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NASB | Genesis 9:6 "Whoever sheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made man. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Genesis 9:6 "Whoever sheds man's blood [unlawfully], By man (judicial government) shall his blood be shed, For in the image of God He made man. [Rom 13:4] |
Bible Question: Does this verse mean God mandated capital punishment? |
Bible Answer: Here's some explanation for Genesis 9:6.. "9:6 For in the image of God. The reason man could kill animals, but neither animals nor man could kill man, is because man alone was created in God's image." (The MacArthur NKJV Study Bible) "9:5-6 Homicide (which in a sense is always fratricide, v. 5) demands a punishment that matches the crime. The justification for capital punishment, here established, is the nobility of human life, which is made in the image of God. Thus murder shows contempt for God as well as for one’s fellow man. See Rom. 13:4, where government is given the power of life or death." (Ryrie Expanded Edition NASB Study Bible) "These verses are poetry for impact and memorability. The image of God (see 1:26, 27; 5:1) is still in man (or is man); sin did not destroy it. God values humans more highly than animal life because only humankind possesses God’s image." (Nelson NKJV Study Bible) "Christian Ethics, Moral Limits—Ethical limits can be defined through contracts. God made covenants or contracts with His people outlining the limits of life acceptable to God. Because God is good, we know the limits He establishes are good for us. We must honor life in all His creatures. See note on Dt 12:23-25." (Disciple's Study Bible) "9:6 Concerning capital punishment, cf. Rom 13:3 and 13:1, note." ... "13:1-7 Several important assertions concerning the obligations of the follower of Jesus to the civil state are delineated in the first seven verses: (1) Government is an agency ordained of God (v. 1). (2) Government, along with its appointed officials, exists to curtail evil in the world (v. 3). (3) The task of government includes the just punishment of evil men, including capital punishment (cf. v. 4, reference to “sword”). (4) Christian obligation includes support of the government through tribute or taxation (vv. 6, 7). (5) Subjection to government is required of believers not only to avoid wrath, but also for conscience’ sake (v. 5)." (Believer's Study Bible) |