Leviticus 24:17
“Whoever takes a human life shall surely be put to death.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Leviticus 24:17
“Whoever takes a human life shall surely be put to death.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse, coming right after the punishment for blasphemy, doesn't just repeat the law against murder; it emphasizes that this penalty applies to any human life, not just Israelites. It powerfully underscores that the sanctity of life, regardless of nationality, is a fundamental principle from God's perspective.
This passage follows the account of a man being stoned for blaspheming God's name, highlighting the extreme seriousness of such offenses. The law of "life for life" is restated here, not just for Israelites but for any person, emphasizing that taking a life demands the ultimate penalty and preventing any vigilante justice. This repetition underscores the gravity of murder and its place alongside blasphemy as capital offenses under God's law.
Does this command apply only to Israelites, or to everyone? This verse echoes an ancient principle that has profound implications for how we view each other today.
A Universal Mandate
The law here in Leviticus states plainly: "Whoever takes a human life shall surely be put to death." While it's part of the Old Testament Law given to Israel, commentators highlight its broader scope.
When someone takes a life, who has the right to enact punishment? This verse, especially in its context, speaks volumes about order and divine authority.
Divine Authority, Human Hands
This command, repeated in Leviticus, isn't a free pass for individuals to become vigilantes. Instead, it underscores the importance of justice being carried out by the proper authorities.
Understand the original words
nephesh · Hebrew Noun
The essential principle of life and breath given by God, often representing the value and sacredness of human existence created in His image.
This foundational law, given after the flood, establishes the sacredness of human life by decreeing that shedding human blood warrants the shedding of the offender's blood. It echoes the principle found in Leviticus 24:17, underscoring God's consistent valuation of life.
Exodus 21:12This passage reiterates the direct penalty for murder, emphasizing that intentional killing results in the death of the perpetrator. It functions as an earlier articulation of the same law stated in Leviticus 24:17, reinforcing the severity of the offense.
Romans 13:1-4This New Testament passage speaks to the role of governing authorities, stating that they 'bear the sword' to execute wrath on the wrongdoer, including murderers. It shows how the principle of capital punishment, rooted in laws like Leviticus 24:17, is understood within the framework of civil government and divine authority.
Matthew 5:21-22Jesus expands on the commandment 'You shall not murder,' connecting anger and contempt to the root of the offense, while still acknowledging the seriousness of the act that warrants judgment. This shows Jesus' deep understanding of the law's intent, as seen in Leviticus 24:17, by addressing both the outward act and the inward disposition.
gillLeviticus 24:17: "And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death."
And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death. With the sword, as the Targum of Jonathan adds; which restrains it to any man of the children of Israel, but wrongly; for the original law respects any man whatever, Genesis 9:6 ; and so it does here; See Gill on Exodus 21:12 .
pooleLeviticus 24:17: "And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death."
This law is repeated here, either to justify this sentence of putting blasphemers to death, from the same severity executed for a less crime; or to prevent the mischievous effects of men’s striving or contending together, which as here it caused blasphemy, so it might in others lead to murder.
This verse, coming right after the punishment for blasphemy, doesn't just repeat the law against murder; it emphasizes that this penalty applies to any human life, not just Israelites. It powerfully underscores that the sanctity of life, regardless of nationality, is a fundamental principle from God's perspective.
This passage follows the account of a man being stoned for blaspheming God's name, highlighting the extreme seriousness of such offenses. The law of "life for life" is restated here, not just for Israelites but for any person, emphasizing that taking a life demands the ultimate penalty and preventing any vigilante justice. This repetition underscores the gravity of murder and its place alongside blasphemy as capital offenses under God's law.
This passage follows the account of a man being stoned for blaspheming God's name, highlighting the extreme seriousness of such offenses. The law of "life for life" is restated here, not just for Israelites but for any person, emphasizing that taking a life demands the ultimate penalty and preventing any vigilante justice. This repetition underscores the gravity of murder and its place alongside blasphemy as capital offenses under God's law.
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"“Whoever takes a human life shall surely be put to death." — This verse, coming right after the punishment for blasphemy, doesn't just repeat the law against murder; it emphasizes that this penalty applies to any human life, not just Israelites. It powerfull…