Numbers 35:19

19 The close relative responsible for the blood of the dead is the one who will put the murderer to death. When he meets him, he will execute 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 If someone strikes another with a stone in hand that could cause death and he dies, he is a murderer. The murderer must definitely be put to death.

18 Or if someone strikes with a wood object in hand that could cause death, he is a murderer. The murderer must definitely be put to death.

19 The close relative responsible for the blood of the dead is the one who will put the murderer to death. When he meets him, he will execute him.

20 If in hatred someone hits another or throws something at him with premeditation, he will be put to death.

21 Or if in hostility someone strikes another with his hand and he dies, the one who struck is a murderer and he will be put to death. The close relative will put the murderer to death when he meets him.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or (here and throughout Num 36) the close relative of the blood