Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, the concept of an "avenger" is closely associated with justice, retribution, and the protection of family and community integrity. The role of an avenger is primarily seen in the context of the "avenger of blood," a figure responsible for executing justice upon those who have unlawfully taken a life. This role is deeply rooted in the ancient Israelite legal system and is primarily discussed in the Old Testament.Avenger of Blood The avenger of blood (Hebrew: גֹּאֵל הַדָּם, go'el ha-dam) is a central figure in the Mosaic Law concerning homicide. The avenger of blood was typically the nearest male relative of a person who had been killed. His duty was to ensure that the murderer faced justice, thereby upholding the sanctity of life and the moral order within the community. This concept is outlined in several passages, including Numbers 35:19, which states, "The avenger of blood is to put the murderer to death; when he finds him, he is to kill him." The role of the avenger of blood was not one of personal vengeance but rather a communal responsibility to maintain justice. The avenger acted within the legal framework provided by God to Israel, which included provisions for cities of refuge. These cities offered protection to those who had committed unintentional manslaughter, allowing them to escape the immediate retribution of the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted (Numbers 35:11-12). Cities of Refuge The cities of refuge were established to balance justice and mercy. They provided a safe haven for individuals who had killed someone accidentally, preventing the avenger of blood from taking immediate action. The accused could flee to one of these cities and present their case before the elders. If deemed an accidental killing, the individual was allowed to remain in the city until the death of the high priest, at which point they could return home without fear of retribution (Joshua 20:1-6). The existence of cities of refuge underscores the importance of due process and the distinction between murder and manslaughter. It reflects the biblical principle that while justice must be served, it must also be tempered with mercy and fairness. Divine Avenger Beyond the human role of the avenger of blood, Scripture also presents God Himself as the ultimate avenger. God is depicted as the defender of the oppressed and the executor of divine justice against the wicked. In Deuteronomy 32:35, God declares, "Vengeance is Mine; I will repay." This divine prerogative emphasizes that ultimate justice belongs to God, who will right all wrongs in His perfect timing. The New Testament echoes this theme, urging believers to leave vengeance to God. Romans 12:19 advises, "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.'" This teaching encourages Christians to trust in God's justice rather than seeking personal retribution. Christ as Avenger In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is portrayed as the ultimate avenger who will bring justice at the end of the age. Revelation 19:11-16 describes Christ as a righteous judge and warrior who will execute divine judgment upon the earth. This eschatological role of Christ as avenger assures believers that evil will be decisively dealt with and that God's justice will prevail. The concept of the avenger in the Bible, therefore, encompasses both human and divine aspects of justice. It highlights the importance of upholding righteousness while also recognizing the ultimate sovereignty of God in matters of justice and retribution. Easton's Bible Dictionary Avenger of blood(Hebrews goel, from verb gaal, "to be near of kin, " "to redeem"), the nearest relative of a murdered person. It was his right and duty to slay the murderer (2 Samuel 14:7, 11) if he found him outside of a city of refuge. In order that this law might be guarded against abuse, Moses appointed six cities of refuge (Exodus 21:13; Numbers 35:13; Deuteronomy 19:1, 9). These were in different parts of the country, and every facility was afforded the manslayer that he might flee to the city that lay nearest him for safety. Into the city of refuge the avenger durst not follow him. This arrangement applied only to cases where the death was not premeditated. The case had to be investigated by the authorities of the city, and the wilful murderer was on no account to be spared. He was regarded as an impure and polluted person, and was delivered up to the goel (Deuteronomy 19:11-13). If the offence was merely manslaughter, then the fugitive must remain within the city till the death of the high priest (Numbers 35:25). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) One who avenges or vindicates; as, an avenger of blood.2. (n.) One who takes vengeance. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia AVENGE; AVENGERa-venj' a-venj'-er: Avenge.-The general idea connected with this word is that of inflicting punishment upon the wrongdoer. Since emphasis may be placed upon the deed itself, the wrongdoer, or the injured party, the verb is found an intransitive (only Leviticus 19:18; see below), transitive (2 Samuel 4:8 et al.); and also active (Deuteronomy 32:43), passive (Jeremiah 5:9) and reflexive (Esther 8:13). In 1 Samuel 25:26 avenge is translated from yasha`, "to save" (Revised Version margin, "thine own hand saving thee"), in Hosea 1:4 from paqadh, "to visit," and in 2 Samuel 18:19 from shaphaT, "to judge," but the usual Hebrew word is naqam, or derivatives, "to avenge." BLOOD, AVENGER OF See AVENGER. Greek 1558. ekdikos -- exacting penalty from, avenging ... from, avenging. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: ekdikos Phonetic Spelling: (ek'-dik-os) Short Definition: avenging, an avenger Definition: avenging ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1558.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 1350. gaal -- to redeem, act as kinsman... root Definition to redeem, act as kinsman NASB Word Usage avenger (13), bought back (1), buy back (1), claim (1), close relative (3), closest relative (3 ... /hebrew/1350.htm - 6k 5358. naqam -- to avenge, take vengeance 3008. Yigal -- "He redeems," three Israelites Library God the Avenger of his Saints; Or, his Kingdom. From Maximian, God, the Avenger of Religion and of his People... God the Avenger of his Saints; Or, his Kingdom Supreme. Of the victory of Sylla, the Avenger of the Cruelties of Marius. When travelling lately through the Simplon The Cities of Refuge The King's Highway Opened and Cleared Mother's Love The Cities of Refuge. Whether Vengeance is Lawful? Thesaurus Avenger (18 Occurrences)... Easton's Bible Dictionary Avenger of blood. (Hebrews goel, from ... for safety. Into the city of refuge the avenger durst not follow him. This ... /a/avenger.htm - 17k Self-avenger (2 Occurrences) Manslayer (20 Occurrences) Slayer (23 Occurrences) Accused (29 Occurrences) Refuge (111 Occurrences) Avenge (27 Occurrences) Unintentionally (20 Occurrences) Goel Mortally (17 Occurrences) Resources What is an avenger of blood in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were the cities of refuge in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org What is the law of retribution? | GotQuestions.org Avenger: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Avenger (18 Occurrences)Romans 13:4 1 Thessalonians 4:6 Numbers 35:12 Numbers 35:19 Numbers 35:21 Numbers 35:24 Numbers 35:25 Numbers 35:27 Deuteronomy 19:6 Deuteronomy 19:12 Joshua 20:3 Joshua 20:5 Joshua 20:9 2 Samuel 14:11 Psalms 8:2 Psalms 44:16 Psalms 99:8 Nahum 1:2 Subtopics Avenger of Blood: Lamech Fears Avenger of Blood: Law Concerning, Set Aside--By David Avenger of Blood: Scriptures Relating To Related Terms Unintentionally (20 Occurrences) Blood-guiltiness (4 Occurrences) |
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