במדבר, פרק ל״ה, פסוק כ״א

Biblical law addresses the tragic reality of a person causing another's death without conventional weapons, relying instead on raw physical force fueled by deep animosity. Hatred is naturally concealed within the human heart, often remaining invisible to the outside world [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, the moment an attacker strikes a victim, that physical violence instantly exposes the intense hostility buried inside, even if their anger was entirely unknown beforehand [העמק דבר].

Lethal intent does not require a specialized tool. A fatal blow delivered by sheer bodily force is fully recognized as murder. This encompasses any deadly use of the body, such as pushing, choking, or kicking [תורה תמימה]. Alternatively, this physical strike is understood not as a standard punch with a closed fist, but as a cruel motion of pressing and subduing. In this view, the attacker uses the flat palm of the hand to force the victim downward—such as holding their head underwater or thrusting them into a fire so they cannot rise. Such a brutal action is the direct result of a burning hatred [הכתב והקבלה, תורה תמימה]. Naturally, the severe consequences of this crime only apply if the violent act actually results in the victim's death [תורה תמימה].

To guarantee justice, the law demands that the death penalty be carried out under any circumstance. If the court is unable to execute the murderer using the standard legal method, it is obligated to end his life through any other means available in that situation. The law firmly categorizes the attacker as a murderer to distinguish human-on-human homicide, which carries an absolute death penalty, from other tragic losses of life. For example, if an animal kills a person, the animal's owner is punished with a financial penalty rather than execution [תורה תמימה].

Finally, the responsibility of carrying out the execution falls to the blood avenger. While this role typically belongs to a close family member, the law expands the definition to ensure the victim is not left without an advocate. If the murdered individual has no surviving relatives, the court appoints a dedicated messenger to act as the blood avenger. Furthermore, any person who steps forward to avenge the victim's blood is legally recognized under this broader category [מלבי״ם, תורה תמימה].