Numbers 35:19
Numbers 35:19 in Multiple Translations
The avenger of blood is to put the murderer to death; when he finds him, he is to kill him.
The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him.
The avenger of blood shall himself put the murderer to death: when he meeteth him, he shall put him to death.
He whose right it is to give punishment for blood, may himself put to death the taker of life when he comes face to face with him.
The avenger is to execute the murderer. When he finds the murderer, he is to kill him.
The reuenger of the blood himselfe shall slay the murtherer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him.
'The redeemer of blood himself doth put the murderer to death; in his coming against him he doth put him to death.
The avenger of blood shall himself put the murderer to death. When he meets him, he shall put him to death.
The avenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him.
The kinsman of him that was slain, shall kill the murderer: as soon as he apprehendeth him, he shall kill him.
A relative of the person who was murdered must be the one who executes the murderer as soon as he finds him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 35:19
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 35:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גֹּאֵ֣ל
הַ/דָּ֔ם
ה֥וּא
יָמִ֖ית
אֶת
הָ/רֹצֵ֑חַ
בְּ/פִגְע/וֹ
ב֖/וֹ
ה֥וּא
יְמִיתֶֽ/נּוּ
גֹּאֵ֣ל
gâʼal
H1350
to redeem
V-Qal
הַ/דָּ֔ם
dâm
H1818
blood
Art | N-ms
ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
יָמִ֖ית
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/רֹצֵ֑חַ
râtsach
H7523
to murder
Art | V-Qal
בְּ/פִגְע/וֹ
pâgaʻ
H6293
to fall on
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
ב֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
יְמִיתֶֽ/נּוּ
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 35:19
גֹּאֵ֣ל
gâʼal
H1350
"to redeem"
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.
הַ/דָּ֔ם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
Art | N-ms
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
יָמִ֖ית
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Hiphil-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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/רֹצֵ֑חַ
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.
בְּ/פִגְע/וֹ
pâgaʻ
H6293
"to fall on"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To meet or encounter, either by chance or intention, as seen in the story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 33:1-17. It can also mean to make a request or intercede on behalf of someone. In Exodus 32:1-14, Moses intercedes for the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to encounter, meet, reach, entreat, make intercession 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, light upon, join 1a2) to meet (of kindness) 1a3) to encounter, fall upon (of hostility) 1a4) to encounter, entreat (of request) 1a5) to strike, touch (of boundary) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to light upon 1b2) to cause to entreat 1b3) to make entreaty, interpose 1b4) to make attack 1b5) to reach the mark
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: come (betwixt), cause to entreat, fall (upon), make intercession, intercessor, intreat, lay, light (upon), meet (together), pray, reach, run. See also: Genesis 23:8; 1 Samuel 10:5; Isaiah 47:3.
ב֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
יְמִיתֶֽ/נּוּ
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 35:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 35:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 35:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 35:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 35:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 35:19
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 35:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 35:19
Context — Six Cities of Refuge
17Or if anyone has in his hand a stone of deadly size, and he strikes and kills another, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death.
18If 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.
19The avenger of blood is to put the murderer to death; when he finds him, he is to kill him.
20Likewise, if anyone maliciously pushes another or intentionally throws an object at him and kills him, 21or if in hostility he strikes him with his hand and he dies, the one who struck him must surely be put to death; he is a murderer. When the avenger of blood finds the murderer, he is to kill him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 20:3 | so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood. |
| 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 | Deuteronomy 19:12 | the elders of his city must send for him, bring him back, and hand him over to the avenger of blood to die. |
| 4 | Joshua 20:5 | 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. |
| 5 | Numbers 35:21 | or if in hostility he strikes him with his hand and he dies, the one who struck him must surely be put to death; he is a murderer. When the avenger of blood finds the murderer, he is to kill him. |
| 6 | Numbers 35:27 | 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 |
| 7 | Numbers 35:12 | 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. |
| 8 | Numbers 35:24 | then the congregation must judge between the slayer and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances. |
Numbers 35:19 Summary
Numbers 35:19 explains that if someone murders another person, a family member or close relative of the victim, known as the avenger of blood, is responsible for making sure the murderer is punished. This verse shows how seriously God takes the crime of murder, as also seen in Genesis 9:6. The idea is that the avenger of blood helps to ensure justice is served and that the community is protected from harm, similar to the role of government in upholding justice, as described in Romans 13:1-4. By understanding this verse, we can better appreciate the value God places on human life and the importance of respecting and protecting it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the avenger of blood in Numbers 35:19?
The avenger of blood is responsible for putting the murderer to death, as seen in Numbers 35:19, which is a provision in the Law to ensure justice and accountability for taking a life, similar to the principle in Exodus 21:12-14.
Is the concept of an avenger of blood still applicable today?
While the specific role of an avenger of blood is part of the Old Testament Law, the principle of justice and accountability for one's actions is still relevant today, as seen in Romans 13:1-4, where the government is entrusted with the responsibility of upholding justice.
How does Numbers 35:19 relate to the concept of capital punishment?
Numbers 35:19 is one of several passages in the Bible that supports the concept of capital punishment for murder, as also seen in Genesis 9:6, which establishes the principle that the taking of a human life deserves the ultimate penalty.
What is the significance of the phrase 'when he finds him, he is to kill him' in Numbers 35:19?
The phrase emphasizes the seriousness of the crime of murder and the importance of swift justice, highlighting the avenger's responsibility to carry out the sentence without delay, as part of the community's obligation to protect life, as commanded in Deuteronomy 19:11-13.
Reflection Questions
- What does Numbers 35:19 reveal about God's perspective on the value of human life?
- How does the concept of an avenger of blood relate to the idea of personal vengeance versus justice?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of accountability for our actions?
- In what ways can we, as believers, uphold the principle of respecting and protecting human life, as reflected in Numbers 35:19?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 35:19
The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer,.... Not only shall have power to do it, but, as it seems, should be obliged to do it; be the executioner of the murderer; but not before his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 35:19
And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 35:19
Either, 1. By himself, as the following words show: so it is only a permission, that he may do it without offence to God or danger to himself. Or, 2. By the magistrate, from whom he shall demand justice: so it is a command, as may appear by comparing this with ,13.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 35:19
Verse 19. The revenger of blood] גאל הדם goel haddam, the redeemer of blood; the next in blood to him who was slain. See on the preceding verse.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 35:19
9–34. The ‘Cities of Refuge,’ and the Law relating to homicide In Numbers 35:9-15 the appointment of the six cities and their purpose are prescribed; Numbers 35:16-23 contain specimen cases distinguishing deliberate murder from accidental homicide; Numbers 35:24-28 provide the legal procedure; Numbers 35:29-34 form a conclusion. The section presents the latest development in the O.T. of the Law of Asylum. In early days an appointed place was provided, to which the manslayer might flee, i.e. an altar, which would be within easy reach of every town; cf. 1 Kings 1:50; 1 Kings 2:28. In D (Deuteronomy 19:1-10), when only one altar was permitted, at the national sanctuary at Jerusalem, which would be practically useless for purposes of asylum, special cities were substituted for the local altars. Three cities were specified, and, if Jehovah enlarged the Israelites’ borders, three more were to be added1 [Note: Three have previously been mentioned in Deuteronomy 4:41-43; but it is unlikely that the writer of Deuteronomy 19. understood nine cities to be intended. See Driver, Deut. p. 233. . If the manslayer be guilty of deliberate murder, the elders of his own city shall send to the city whither he has fled for asylum, and shall deliver him up to the gτ’ηl or ‘avenger of blood’; but if the homicide was accidental, he may stay in safety in the city whither he has fled. In the present passage the regulations are fuller. Of the six cities three are to be on each side of the Jordan (the fulfilment of the command, with the name of the cities, is related in Joshua 20).
They receive, for the first time, the title ‘cities of refuge’ (see on Numbers 35:11). When a manslayer flees to one of these cities, ‘the congregation’ (see on Numbers 35:12) judges between him and the gτ’ηl, to discover whether the manslaughter had been deliberate or accidental. If it is proved to be accidental, the man must be taken back to the city of refuge, where he must remain until the death of the high priest. If he ventures out before that time, the gτ’ηl may kill him. If, on the other hand, he is found guilty of deliberate murder, the gτ’ηl must kill him. Gray (Numb. p. 471) points out that this modifies the ancient custom in three respects: (1) Ancient custom made no distinction between accidental and deliberate manslaughter; the gτ’ηl must see that the loss of life suffered by one family is compensated for. (2) In ancient custom the loss could be compensated for by the death of any member of the manslayer’s family. Here the law tacitly insists that the murderer only is to forfeit his life. (3) The present law forbids the forfeited life of the murderer to be redeemed by a money payment. Such redemption was widely prevalent, but except in certain cases—not wilful murder—(cf.
Exodus 21:29 f.) it seems to have been prohibited at an early period in Israel, though the present law contains the earliest explicit prohibition.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 35:19
THE , Numbers 35:16-21. 16-21. If any person has struck another with an instrument of iron, as an axe or hammer, or with a stone, literally, a stone of the hand, that is, large enough to fill the