Numbers 35:19

19 The relative who can avenge the death must make sure a murderer is put to death. When he catches up with the murderer, he must kill 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 any of you picks up a stone as a weapon and uses it to kill another person, you are a murderer. Murderers must be put to death.

18 Or if any of you picks up a piece of wood as a weapon and uses it to kill another person, you are a murderer. Murderers must be put to death.

19 The relative who can avenge the death must make sure a murderer is put to death. When he catches up with the murderer, he must kill him.

20 If any of you kills someone you hate by shoving him or by deliberately throwing something at him,

21 or if you beat your enemy to death with your bare hands, you must be put to death. You are a murderer. The relative who can avenge the death must kill you when he catches up with you, because you are a murderer.