Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him.

NUMBERS 35:21KJV
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Numbers 35:21 (KJV)

What does Numbers 35:21 mean?

Numbers 35:21 says that if someone strikes another person with their hand out of hatred and the victim dies, the one who did the striking is considered a murderer and must be put to death by the avenger of blood when they encounter him. This verse sets a clear rule for cases of intentional, hostile killing.

In this part of Numbers, God is giving Moses instructions for the Israelites about how to handle cases of murder versus accidental killing. The verse draws a line between killing done in "enmity" (deliberate hostility) and accidental death, making sure that only true murderers face this severe penalty. The "revenger of blood" is a family member responsible for carrying out justice, but only in cases where guilt is clear.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 35:21

  • "enmity" (אֵיבָה, 'eyvah): This word means deep hostility or hatred. Its use here shows the law is about killings done with clear, personal animosity, not accidents or self-defense.
  • "smite" (נָכָה, nakah): This verb means to strike or hit. The law covers not just weapons but even a deadly blow with the hand, emphasizing intent over the tool used.
  • "murderer" (רֹצֵחַ, rotseach): This term specifically refers to someone who kills intentionally and unlawfully, distinguishing them from someone who kills by accident.
  • "revenger" (גָּאַל, go'el): This is the "kinsman-redeemer" or avenger of blood, a family member tasked with upholding justice. The law gives this person the right to act, but only when murder is proven.

Why Numbers 35:21 matters

  • Numbers 35:21 clarifies that the law treats intentional, hateful killing as murder, even if no weapon is used, preventing murderers from escaping justice on technicalities.
  • This verse helps explain the role of the "avenger of blood" in Israelite society, showing that personal vengeance was regulated and limited by law, not left to unchecked revenge.
  • The distinction between murder and accidental killing in this chapter sets the stage for the later concept of cities of refuge, where those accused of manslaughter could find protection until a fair trial.

Where else these words appear

“enmity” Hebrew H342 · used in 5 verses

  • Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
  • Numbers 35:22 But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or have cast upon him any thing without laying of wait,
  • Ezekiel 25:15 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy it for the old hatred;

“murderer” Hebrew H7523 · used in 40 verses

  • Exodus 20:13 Thou shalt not kill.
  • Numbers 35:31 Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death.
  • Joshua 21:32 And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Hammothdor with her suburbs, and Kartan with her suburbs; three cities.

“meeteth” Hebrew H6293 · used in 43 verses

  • Genesis 23:8 And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight; hear me, and intreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,
  • Joshua 19:34 And then the coast turneth westward to Aznothtabor, and goeth out from thence to Hukkok, and reacheth to Zebulun on the south side, and reacheth to Asher on the west side, and to Judah upon Jordan toward the sunrising.
  • 1 Kings 2:34 So Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up, and fell upon him, and slew him: and he was buried in his own house in the wilderness.

“revenger” Hebrew H1350 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 48:16 The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.
  • Joshua 20:5 And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime.
  • Isaiah 41:14 Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.