Numbers 35:19

19 The avenger of blood is the one who shall put the murderer to death; when they meet, the avenger of blood shall execute the sentence.

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 anyone who strikes another with a stone in hand that could cause death, and death ensues, is a murderer; the murderer shall be put to death.

18 Or anyone who strikes another with a weapon of wood in hand that could cause death, and death ensues, is a murderer; the murderer shall be put to death.

19 The avenger of blood is the one who shall put the murderer to death; when they meet, the avenger of blood shall execute the sentence.

20 Likewise, if someone pushes another from hatred, or hurls something at another, lying in wait, and death ensues,

21 or in enmity strikes another with the hand, and death ensues, then the one who struck the blow shall be put to death; that person is a murderer; the avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death, when they meet.