Avenger Of Blood
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Avenger Of Blood in the Bible?
The avenger of blood, or goel, was the closest living relative of a homicide victim in ancient Israelite society. This individual was legally responsible for seeking justice or retribution against the killer.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this role clarifies the biblical laws regarding cities of refuge, showing how ancient Israel balanced familial duty with state-regulated justice to prevent endless blood feuds.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Avenger Of Blood. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Avenger Of Blood in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Avenger Of Blood clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Avenger Of Blood." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/avenger-of-blood/