Who was called the avenger of blood in the Bible?

Answer 1

The "avenger of blood" was the nearest male relative who had the obligation to avenge the death of a relative that had been killed. A deliberate murderer was basically sentenced to death by "the avenger of blood" as found in Numbers 35: 19-21, 31.

(Numbers 35:19-21) 19 "'The avenger of blood is the one who will put the murderer to death. When he encounters him, he himself will put him to death. 20 If death resulted because he pushed him out of hatred or threw something at him with malicious intent, 21 or out of hatred he struck him with his hand, and he died, the one who struck him will be put to death without fail. He is a murderer. The avenger of blood will put the murderer to death when he encounters him.

(Numbers 35:31) 31 You must take no ransom for the life of a murderer who is deserving to die, for he should be put to death without fail. . .

In the case of an accidental death, the person who was responsible had the opportunity to flee to a "city of refuge" and present his/her case to the legal court. If they were found to be not guilty of intentional murder, they could live in the city in protection of the avenger of blood. (Numbers 35:6-29)

Reference: Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 1, pg 221. Watchtower Bible & Tract Society

Answer 2

In The Bible, the avenger of blood is referred to in the context of Old Testament law as the person responsible for seeking justice for the killing of a family member. It was a role assigned to a close relative, often a brother, who had the duty to avenge the bloodshed by pursuing and punishing the offender. One example is seen in Numbers 35:19, where the avenger of blood is mentioned.