KJV ORIGINAL
The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
The family member who is responsible for avenging the death shall kill the murderer: when he encounters him, he shall kill him.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse is establishing that a family member has the legal right and duty to execute a murderer when they find them.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israel, before formal court systems were fully established, family members had the legal responsibility to seek justice for murdered relatives. This 'avenger of blood' (Hebrew: goel) was typically the nearest male relative who would pursue and execute the killer. This was part of God's instructions for maintaining justice in the tribal society of Israel.
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