over the one who struck down his brother, that we may put him to death for the life of the brother whom he killed. Then we will cut off the heir as well!’ So they would extinguish my one remaining ember by not preserving my husband’s name or posterity on the earth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/9-6.htm">Genesis 9:6</a></span><br />Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-28.htm">1 Kings 2:28-34</a></span><br />When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-11.htm">Deuteronomy 19:11-13</a></span><br />If, however, a man hates his neighbor and lies in wait, attacks him and kills him, and then flees to one of these cities, / the elders of his city must send for him, bring him back, and hand him over to the avenger of blood to die. / You must show him no pity. You are to purge from Israel the guilt of shedding innocent blood, that it may go well with you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/3-27.htm">2 Samuel 3:27</a></span><br />When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">Matthew 5:21</a></span><br />You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Romans 13:4</a></span><br />For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-24.htm">Acts 7:24</a></span><br />And when he saw one of them being mistreated, Moses went to his defense and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian who was oppressing him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-52.htm">Matthew 26:52</a></span><br />“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/13-10.htm">Revelation 13:10</a></span><br />“If anyone is destined for captivity, into captivity he will go; if anyone is to die by the sword, by the sword he must be killed.” Here is a call for the perseverance and faith of the saints.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meets him, he shall slay him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/35-12.htm">Numbers 35:12,21,24,27</a></b></br> And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Deuteronomy 19:6,12</a></b></br> 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 <i>was</i> not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Joshua 20:3,5</a></b></br> That the slayer that killeth <i>any</i> person unawares <i>and</i> unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/35-12.htm">Avenger</a> <a href="/numbers/23-24.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/numbers/35-18.htm">Death</a> <a href="/numbers/35-18.htm">Life</a> <a href="/numbers/11-23.htm">Meeteth</a> <a href="/genesis/32-17.htm">Meets</a> <a href="/numbers/35-18.htm">Murderer</a> <a href="/numbers/35-12.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/numbers/5-8.htm">Redeemer</a> <a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Revenger</a> <a href="/numbers/35-12.htm">Right</a> <a href="/numbers/31-7.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/numbers/35-18.htm">Taker</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/35-21.htm">Avenger</a> <a href="/numbers/35-21.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/numbers/35-21.htm">Death</a> <a href="/numbers/35-21.htm">Life</a> <a href="/numbers/35-21.htm">Meeteth</a> <a href="/numbers/35-21.htm">Meets</a> <a href="/numbers/35-21.htm">Murderer</a> <a href="/numbers/35-24.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/numbers/35-24.htm">Redeemer</a> <a href="/numbers/35-21.htm">Revenger</a> <a href="/numbers/35-21.htm">Right</a> <a href="/numbers/35-21.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/numbers/35-21.htm">Taker</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 35</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/35-1.htm">Forty-eight cities for the Levites, with their suburbs, and measure thereof</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/35-6.htm">Six of them are to be cities of refuge</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/35-9.htm">The laws of murder and manslaughter</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/35-31.htm">No satisfaction for murder</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/35.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/35.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The avenger of blood</b><br>In ancient Israelite society, the "avenger of blood" was typically a close relative of a murder victim. This role was part of the kinship-based justice system, where family members were responsible for ensuring justice. The Hebrew term "goel" is used, which also refers to a kinsman-redeemer, highlighting the dual role of avenging and redeeming. This concept is seen in the story of Ruth and Boaz, where Boaz acts as a redeemer. The avenger of blood was a legal figure, not acting out of personal vengeance but fulfilling a societal duty.<p><b>is to put the murderer to death</b><br>This directive was part of the Mosaic Law, which prescribed capital punishment for intentional murder, reflecting the value placed on human life made in God's image (<a href="/genesis/9-6.htm">Genesis 9:6</a>). The law distinguished between murder and manslaughter, with cities of refuge established for those who killed unintentionally (<a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Numbers 35:11-15</a>). This ensured that justice was served while preventing blood feuds and cycles of revenge. The death penalty for murder underscored the seriousness of taking a life and the need for justice.<p><b>when he finds him</b><br>The phrase implies a pursuit, indicating that the avenger of blood had the responsibility to actively seek out the murderer. This pursuit was not arbitrary but was to be conducted within the legal framework provided by the cities of refuge. The cities served as a place where the accused could seek asylum and await a fair trial (<a href="/joshua/20-4.htm">Joshua 20:4-6</a>). This system ensured that the avenger's actions were not based on impulse but on legal proceedings.<p><b>he is to kill him</b><br>The execution of justice was a communal responsibility, with the avenger acting on behalf of the community and under the law. This action was not personal vengeance but a fulfillment of divine justice as outlined in the law. The avenger's role prefigures Christ's work as both judge and redeemer, who will ultimately execute divine justice (<a href="/2_thessalonians/1-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 1:7-9</a>) while offering redemption. The balance of justice and mercy is a recurring theme in Scripture, culminating in the work of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/avenger_of_blood.htm">Avenger of Blood</a></b><br>In ancient Israel, this was typically a close relative of a person who was killed. The avenger had the responsibility to ensure justice by pursuing the murderer.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/murderer.htm">Murderer</a></b><br>The individual who has unlawfully taken the life of another person. In this context, the murderer is subject to capital punishment by the avenger of blood.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/cities_of_refuge.htm">Cities of Refuge</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, these cities are relevant to the context of <a href="/bsb/numbers/35.htm">Numbers 35</a>. They were designated places where someone accused of manslaughter could seek asylum until a fair trial.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelite_community.htm">Israelite Community</a></b><br>The broader community that upheld the laws given by God, including those concerning justice and retribution.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/mosaic_law.htm">Mosaic Law</a></b><br>The legal and moral code given to the Israelites through Moses, which includes the laws about murder and the role of the avenger of blood.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/j/justice_and_responsibility.htm">Justice and Responsibility</a></b><br>The role of the avenger of blood highlights the importance of justice and the responsibility of the community to uphold it. In modern application, this can translate to supporting a fair legal system.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/sanctity_of_life.htm">Sanctity of Life</a></b><br>The severe consequence for murder underscores the value God places on human life. Believers are called to respect and protect life in all its forms.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/mercy_and_refuge.htm">Mercy and Refuge</a></b><br>The provision of cities of refuge illustrates God's mercy and the opportunity for repentance and fair trial. Christians are encouraged to seek and offer refuge and forgiveness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_justice.htm">God's Sovereignty in Justice</a></b><br>While the avenger of blood had a role in ancient Israel, believers today are reminded that ultimate justice belongs to God, and they should trust Him to right wrongs.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a></b><br>The communal aspect of justice in ancient Israel serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability within the Christian community.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_35.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 35</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_the_avenger_system_fair_in_ancient_times.htm">How plausible is it that the avenger of blood system (Numbers 35:19) was enforced fairly in the context of ancient Near Eastern tribal justice? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who's_the_avenger_of_blood.htm">Who is the Avenger of Blood in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_infancy_gospels.htm">Who is the Avenger of Blood in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/purpose_of_biblical_cities_of_refuge.htm">What were the biblical Cities of Refuge for?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/35.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 19.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">When he meeteth him,</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, outside a city of refuge. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/35-19.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The avenger</span><br /><span class="heb">גֹּאֵ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(gō·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1350.htm">Strong's 1350: </a> </span><span class="str2">To redeem, act as kinsman</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of blood</span><br /><span class="heb">הַדָּ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(had·dām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1818.htm">Strong's 1818: </a> </span><span class="str2">Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed</span><br /><br /><span class="word">{is to put} the murderer</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרֹצֵ֑חַ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·rō·ṣê·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7523.htm">Strong's 7523: </a> </span><span class="str2">To dash in pieces, kill, to murder</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to death;</span><br /><span class="heb">יָמִ֖ית</span> <span class="translit">(yā·mîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when he finds him,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּפִגְעוֹ־</span> <span class="translit">(bə·p̄iḡ·‘ōw-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6293.htm">Strong's 6293: </a> </span><span class="str2">To impinge, by accident, violence, by importunity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he</span><br /><span class="heb">ה֥וּא</span> <span class="translit">(hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is to kill him.</span><br /><span class="heb">יְמִיתֶֽנּוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(yə·mî·ṯen·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/35-19.htm">Numbers 35:19 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/35-19.htm">Numbers 35:19 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/35-19.htm">Numbers 35:19 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/35-19.htm">Numbers 35:19 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/35-19.htm">Numbers 35:19 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/35-19.htm">Numbers 35:19 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/35-19.htm">Numbers 35:19 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/35-19.htm">Numbers 35:19 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/35-19.htm">Numbers 35:19 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/35-19.htm">Numbers 35:19 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/35-19.htm">OT Law: Numbers 35:19 The avenger of blood shall himself put (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/35-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 35:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 35:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/35-20.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 35:20"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 35:20" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>