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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: Blood-Avenger</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/b/blood-avenger.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> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><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/matthew/9-20.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/b/blood.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> > Blood-Avenger</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/ttt/b/blood--waters_of_egypt_turned_into,_as_a_judgment.htm" title="Blood: Waters of Egypt Turned Into, As a Judgment">◄</a> Blood-Avenger <a href="/topical/b/blood-field.htm" title="Blood-field">►</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="#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 the context of ancient Israelite society, the term "blood-avenger" refers to a person, typically a close relative, who is responsible for avenging the death of a family member. This role is deeply rooted in the legal and moral codes of the Old Testament, where the sanctity of life and the principle of justice are paramount.<br><br><b>Biblical Foundation</b><br><br>The concept of the blood-avenger is primarily found in the Pentateuch, particularly in the books of Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua. The Hebrew term for blood-avenger is "go'el ha-dam," which translates to "redeemer of blood." This role is outlined in the Mosaic Law as a means to uphold justice and deter murder within the community.<br><br><b><a href="/numbers/35-19.htm">Numbers 35:19</a> :</b> "The avenger of blood is to put the murderer to death; when he finds him, he is to kill him."<br><br>This passage establishes the blood-avenger's duty to execute justice upon the murderer, ensuring that the sanctity of life is upheld and that the community is purged of guilt.<br><br><b>Cities of Refuge</b><br><br>To balance justice with mercy, the Mosaic Law also instituted cities of refuge. These were designated places where someone who had killed another unintentionally could seek asylum from the blood-avenger. The purpose was to provide a fair trial and prevent the shedding of innocent blood.<br><br><b><a href="/numbers/35-25.htm">Numbers 35:25</a> :</b> "The assembly must protect the manslayer from the avenger of blood and must send him back to the city of refuge to which he fled, and he must remain there until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil."<br><br>The cities of refuge served as a safeguard against the potential for excessive vengeance and ensured that justice was tempered with due process.<br><br><b>Role and Limitations</b><br><br>The blood-avenger's role was not one of personal vendetta but was a communal responsibility to uphold divine justice. The avenger acted within the boundaries set by the law, and any act of vengeance outside these parameters was considered unlawful. The law distinguished between premeditated murder and accidental killing, with the latter not warranting the death penalty.<br><br><b><a href="/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Deuteronomy 19:6</a> :</b> "Otherwise, the avenger of blood might pursue the manslayer in a rage, overtake him since the distance is great, and strike him dead, though he did not deserve to die, since he did not intend any harm."<br><br>This provision highlights the importance of intent and the need for a measured response to ensure that justice, rather than revenge, is served.<br><br><b>Theological Implications</b><br><br>The role of the blood-avenger underscores the biblical principle that life is sacred and that God is the ultimate judge of human actions. The avenger acts as an agent of divine justice, reflecting the seriousness with which God views the taking of life. The provision for cities of refuge also points to God's mercy and the opportunity for redemption and restoration.<br><br>In the New Testament, the concept of vengeance is transformed through the teachings of Jesus Christ, who emphasizes forgiveness and reconciliation. The ultimate fulfillment of justice and mercy is found in Christ, who redeems humanity from sin and offers eternal refuge in Him.<a name="amt" id="amt"></a><div class="vheading2">ATS Bible Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Blood-Avenger</span><p>The sacredness of human life, and the justice of punishing a murderer by death, are grounded on the fact that man was made in the image of God, <a href="/genesis/9-6.htm">Genesis 9:6</a>. With justice, the passion for revenge often conspired to secure the death of the criminal. Among the Arabs, the nearest male relative of a murdered person was to pursue the homicide until by force or craft he put him to death. The law of Moses expressly forbade the acceptance of any ransom for a life thus forfeited, <a href="/numbers/35-31.htm">Numbers 35:31</a>; but it interfered between an accused person and his pursuer, by providing a sanctuary-at the altar of God and in the cities of refuge-where the accused might be safe until it was proved that he had committed the act, willfully or accidentally, <a href="/context/joshua/20-6.htm">Joshua 20:6</a>,9. In the former case, he was at once given up to his pursuer for death, <a href="/exodus/1-14.htm">Exodus 1:14</a>; <a href="/context/1_kings/2-29.htm">1 Kings 2:29</a>,34. In the latter case, he might dwell with safety in the city of refuge; but should he go elsewhere before the death of the high priest, he was liable to be slain by the avenger of blood, <a href="/context/numbers/35-25.htm">Numbers 35:25-28</a>. </p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/blood-sacrifice.html">Why did the sacrificial system require a blood sacrifice? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/avenger-of-blood.html">What is an avenger of blood in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/sprinkling-of-blood.html">What was the significance of the sprinkling of blood? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/blood.htm">Blood: 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="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/b/blood.htm">Blood</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/b/blood_and_water.htm">Blood and Water</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/b/blood_covenant.htm">Blood Covenant</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/blood_is_the_life.htm">Blood is the Life</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood_of_all_men_the_same.htm">Blood of all Men the Same</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood_of_animals_slain_for_good_to_be_poured_on_the_earth.htm">Blood of Animals Slain for Good to be Poured on the Earth</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/blood_of_christ.htm">Blood of Christ</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/blood_of_destruction.htm">Blood of Destruction</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/blood_of_guilt.htm">Blood of Guilt</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/b/blood_of_jesus.htm">Blood of Jesus</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/blood_of_judgments.htm">Blood of Judgments</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood_of_legal_sacrifices_for_atonement.htm">Blood of Legal Sacrifices for Atonement</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood_of_legal_sacrifices_for_purification.htm">Blood of Legal Sacrifices for Purification</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood_of_legal_sacrifices--how_disposed_of.htm">Blood of Legal Sacrifices: How Disposed of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood_of_legal_sacrifices--ineffectual_to_remove_sin.htm">Blood of Legal Sacrifices: Ineffectual to Remove Sin</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood_of_legal_sacrifices--not_offered_with_leaven.htm">Blood of Legal Sacrifices: Not offered With Leaven</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/blood_of_oppression_and_cruelty.htm">Blood of Oppression and Cruelty</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/blood_of_sacrifices,_typical_of_the_atoning_blood_of_christ.htm">Blood of Sacrifices, Typical of the Atoning Blood of Christ</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/blood_of_victories.htm">Blood of Victories</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood--(building_with)_of_oppression_and_cruelty.htm">Blood: (Building With) of Oppression and Cruelty</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood--(given_to_drink)_of_severe_judgments.htm">Blood: (Given to Drink) of Severe Judgments</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood--(on_one's_own_head)_guilt.htm">Blood: (On One's own Head) Guilt</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood--(preparing_to)_ripening_for_destruction.htm">Blood: (Preparing To) Ripening for Destruction</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood--(washing_the_feet_in)_victories.htm">Blood: (Washing the Feet In) Victories</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood--beasts_of_prey_delight_in.htm">Blood: Beasts of Prey Delight In</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood--birds_of_prey_delight_in.htm">Blood: Birds of Prey Delight In</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/blood--blood_of_the_ram_of_consecration_put_on_the_tip_of_right_ear,_thumb.htm">Blood: Blood of the Ram of Consecration Put on the Tip of Right Ear, Thumb</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood--eating_of,_forbidden_to_man_after_the_flood.htm">Blood: Eating of, Forbidden to Man After the Flood</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood--eating_of,_forbidden_to_the_early_christians.htm">Blood: Eating of, Forbidden to The Early Christians</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood--eating_of,_forbidden_to_the_israelites_under_the_law.htm">Blood: Eating of, Forbidden to The Israelites Under the Law</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood--fluid.htm">Blood: Fluid</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/blood--forbidden_to_be_used_as_food.htm">Blood: Forbidden to be Used As Food</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood--idolaters_made_drink-offerings_of.htm">Blood: Idolaters Made Drink-Offerings of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/blood--plague_of.htm">Blood: Plague of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood--red.htm">Blood: Red</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/blood--sacrificial_of_the_bullock_of_sin_offering,_put_on_the_horns_of_the_altar.htm">Blood: Sacrificial of the Bullock of Sin offering, Put on the Horns of the Altar</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/blood--sacrificial_used_for_cleansing_of_leprosy.htm">Blood: Sacrificial used for Cleansing of Leprosy</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/blood--sacrificial_without_shedding_of,_no_remission.htm">Blood: Sacrificial without Shedding of, No Remission</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/blood--sacrificial--on_the_horns_of_the_altar_of_sweet_incense.htm">Blood: Sacrificial: On the Horns of the Altar of Sweet Incense</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/blood--sacrificial--poured_at_the_bottom_of_the_altar.htm">Blood: Sacrificial: Poured at the Bottom of the Altar</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/blood--sacrificial--sprinkled_about_the_altar.htm">Blood: Sacrificial: Sprinkled About the Altar</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/blood--sacrificial--sprinkled_all_around,_and_upon_the_altar.htm">Blood: Sacrificial: Sprinkled all Around, and Upon the Altar</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/blood--sacrificial--sprinkled_on_altar_and_people.htm">Blood: Sacrificial: Sprinkled on Altar and People</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/blood--sacrificial--sprinkled_on_door_posts.htm">Blood: Sacrificial: Sprinkled on Door Posts</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/blood--sacrificial--sprinkled_on_the_altar.htm">Blood: Sacrificial: Sprinkled on the Altar</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/blood--sacrificial--sprinkled_on_the_mercy_seat.htm">Blood: Sacrificial: Sprinkled on the Mercy Seat</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/blood--sacrificial--sprinkled_seven_times_before_the_curtain.htm">Blood: Sacrificial: Sprinkled Seven Times Before the Curtain</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood--shedding_of_human--always_punished.htm">Blood: Shedding of Human: Always Punished</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood--shedding_of_human--defiling_to_the_land.htm">Blood: Shedding of Human: Defiling to the Land</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood--shedding_of_human--defiling_to_the_person.htm">Blood: Shedding of Human: Defiling to the Person</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood--shedding_of_human--forbidden.htm">Blood: Shedding of Human: Forbidden</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood--shedding_of_human--hateful_to_god.htm">Blood: Shedding of Human: Hateful to God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood--shedding_of_human--jews_often_guilty_of.htm">Blood: Shedding of Human: Jews often Guilty of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood--shedding_of_human--mode_of_clearing_those_accused_of.htm">Blood: Shedding of Human: Mode of Clearing Those Accused of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood--the_jews_often_guilty_of_eating.htm">Blood: The Jews often Guilty of Eating</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood--the_life_of_animals.htm">Blood: The Life of Animals</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood--the_price_of,_not_to_be_consecrated.htm">Blood: The Price of, not to be Consecrated</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood--water_turned_into,_as_a_sign.htm">Blood: Water Turned Into, As a Sign</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood--waters_of_egypt_turned_into,_as_a_judgment.htm">Blood: Waters of Egypt Turned Into, As a Judgment</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/b/blood-avenger.htm">Blood-Avenger</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bloodguilt.htm">Bloodguilt (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/blood.htm">Blood (435 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/ttt/b/blood--waters_of_egypt_turned_into,_as_a_judgment.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Blood: Waters of Egypt Turned Into, As a Judgment"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Blood: Waters of Egypt Turned Into, As a Judgment" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/b/blood-field.htm" 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