Numbers 35:12
Numbers 35:12 in Multiple Translations
You are to have these cities as a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly.
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.
And the cities shall be unto you for refuge from the avenger, that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation for judgment.
In these towns you may be safe from him who has the right of punishment; so that death may not overtake the taker of life till he has been judged by the meeting of the people.
These towns will be for you places of sanctuary from those seeking revenge, so that the killer will not die until they are tried in court.
And these cities shalbe for you a refuge from the auenger, that he which killeth, die not, vntill he stand before the Congregation in iudgement.
and the cities have been to you for a refuge from the redeemer, and the man-slayer doth not die till his standing before the company for judgment.
The cities shall be for your refuge from the avenger, that the man slayer not die until he stands before the congregation for judgment.
And they shall be to you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the man-slayer may not die, until he stands before the congregation in judgment.
And when the fugitive shall be in them, the kinsman of him that is slain may not have power to kill him, until he stand before the multitude, and his cause be judged.
One of the relatives of the person who was killed may think he must avenge his relative’s death by killing the murderer. But in that city, the killer will be safe because the people in that city would kill those relatives if they tried to get revenge there. The man who killed someone accidentally must be put on trial in a court.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 35:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 35:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָי֨וּ
לָ/כֶ֧ם
הֶ/עָרִ֛ים
לְ/מִקְלָ֖ט
מִ/גֹּאֵ֑ל
וְ/לֹ֤א
יָמוּת֙
הָ/רֹצֵ֔חַ
עַד
עָמְד֛/וֹ
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
הָ/עֵדָ֖ה
לַ/מִּשְׁפָּֽט
וְ/הָי֨וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
לָ/כֶ֧ם
Prep | Suff
הֶ/עָרִ֛ים
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fp
לְ/מִקְלָ֖ט
miqlâṭ
H4733
refuge
Prep | N-ms
מִ/גֹּאֵ֑ל
gâʼal
H1350
to redeem
Prep | V-Qal
וְ/לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יָמוּת֙
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
הָ/רֹצֵ֔חַ
râtsach
H7523
to murder
Art | V-Qal
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
עָמְד֛/וֹ
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
הָ/עֵדָ֖ה
ʻêdâh
H5712
congregation
Art | N-fs
לַ/מִּשְׁפָּֽט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 35:12
וְ/הָי֨וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לָ/כֶ֧ם
""
Prep | Suff
הֶ/עָרִ֛ים
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
לְ/מִקְלָ֖ט
miqlâṭ
H4733
"refuge"
Prep | N-ms
A refuge or asylum is a safe place to go for protection, like a shelter from harm. In the Bible, God is often called a refuge, as seen in Psalm 46. It is a place of safety and security.
Definition: refuge, asylum
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: refuge. See also: Numbers 35:6; Numbers 35:32; 1 Chronicles 6:52.
מִ/גֹּאֵ֑ל
gâʼal
H1350
"to redeem"
Prep | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means redemption, describing the act of a kinsman buying back a relative's property or marrying their widow, as seen in the story of Boaz in Ruth.
Definition: : redeem 1) to redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer, avenge, revenge, ransom, do the part of a kinsman 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as kinsman, do the part of next of kin, act as kinsman-redeemer 1a1a) by marrying brother's widow to beget a child for him, to redeem from slavery, to redeem land, to exact vengeance 1a2) to redeem (by payment) 1a3) to redeem (with God as subject) 1a3a) individuals from death 1a3b) Israel from Egyptian bondage 1a3c) Israel from exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to redeem oneself 1b2) to be redeemed
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in any wise, [idiom] at all, avenger, deliver, (do, perform the part of near, next) kinsfolk(-man), purchase, ransom, redeem(-er), revenger. See also: Genesis 48:16; Job 3:5; Psalms 19:15.
וְ/לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָמוּת֙
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
הָ/רֹצֵ֔חַ
râtsach
H7523
"to murder"
Art | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to murder or kill someone, like Cain killing Abel in Genesis. It emphasizes the intentional act of taking a human life. This word is about premeditated killing.
Definition: 1) to murder, slay, kill 1a)(Qal) to murder, slay 1a1) premeditated 1a2) accidental 1a3) as avenger 1a4) slayer (intentional) (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be slain 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to murder, assassinate 1c2) murderer, assassin (participle) (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be killed
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: put to death, kill, (man-) slay(-er), murder(-er). See also: Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 22:26; Psalms 62:4.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
עָמְד֛/וֹ
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הָ/עֵדָ֖ה
ʻêdâh
H5712
"congregation"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gathering of people, like a congregation or crowd, often referring to a group of Israelites. It is used in various books, including Exodus and Psalms. The word is about people coming together.
Definition: congregation, gathering
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people, swarm. Compare H5713 (עֵדָה). See also: Exodus 12:3; Numbers 20:1; Psalms 1:5.
לַ/מִּשְׁפָּֽט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
Prep | N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
Study Notes — Numbers 35:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 35:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 35:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 35:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 35:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 35:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 35:12
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 35:12
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 35:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 35:12
Context — Six Cities of Refuge
10“Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan,
11designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there.
12You are to have these cities as a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly.
13The cities you select will be your six cities of refuge. 14Select three cities across the Jordan and three in the land of Canaan as cities of refuge.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 20:3–6 | 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. He is to stay in that city until he stands trial before the assembly and until the death of the high priest serving at that time. Then the manslayer may return to his own home in the city from which he fled.” |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 19:6 | 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. |
| 3 | Joshua 20:9 | These are the cities appointed for all the Israelites and foreigners among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood prior to standing trial before the assembly. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 19:11–12 | 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. |
| 5 | Numbers 35:24–27 | then the congregation must judge between the slayer and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances. The assembly is to protect the manslayer from the hand of the avenger of blood. Then the assembly will return him to the city of refuge to which he fled, and he must live there until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil. But if the manslayer ever goes outside the limits of the city of refuge to which he fled and the avenger of blood finds him outside of his city of refuge and kills him, then the avenger will not be guilty of bloodshed |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 14:7 | 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.” |
| 7 | Numbers 35:19 | The avenger of blood is to put the murderer to death; when he finds him, he is to kill him. |
Numbers 35:12 Summary
This verse, Numbers 35:12, is talking about special cities called cities of refuge, where someone who accidentally hurt or killed someone could go to be safe until they could have a fair trial. This shows us that God cares about fairness and justice, and wants to protect people from being hurt unfairly, as seen in Exodus 21:12-14. Just like these cities provided a safe haven, we can find our own refuge in God, as promised in Psalm 46:1. By trusting in Him, we can receive forgiveness and protection, just like the unintentional manslayer in Numbers 35:12.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the cities of refuge in Numbers 35:12?
The cities of refuge were designated to provide a safe haven for individuals who had unintentionally taken someone's life, protecting them from the avenger until they could stand trial before the assembly, as seen in Numbers 35:12 and supported by Deuteronomy 19:2-6.
Who is the avenger mentioned in Numbers 35:12?
The avenger is likely a family member or relative of the person who was killed, seeking to avenge their death, as seen in the context of Numbers 35:12 and supported by Leviticus 24:17 and Deuteronomy 19:12.
What is the assembly mentioned in Numbers 35:12?
The assembly refers to the community of Israelites, or possibly the leaders and elders of the community, who would gather to hear the case and make a judgment, as seen in Numbers 35:12 and supported by Exodus 18:13 and Deuteronomy 21:7.
How does Numbers 35:12 relate to the concept of justice in the Bible?
Numbers 35:12 shows that God values justice and fairness, providing a system for the unintentional manslayer to receive a fair trial, as seen in Exodus 21:12-14 and supported by Romans 13:1-4, which emphasizes the importance of submitting to authorities and upholding justice.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse teach us about God's heart for justice and fairness, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- How does the concept of the cities of refuge relate to our own need for refuge and protection in times of trouble, and where can we find our refuge?
- What does this verse reveal about the importance of community and accountability in our lives, and how can we prioritize these values?
- How does the idea of standing trial before the assembly relate to our own responsibility to seek forgiveness and make amends when we have wronged others, as seen in Matthew 5:23-24 and supported by 1 John 1:9?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 35:12
And they shall be unto you cities of refuge from the avenger,.... Or near kinsman; for as the right of redemption of an estate that was mortgaged belonged to such an one, so of revenging the blood of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 35:12
The avenger, to wit, of the party slain, or, of blood, as it is fully expressed below, ,25; Heb. from the redeemer, or, from the next kinsman, to whom by the law belonged the right of redemption of the lands of, and vindication of the injury done to the person deceased. Die not, i.e. be not killed by the avenger meeting him in some other place. Before the congregation, i.e. before the society or convention of judges or elders, who were appointed in every city for the decision of criminal causes, who were twenty-three, who were to examine the matter, and that publicly before the people, whether the murder was wilful or casual. Quest. In what city was this cause to be tried? Answ. Some say in the city of refuge, others say in the city in or near which the fact was committed. It seems to me it was done in both, at first in the city of refuge, as is manifest in ; but if that trial and sentence did not satisfy the avenger of blood, it was fully and finally determined in the other city, as is sufficiently evident both by comparing this place with , and from the usual and most reasonable course of justice, which is that facts should be examined, as far as may be, in or near the places where they were committed, and where the witnesses and evidences were at hand. In judgment, or, for judgment, i. e. to receive sentence there according to the nature of the fact.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 35:12
(12) And they shall be unto you cities for refuge . . . —Better, And the cities shall be unto you for refuge (or, as a place of refuge) from the avenger, that the manslayer may not die until he stand before the congregation for judgment. The avenger (Heb., goel) was the near kinsman whose office it was to redeem the person or inheritance of his kinsman, if that kinsman was reduced by poverty to sell himself into slavery, or to sell his inheritance; and also to avenge his blood in the event of his being slain. (See Leviticus 25:25-55, and Notes.) The law of the goel, as contained in this chapter, served to keep in check the excited passions of the near relations of the man who had been slain, and to secure for him a fair and impartial trial. The duties which devolved upon the congregation are stated in Numbers 35:24-25. Christ, as our “Redeemer” (Heb., goel), ever lives (Job 19:25). He has redeemed the persons and the inheritance of His people by His death; and He will in the last great day, ransom them from the power of the grave, and redeem them from death (Hosea 13:4, where the cognate verb to goel occurs), and will avenge their blood on them that dwell on the earth (Revelation 6:10).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 35:12
Verse 12. Until he stand before the congregation in judgment.] So one of these cities was not a perpetual asylum; It was only a pro tempore refuge, till the case could be fairly examined by the magistrates in the presence of the people, or the elders their representatives; and this was done in the city or place where he had done the murder, Joshua 20:4; Joshua 20:6. If he was found worthy of death, they delivered him to the avenger that he might be slain, Deuteronomy 19:12; if not, they sent him back to the city of refuge, where he remained till the death of the high priest, Numbers 35:25. Before the cities of refuge were appointed, the altar appears to have been a sanctuary for those who had killed a person unwittingly; see on Exodus 21:13; Exodus 21:14.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 35:12
12. the avenger] Heb. gô’çl, the nearest representative of the family of the slain man. Perhaps we should read ‘the avenger of blood,’ as in Numbers 35:19; Numbers 35:21. On the gô’çl and his duties see n. on Numbers 35:8. the congregation] It is not clearly stated that this means the congregation of the manslayer’s city; and the word ‘çdah elsewhere in P denotes the whole community of Israel. But in Numbers 35:25 (see note there) the words ‘restore him to his city of refuge’ imply that the ‘congregation’ have taken him to some other place for judgement, which would more probably be his own city than any other; and in Deuteronomy 19:12 the judges in the case of murder are ‘the elders of his city.’
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 35:12
The avenger - Hebrew גאל gā'al, a term of which the original import is uncertain. The very obscurity of its etymology testifies to the antiquity of the office which it denotes.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 35:12
12. Avenger — Joshua adds, “of blood.” See note cited above. The goel, redeemer, is “that particular relative whose special duty it was to restore the violated family integrity, who had to redeem not