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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://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=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Revenger</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/r/revenger.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><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="/topical/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="//biblehu.com/bmcde/r/revenger.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="/topical/">Topical</a> > Revenger</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></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/r/revengefully.htm" title="Revengefully">◄</a> Revenger <a href="/topical/r/revenger_of_blood.htm" title="Revenger Of Blood">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#amt" title="American Tract Society Bible Dictionary">ATS</a> • <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In biblical terminology, the concept of a "revenger" is closely associated with the role of the "avenger of blood," a figure in ancient Israelite society responsible for exacting justice in cases of unlawful killing. This role is rooted in the legal and moral codes given to the Israelites, as outlined in the Old Testament.<br><br><b>Old Testament Context</b><br><br>The primary reference to the revenger is found in the Mosaic Law, particularly in the context of cities of refuge. These cities were designated places where individuals who had committed manslaughter could seek asylum to avoid immediate retribution from the avenger of blood. The avenger of blood was typically the nearest male relative of the deceased, tasked with ensuring that justice was served. This system is detailed in the Book of Numbers:<br><br>"The avenger of blood is to put the murderer to death; when he finds him, he is to kill him" (<a href="/numbers/35-19.htm">Numbers 35:19</a>).<br><br>The cities of refuge provided a legal mechanism to distinguish between premeditated murder and accidental killing. If the accused was found to have killed unintentionally, they could remain in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest, after which they could return home without fear of retribution (<a href="/numbers/35-25.htm">Numbers 35:25-28</a>).<br><br><b>Theological Implications</b><br><br>The role of the revenger highlights the biblical principle of justice and the sanctity of life. The avenger of blood served as a deterrent against murder, emphasizing the seriousness of taking a life. However, the provision of cities of refuge also underscores God's mercy and the importance of due process, ensuring that justice was tempered with compassion.<br><br><b>New Testament Perspective</b><br><br>In the New Testament, the concept of personal vengeance is addressed with a shift in focus from retribution to forgiveness and love. Jesus Christ's teachings emphasize the renunciation of personal vengeance, urging believers to leave justice in the hands of God. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in his letter to the Romans:<br><br>"Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord'" (<a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a>).<br><br>This teaching reflects a broader theological shift from the Old Covenant's legalistic framework to the New Covenant's emphasis on grace and forgiveness. Believers are called to trust in God's ultimate justice and to respond to wrongdoing with love and forgiveness, rather than seeking personal revenge.<br><br><b>Cultural and Historical Significance</b><br><br>The role of the revenger in ancient Israelite society reflects the cultural and historical context of the time, where familial and tribal responsibilities were paramount. The avenger of blood was a necessary institution in a society without a centralized judicial system, ensuring that justice was maintained within the community.<br><br>In contemporary Christian thought, the concept of the revenger serves as a reminder of the balance between justice and mercy, and the call to live out the teachings of Christ in a fallen world. The biblical narrative encourages believers to uphold justice while embodying the love and forgiveness exemplified by Jesus.<a name="amt" id="amt"></a><div class="vheading2">ATS Bible Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Revenger</span><p>Or <a href="../a/avenger.htm">AVENGER OF BLOOD</a>, is a name given in Scripture to the man who had the right, according to the Jewish polity, of taking revenge on him who had killed one of his relations. If a man had been guilty of manslaughter involuntarily and without design, he fled to a city of refuge. See <a href="../r/refuge.htm">REFUGE, CITIES OF</a>. </p><a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>(<I>n.</I>) One who revenges.<a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">REVENGE; REVENGER</span><p>re-venj', re-venj'-er: The same Hebrew and Greek words are used to express the idea of "to avenge" and "to revenge" (naqam, or derivative; ekdikeo, or derivative). In English these words are synonymous in that they are both used to express the infliction of punishment upon the wrongdoer, but "to take revenge" may also imply a spiteful, wrong or malignant spirit. In the latter case, the Revised Version (British and American) preserves "revenge" (compare <a href="/jeremiah/20-10.htm">Jeremiah 20:10</a> <a href="/ezekiel/25-15.htm">Ezekiel 25:15</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/25-17.htm">Ezekiel 25:17</a> is an anthropomorphism), but, wherever it is synonymous with "avenge," this word is used (compare <a href="/numbers/31-2.htm">Numbers 31:2, 3</a> <a href="/psalms/79-10.htm">Psalm 79:10</a> <a href="/nahum/1-2.htm">Nahum 1:2</a>; Jdt 13:20; <a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Romans 13:4</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-11.htm">2 Corinthians 7:11</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/10-6.htm">2 Corinthians 10:6</a> the Revised Version (British and American); the King James Version has "revenge" in all these cases). In <a href="/deuteronomy/32-42.htm">Deuteronomy 32:42</a>, the King James Version "revenge" is a wrong translation. Read with the Revised Version (British and American) "from the head of the leaders of the enemy" or the Revised Version margin "the hairy head of the enemy."<br><br>Compare AVENGE, AVENGER; BLOOD; GOEL.<br><br>A. L. Breslich<p><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/1350.htm"><span class="l">1350. gaal -- to redeem, act as kinsman</span></a><br><b>...</b> his widow, etc.) -- X in any wise, X at all, avenger, deliver, (do, perform the<br> part of near, next) kinsfolk(-man), purchase, ransom, redeem(-er), <b>revenger</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/1350.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/bayly/the_practice_of_piety/meditations_for_the_evening.htm"><span class="l">Meditations for the Evening.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> and if he will not be reconciled, yet do thou from thy heart forgive him (Matthew<br> 5:23.) But in any case presume not to be thine own <b>revenger</b>, for in so doing <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations for the evening.htm</font><p><a href="/library/finney/systematic_theology/lecture_xx_human_government.htm"><span class="l">Human Government.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain;<br> for he is the minister of God, a <b>revenger</b> to execute wrath upon him that <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xx human government.htm</font><p><a href="/library/tertullian/scorpiace_antidote_for_the_scorpions_sting/chapter_xiv_no_doubt_the.htm"><span class="l">No Doubt the Apostle Admonishes the Romans to be Subject to all <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> is no power but of God, and because (the ruler) does not carry the sword without<br> reason, and is the servant of God, nay also, says he, a <b>revenger</b> to execute <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter xiv no doubt the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/aquinas/nature_and_grace/article_three_whether_worldly_fear.htm"><span class="l">Whether Worldly Fear is Always Evil</span></a> <br><b>...</b> impose punishments in order to restrain men from sin, they are ministers of God,<br> according to Rom.13:4: "for he is the minister of God, a <b>revenger</b> to execute <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article three whether worldly fear.htm</font><p><a href="/library/augustine/writings_in_connection_with_the_donatist_controversy_/chapter_20__44_petilianus.htm"><span class="l">Petilianus Said: "The Lord Christ Cries Again from Heaven to Paul. <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> resist the ordinance of God." Wherefore the apostle expressly says, "For he beareth<br> not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a <b>revenger</b> to execute <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter 20 44 petilianus.htm</font><p><a href="/library/luther/first_principles_of_the_reformation/the_first_wall.htm"><span class="l">The First Wall.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> I presume including the Popes) "be subject unto the higher powers: for he beareth<br> not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a <b>revenger</b> to execute <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/the first wall.htm</font><p><a href="/library/chrysostom/homilies_on_acts_and_romans/homily_xxiii_rom_xiii_1.htm"><span class="l">Rom. xiii. 1</span></a> <br><b>...</b> "For he is the minister of God to execute wrath, a <b>revenger</b> upon him that doeth<br> evil." Now lest you should start off at hearing again of punishment, and <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxiii rom xiii 1.htm</font><p><a href="/library/pink/the_antichrist/antichrist_in_the_psalms_.htm"><span class="l">Antichrist in the Psalms</span></a> <br><b>...</b> of Thine enemies, that Thou mightiest still the Enemy and the Avenger" (v.2). The<br> Enemy and the Avenger, more literally "the Foe and the <b>Revenger</b>," are two of <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/antichrist in the psalms .htm</font><p><a href="/library/augustine/the_confessions_and_letters_of_st/letter_lxxxvii_a_d_405.htm"><span class="l">Letter Lxxxvii. (AD 405. )</span></a> <br><b>...</b> But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain:<br> for he is the minister of God, a <b>revenger</b> to execute wrath upon him that <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxxvii a d 405.htm</font><p><a href="/library/various/creeds_of_christendom_with_a_history_and_critical_notes/_98_the_westminster_standards.htm"><span class="l">The Westminster Standards in America.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> And as the civil magistrate is the minister of God for good to the virtuous and<br> a <b>revenger</b> to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil, he is therefore bound to <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../ 98 the westminster standards.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/r/revenger.htm"><span class="l"><b>Revenger</b> (5 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (n.) One who revenges. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. REVENGE; <b>REVENGER</b>. <b>...</b> AL<br> Breslich. Multi-Version Concordance <b>Revenger</b> (5 Occurrences). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/revenger.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/k/kills.htm"><span class="l">Kills (38 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Numbers 35:27 And the <b>revenger</b> of blood find him without the borders of the city<br> of his refuge, and the <b>revenger</b> of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/k/kills.htm - 17k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/meeteth.htm"><span class="l">Meeteth (12 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Numbers 35:19 The <b>revenger</b> of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when<br> he meeteth him, he shall slay him. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/meeteth.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/borders.htm"><span class="l">Borders (104 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Numbers 35:27 And the <b>revenger</b> of blood find him without the borders of the city<br> of his refuge, and the <b>revenger</b> of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/borders.htm - 40k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/slay.htm"><span class="l">Slay (189 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> YLT). Numbers 35:19 The <b>revenger</b> of blood himself shall slay the murderer:<br> when he meeteth him, he shall slay him. (KJV WBS). Numbers <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/slay.htm - 38k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/revenge.htm"><span class="l">Revenge (13 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 5. (n.) The disposition to revenge; a malignant wishing of evil to one who has done<br> us an injury. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. REVENGE; <b>REVENGER</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/revenge.htm - 12k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/revengefully.htm"><span class="l">Revengefully (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/revengefully.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/revengers.htm"><span class="l">Revengers (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/revengers.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/murder.htm"><span class="l">Murder (41 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> The executioner, according to the terms of the Law, was the "<b>revenger</b> of blood";<br> but the guilt must be previously determined by the Levitical tribunal. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/murder.htm - 24k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/avenger.htm"><span class="l">Avenger (18 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> With reference to the protective legislation and custom, see GOEL. Compare BLOOD;<br> REVENGE, <b>REVENGER</b>. AL Breslich. BLOOD, AVENGER OF. See AVENGER. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/avenger.htm - 17k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://clyx.com/term/revenger.htm">Revenger: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Revenger (5 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/numbers/35-19.htm">Numbers 35:19</a></span><br />The <span class="boldtext">revenger</span> of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him.<br /><span class="source">(KJV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/numbers/35-21.htm">Numbers 35:21</a></span><br />Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the <span class="boldtext">revenger</span> of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him.<br /><span class="source">(KJV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/numbers/35-24.htm">Numbers 35:24</a></span><br />Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the <span class="boldtext">revenger</span> of blood according to these judgments: <br /><span class="source">(KJV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/numbers/35-25.htm">Numbers 35:25</a></span><br />And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the <span class="boldtext">revenger</span> of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he was fled: and he shall abide in it unto the death of the high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil.<br /><span class="source">(KJV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/numbers/35-27.htm">Numbers 35:27</a></span><br />And the <span class="boldtext">revenger</span> of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge, and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood:<br /><span class="source">(KJV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/r/revenger.htm">Revenger</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/r/revenger_of_blood.htm">Revenger Of Blood</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kills.htm">Kills (38 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/meeteth.htm">Meeteth (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/borders.htm">Borders (104 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/slay.htm">Slay (189 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/revenge.htm">Revenge (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/revengefully.htm">Revengefully (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/revengers.htm">Revengers (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/murder.htm">Murder (41 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/avenger.htm">Avenger (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/avenge.htm">Avenge (27 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/slayer.htm">Slayer (23 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/judgments.htm">Judgments (146 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/whither.htm">Whither (151 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/smote.htm">Smote (281 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/smite.htm">Smite (230 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/abide.htm">Abide (162 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/r/revengefully.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Revengefully"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Revengefully" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/r/revenger_of_blood.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Revenger Of Blood"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Revenger Of Blood" /></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="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'; 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