Genesis 9:5

Translations

Modern

And surely I will require the life of any man or beast by whose hand your lifeblood is shed. I will demand an accounting from anyone who takes the life of his fellow man:

Traditional

And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man.

Literal

And surely your blood for your lives I will require; from the hand of every beast I will require it, and from the hand of the man; from the hand of each man’s brother I will require for the life of the man.

Latin

Sanguinem enim animarum vestrarum requiram de manu cunctarum bestiarum: et de manu hominis, de manu viri, et fratris ejus requiram animam hominis.

Original

Hebrew

English

And surely I will require the life of any man or beast by whose hand your lifeblood is shed. I will demand an accounting from anyone who takes the life of his fellow man:

Notes

Genesis 9:5–6

Violence, including murder, was a major factor in bringing about God’s judgment of the flood (4:8; 6:11, 13). At this new beginning for human beings, God affirmed the value of human life (that human life is sacred) and established justice for those who take a human life (see also Psalm 9:12; “Retribution” Theme Note).

The function of law is to restrain human wickedness and preserve moral order. This law was further developed in the law of Moses (Exodus 21:12–14; Leviticus 24:17–22; Numbers 35:16–34; Deuteronomy 17:6–7; 19:15).

Genesis 9:1–7

God's first speech after the great flood starts and ends with a blessing (9:1, 7). In this speech, God explains again how humans and animals relate to each other, with some changes from the original creation. God gives special attention to the value of life (the importance of protecting human life).

Theme notes and profiles

Noah Apostasy Death God’s Covenant with David God’s Covenant with Noah God’s Covenants God’s New Covenant Symbolic Numbers

Events

God makes a covenant with Noahc. 2347 BC

Related verses

Exodus 21:28–29
If an ox gores a man or woman to death, the ox must surely be stoned, and its meat must not be eaten. But the owner of the ox shall not be held responsible.
Exodus 21:12
Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death.
Genesis 4:9–10
And the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I do not know!” he answered. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
Psalm 9:12
For the Avenger of bloodshed remembers; He does not ignore the cry of the afflicted.
Numbers 35:31–33
You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he must surely be put to death.
Leviticus 19:16
You must not go about spreading slander among your people. You must not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD.
Matthew 23:35
And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.
Deuteronomy 21:1–9
If one is found slain, lying in a field in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess, and it is not known who killed him,
Exodus 20:13
You shall not murder.

Glossary

Adam (Person) Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Chronology of the Bible (Old Testament) Genesis, Book of Land Mesopotamia Noah Patriarchs, Period of the Punishment Shinar The Flood

Topics

Abortion Avenger of Blood: Premosaic Avenger of Blood: Scriptures Relating To Blood: Shedding of Human: Forbidden Brother: Signifies: Mankind Capital Punishment Covenant of God with Men: Everlasting Hating Others Homicide: Felonious, or Murder Homicide: Punishment of Killing Killing in Self Defense Murder: God: Requires Blood For Murder: Punishment For: Death Punishment: Death Penalty for Murder Taking your Own Life Thou Shalt Not Kill

Genesis 9:5

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