Numbers 35:19

KJV

The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him.

KJV (with Strong's)

The revenger {H1350} of blood {H1818} himself shall slay {H4191} the murderer {H7523}: when he meeteth {H6293} him, he {H1931} shall slay {H4191} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

The next-of-kin avenger is to put the murderer to death himself - upon meeting him, he is to put him to death.

Berean Standard Bible

The avenger of blood is to put the murderer to death; when he finds him, he is to kill him.

American Standard Version

The avenger of blood shall himself put the murderer to death: when he meeteth him, he shall put him to death.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 35:19 establishes the crucial role of the "revenger of blood" (*go'el haddam*) in ancient Israelite justice, mandating that this designated kinsman-redeemer was to execute an individual proven to be an intentional murderer. This verse highlights God's demand for justice in cases of homicide, serving as a critical component within the broader legal framework of the cities of refuge, which distinguished between premeditated murder and accidental killing, thereby regulating retribution and preventing uncontrolled blood feuds.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 35:19 is situated within a detailed legislative section (Numbers 35) concerning the allocation of forty-eight Levitical cities, six of which were designated as "cities of refuge" for those who committed unintentional homicide. The preceding verses (Numbers 35:9-15) establish the purpose and function of these cities, while verses 16-21 specifically define intentional murder and the role of the *go'el haddam*. This particular verse, Numbers 35:19, directly follows the criteria for identifying a murderer (e.g., using an iron instrument, a stone, or a hand weapon with intent) and precedes the stipulations for accidental killing, underscoring the severity and certainty of the penalty for premeditated murder. The entire chapter aims to create a divinely ordained system that carefully balances justice with the prevention of uncontrolled vengeance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, blood vengeance was a common societal practice, where a family member of a slain individual was expected to avenge the death. This often led to escalating blood feuds that could decimate families and destabilize communities. The Israelite system, as outlined in Numbers 35, was a unique, divinely regulated adaptation of this custom. Instead of abolishing the practice of kinsman vengeance entirely, God channeled and controlled it through specific legal parameters. The "revenger of blood" was not a vigilante but a legally sanctioned executor of justice, acting only after a formal judgment by the community or elders determined the killing was intentional murder, not manslaughter. This system provided a structured means for justice to be served while offering asylum for the innocent, a critical distinction from the often arbitrary vengeance of surrounding cultures.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 35:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, emphasizing God's absolute demand for accountability concerning the taking of human life. This reflects the foundational principle that human life is sacred, made in God's image, as articulated in [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Genesis 9:6 - Sanctity of Human Life"). The verse also highlights the **Regulation of Vengeance**, demonstrating God's provision for a structured legal process to prevent chaotic blood feuds, even while upholding the right to retribution for intentional murder. Furthermore, it underscores the critical **Distinction Between Murder and Manslaughter**, a core tenet of the entire chapter where the cities of refuge provide asylum for accidental killers, preventing the *go'el haddam* from acting against them (as seen in [Numbers 35:22-25](/numbers/35-22 "Numbers 35:22-25 - Distinguishing Murder from Manslaughter")). Finally, the concept of the **Role of the Kinsman-Redeemer (*Go'el*)** is central, illustrating a familial and communal responsibility for upholding justice and protecting the vulnerable.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Revenger of blood (גֹּאֵל הַדָּם, _go'el haddam_):** The term *go'el* is highly significant in biblical Hebrew, denoting a "kinsman-redeemer." This individual had a legal and social responsibility to protect the interests of their extended family, which could include redeeming property, buying back a relative from slavery, or, as in this context, avenging the death of a family member. The addition of *haddam* ("of the blood") specifies this particular role as one concerned with bloodshed. Thus, the *go'el haddam* was not merely an avenger but a designated family representative entrusted with executing a divinely sanctioned judgment.
* **Slay (הָרַג, _harag_):** This Hebrew verb is a strong and general term for killing or slaying, often implying a violent or decisive act. In this context, it emphasizes the finality and certainty of the punishment for the murderer. It is distinct from other verbs that might imply accidental killing or mere injury, reinforcing the intentional and lethal nature of the *go'el*'s action against the *rotzeach*.
* **Murderer (רוֹצֵחַ, _rotzeach_):** This noun specifically refers to a killer, particularly one who commits murder with premeditation or malice aforethought. It is the legal term used throughout Numbers 35 to distinguish the intentional killer from someone who causes death accidentally (manslaughter). The *go'el haddam* was only authorized to slay the *rotzeach*, the proven murderer, not the accidental killer who had fled to a city of refuge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer":** This clause unequivocally designates the *go'el haddam* as the authorized agent of execution. The phrase "himself" (הוּא, _hu'_) adds emphasis, underscoring that this specific individual, the kinsman-redeemer, has the right and duty to carry out the sentence. It highlights the direct, personal responsibility of the *go'el* in administering justice for the intentional taking of a family member's life, under the overarching divine law.
* **"when he meeteth him, he shall slay him":** This second clause specifies the condition and certainty of the execution. "When he meeteth him" implies that once the murderer is found outside the sanctuary of a city of refuge, the *go'el* is empowered to act immediately. The repetition of "he shall slay him" reinforces the absolute and inescapable nature of the penalty for intentional murder, emphasizing that once the verdict of murder is rendered, the *go'el*'s duty is to ensure its swift and certain execution.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 35:19 employs several literary devices to convey its legal and theological weight. **Repetition** is prominent, with the phrase "he shall slay him" appearing twice, emphasizing the certainty and finality of the murderer's fate. This repetition serves to underscore the divine decree and leave no ambiguity regarding the consequence of intentional homicide. The verse also exhibits a **Prescriptive Tone**, characteristic of legal codes, directly stating what "shall" happen, thereby conveying divine authority and the binding nature of the law. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** between the fate of the intentional murderer in this verse and the provision of asylum for the accidental killer in the cities of refuge (Numbers 35:22-25). This stark contrast highlights the severity with which God views premeditated murder, distinguishing it sharply from other forms of killing and underscoring the meticulousness of divine justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 35:19 profoundly reveals God's character as a God of justice who values human life immensely. The institution of the *go'el haddam* and the cities of refuge system demonstrates that divine justice is not arbitrary vengeance but a meticulously regulated process designed to uphold the sanctity of life and maintain social order. The requirement of "life for life" for intentional murder reflects the *lex talionis* principle, which, rather than promoting excessive retaliation, actually limited it to proportionate retribution. This system ensured that the shedding of innocent blood was not unpunished, reflecting God's abhorrence of violence and His demand for accountability. It also foreshadows the ultimate divine judgment against all forms of evil and injustice, where God Himself acts as the ultimate Avenger.

* [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Capital Punishment for Murder")
* [Exodus 21:12](/exodus/21-12 "Death Penalty for Murder")
* [Romans 13:4](/romans/13-4 "Government as God's Agent of Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific practice of a "revenger of blood" is not directly applicable in modern legal systems, the underlying principles of Numbers 35:19 remain profoundly relevant for understanding God's character and our human responsibility. This verse teaches us that God views human life as sacred, made in His image, and its unlawful taking is a grave offense demanding justice. It underscores the importance of a just legal system that distinguishes between intent and accident, ensuring appropriate consequences. For believers, this passage calls us to champion justice, advocate for the sanctity of life from conception to natural death, and recognize that all authority, including that which administers justice, is ultimately derived from God. It reminds us that while personal vengeance is forbidden (Romans 12:19), the pursuit of righteous justice in society is a divine imperative, reflecting God's own character and His desire for order and equity among humanity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Numbers 35:19 inform our understanding of God's justice and the immeasurable value He places on human life?**
* **In what ways do modern legal systems reflect or diverge from the principles of justice, due process, and the distinction between murder and manslaughter outlined in this ancient law?**
* **What is our responsibility as believers to uphold justice and protect the sanctity of life in our communities, even when specific ancient practices are no longer in effect?**

### FAQ

**Question?** Why did God allow a "revenger of blood" to kill someone, rather than a formal court system like we have today?

Answer: The system described in Numbers 35, including the role of the *go'el haddam*, was a divinely ordained legal framework adapted to the societal structures of ancient Israel. In a tribal society without a centralized police force or extensive court infrastructure, the *go'el* (kinsman-redeemer) served as a vital agent for upholding justice and preventing uncontrolled blood feuds. It's crucial to understand that the *go'el haddam* was not a vigilante acting on personal whim. Their role was strictly regulated: they could only act against an individual who had been *proven* to be an intentional murderer through a formal judicial process involving witnesses and judgment by the community elders (as detailed in [Numbers 35:24-25](/numbers/35-24 "Numbers 35:24-25 - Judgment by the Congregation")). The cities of refuge provided a sanctuary for those who killed accidentally, preventing the *go'el* from executing them until their case was heard. Thus, the *go'el haddam* functioned as the authorized executor of a judicial verdict, ensuring that justice was meted out swiftly and decisively for premeditated murder, while simultaneously protecting those who committed unintentional homicide. This system, though different in form from modern courts, demonstrated God's commitment to justice, due process, and the sanctity of human life within the historical context of the time.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 35:19, with its emphasis on the *go'el haddam* and the pursuit of justice for the shedding of innocent blood, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The concept of the *go'el*, the kinsman-redeemer, points directly to Christ, who became our Kinsman by taking on human flesh ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Incarnation")). He is the one who "slays" the true murderer and oppressor of humanity: sin and death itself ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Defeat of Death")). While the Old Testament *go'el* pursued vengeance for physical death, Christ, as our ultimate Redeemer, deals with the spiritual death caused by sin, offering redemption through His own blood. He is also the ultimate "city of refuge" for all who flee to Him from the just wrath against sin. Just as the accidental killer found refuge in the designated cities, those who recognize their sin and flee to Christ find asylum, forgiveness, and eternal life, escaping the condemnation that is justly due ([Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - Refuge in Christ")). Conversely, for those who reject His atoning sacrifice and remain in their sin, Christ will ultimately act as the righteous Judge, executing perfect justice against all unrighteousness, a certainty of judgment that echoes the inescapable fate of the murderer outside the city of refuge ([John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - Condemnation for Unbelief") and [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Thus, Christ embodies both the provision of refuge and the certainty of ultimate, righteous judgment, fulfilling the spirit of the law in a new covenant of grace and truth.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 20:5

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.

Numbers 35:21

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 revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him.

Deuteronomy 19:6

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 [was] not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past.

Joshua 20:3

That the slayer that killeth [any] person unawares [and] unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.

Deuteronomy 19:12

Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.

Numbers 35:27

And the revenger 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:

Numbers 35:12

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.