Biblical Perspective on Taking Human Life
The biblical perspective on taking human life is complex, with clear prohibitions against unlawful killing alongside instances where taking life is permitted or even commanded. A foundational principle is found in Genesis 9:6, which states, "Whoever takes a man's life, by man will his life be taken; because God made man in his image" [1]. This verse establishes the sanctity of human life based on humanity's creation in God's image, implying that an attack on a human is an attack on God's likeness [1]. Genesis 9:5 further emphasizes God's requirement for human life, stating, "I will surely require your blood of your lives; at the hand of every animal I will require it. At the hand of man, even at the hand of every man’s brother, I will require the life of man" [2].
The Sixth Commandment, "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13), is central to this discussion. Scholars note that the Hebrew word used here specifically prohibits intentional killing for personal reasons, rather than all forms of killing [6]. There is another Hebrew word that denotes mere killing, suggesting a distinction between unlawful murder and other forms of taking life [6]. This principle underscores God's valuation of individual physical lives [6]. Jesus expanded on this command, as recorded in Matthew 5:21-26 [6].
While murder is strictly forbidden, the Bible acknowledges circumstances where taking a life is not considered murder. For example, if a man does not lie in wait for another's life to take it away, but God delivers the person into his hand, it is not considered malicious [8]. This suggests that accidental or unintentional killing, particularly when not premeditated, falls into a different category than murder [8].
The concept of "life" in the Bible is broad. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines death as the termination of life, represented in various ways such as the return of dust to the earth, the taking away of breath, or the dissolution of the earthly body [5]. The human nature of Christ, for instance, is demonstrated by his partaking of flesh and blood, having a human soul, and experiencing human conditions like weeping, hungering, thirsting, and weariness [4]. The idea of "taking one's life in one's hand" appears in Job 13:14, signifying putting one's life at risk [3].
Rabbinic tradition, as seen in Midrash Rabbah, discusses prohibitions related to life, such as not eating flesh with its lifeblood, which is interpreted as a prohibition against eating a limb taken from a living animal [7]. This highlights a broader concern for the treatment of living beings and the sanctity of life itself [7].
Sources
- Genesis “Genesis 9:6 (BBE) — Whoever takes a man's life, by man will his life be taken; because God made man in his image.”
- Genesis “I will surely require your blood of your lives; at the hand of every animal I will require it. At the hand of man, even at the hand of every man’s brother, I will require the life of man. -- Genesis 9:5”
- Job “Job 13:14 (LEB) — Why should I take my flesh in my teeth and put my life in my hand?”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Human Nature of Christ, The — Was necessary to his mediatorial office -- 1Ti 2:5; Heb 2:17; Ga 4:4,5; 1Co 15:21; Ro 6:15,19. Is proved by his Conception in the Virgin's womb. -- Mt 1:18; Lu 1:31. Birth. -- Mt 1:16,25; 2:2; Lu 2:7,11. Partaking of flesh and blood. -- Joh 1:14; Heb 2:14. Having a human soul. -- Mt 26:38; Lu 23:46; Ac 2:31. Circumcision. -- Lu 2:21. Increase in wisdom and stature. -- Lu 2:52. Weeping. -- Lu 19:41; Joh 11:35. Hungering. -- Mt 4:2; 21:18. Thirsting. -- Joh 4:7; 19:28. Sleeping. -- Mt 8:24; Mr 4:38. Being subject to weariness. -- Joh 4:6. ”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Death — May be simply defined as the termination of life. It is represented under a variety of aspects in Scripture: (1.) "The dust shall return to the earth as it was" (Eccl. 12:7). (2.) "Thou takest away their breath, they die" (Ps. 104:29). (3.) It is the dissolution of "our earthly house of this tabernacle" (2 Cor. 5:1); the "putting off this tabernacle" (2 Pet. 1:13, 14). (4.) Being "unclothed" (2 Cor. 5:3, 4). (5.) "Falling on sleep" (Ps. 76:5; Jer. 51:39; Acts 13:36; 2 Pet. 3:9. (6.) "I go whence I shall not return" (Job 10:21); "Make me to know mine end" (Ps.”
- Exodus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Exodus 20:13: 20:13 murder: This is the correct rendering of the Hebrew word. There is another word that connotes mere killing. Taking human life is not prohibited, per se, but the intentional killing of another for personal reasons is prohibited. This principle tells us that God values our individual, physical lives. Jesus expanded on this command in Matt 5:21-26.”
- Midrash Rabbah (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Midrash Rabbah, Bereishit Rabbah 34:13: “Every crawling creature that lives shall be yours to eat; like green vegetation, I have given you everything” (Genesis 9:3). “But flesh with its life, its blood, you shall not eat” (Genesis 9:4). “Every crawling creature that lives…but flesh with its life, its blood [you shall not eat]” 60 This is a prohibition against eating a limb or piece of meat taken from a living animal. – Rabbi Yosei bar Aivu in the name of Rabbi Yoḥanan: Adam the first man, for whom the consumption of meat for pleasure was not permitted, was not warned regarding a limb taken fro”
- Exodus (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Exodus 21:13: And if a man lie not in wait,.... For the life of another to take it away; or does not do it willingly, as the Septuagint version, does not seek after it, nor design it: but God delivers him into his hand; it being suffered and ordered by the providence of God, without whose knowledge and will nothing comes to pass, even what may seem to be a contingent thing, or matter of chance, to us; or it is so brought about in providence, that one man falls into the hands of another, and his life is taken away by him, though not purposely and maliciously; because, as Aben Ezr”