Numbers 35:19

19 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.

Numbers 35:19 Meaning and Commentary

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 case has been heard, examined, tried, and judged; wherefore the Targum of Jonathan adds,

``in judgment,''

that is, as Onkelos explains it,

``when he is condemned by judgment,''

the court of judicature:

when he meeteth him he shall slay him;
the first opportunity he has, even though, as Jarchi says, if he meets him in the midst of one of the cities of refuge, and no judgment is passed on him.

Numbers 35:19 In-Context

17 Or if he gives him a blow with a stone in his hand, causing his death, he is a taker of life and is certainly to be put to death.

18 Or if he gave him blows with a wood instrument in his hands, causing his death, he is a taker of life and is certainly to be put to death.

19 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.

20 If in his hate he put a sword through him, or waiting secretly for him sent a spear or stone at him, causing his death;

21 Or in hate gave him blows with his hand, causing death; he who gave the death-blow is to be put to death; he is a taker of life: he whose right it is to give punishment for blood may put to death the taker of life when he comes face to face with him.