Genesis 9:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And surely {H389} your blood {H1818} of your lives {H5315} will I require {H1875}; at the hand {H3027} of every beast {H2416} will I require it {H1875}, and at the hand {H3027} of man {H120}; at the hand {H3027} of every man's {H376} brother {H251} will I require {H1875} the life {H5315} of man {H120}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will certainly demand an accounting for the blood of your lives: I will demand it from every animal and from every human being. I will demand from every human being an accounting for the life of his fellow human being.

Berean Standard Bible

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:

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 9:5 stands as a foundational decree in the post-Flood world, unequivocally establishing God's absolute demand for accountability concerning the shedding of human life. This verse declares that the Creator Himself will meticulously "require" the "blood of your lives" from both animal and human perpetrators, thereby emphasizing the profound sanctity of human life as uniquely created in His image and laying the groundwork for the divine mandate against murder and the establishment of justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 9:5 is situated within the immediate aftermath of the global Flood, specifically within the covenant God establishes with Noah and his descendants. Following the divine promise never again to destroy all life by flood ([Genesis 9:11](/genesis/9-11 "God's covenant with Noah")), God reiterates His original blessing for humanity to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth ([Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "God's blessing and command to Noah")). A significant shift in human diet is introduced, permitting the consumption of meat, a departure from the pre-Flood vegetarian diet ([Genesis 9:3](/genesis/9-3 "Permission to eat meat")). However, this new allowance is immediately qualified by a crucial prohibition: the consumption of blood is forbidden because "the life of the flesh is in the blood" ([Genesis 9:4](/genesis/9-4 "Prohibition against consuming blood")). Verse 5 then builds directly upon this concept of blood as the seat of life, extending the divine concern for life from dietary restrictions to the profound sacredness of human life itself, setting the stage for the principle of capital punishment articulated in the very next verse ([Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "The basis for capital punishment")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The immediate historical context is the dawn of a new era for humanity after the catastrophic Flood, with Noah and his family as the sole survivors. God is re-establishing the terms of human existence on a cleansed earth. Culturally, this period predates any formal human legal systems or organized governments as we know them. Therefore, God's direct declaration in Genesis 9:5 serves as the primordial legal and moral foundation for all future human societies regarding the value of life. It establishes a universal principle, applicable to all humanity, not just a specific nation or group. The concept of "blood" as synonymous with "life" was a pervasive ancient Near Eastern understanding, but here it is divinely affirmed and imbued with theological significance, linking the physical act of bloodshed to a spiritual violation against the Creator.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the **Sanctity of Human Life**, rooted in the doctrine of the *Imago Dei* (the image of God), which is explicitly mentioned as the rationale in the subsequent verse ([Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Humanity created in the image of God")). This theme underscores that human life possesses intrinsic value because it reflects the divine nature. Another key theme is **Divine Justice and Accountability**, as God Himself declares His intention to "require" life for life, establishing a precedent for righteous judgment against those who unjustly shed innocent blood. This sets the stage for God's ongoing involvement in upholding moral order in creation. Furthermore, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Covenantal Law**, as these stipulations are part of the broader Noahic Covenant, which applies universally to all mankind. The prohibition against consuming blood and the demand for accountability for human life foreshadow the more elaborate legal codes found later in the Pentateuch, such as those in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "The Book of Leviticus") and [Numbers](/numbers/1 "The Book of Numbers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **require (Hebrew, _dârash'_):** This primitive root means "to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship." In this context, it conveys God's active, diligent, and unwavering pursuit of justice. It's not a passive request but a forceful demand, indicating God's role as the ultimate judge who will meticulously investigate and exact recompense for the shedding of life.
* **blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be silent" or "to cease," this word refers to blood as that which, when shed, causes death. It is intimately connected with "life" (_nephesh_) throughout Scripture. Here, it signifies the very essence of vitality and existence, emphasizing that the taking of human life is a profound violation because it extinguishes the life principle.
* **life (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** Properly, "a breathing creature," this term is used very widely to refer to vitality, the soul, the self, or a living being. In this verse, "blood of your lives" (literally "blood of your souls") highlights that the blood is the physical manifestation of the living soul or person. God is requiring accountability for the destruction of a living, breathing, ensouled human being.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This word, meaning "hand," is used here idiomatically to denote agency, responsibility, or power. "At the hand of every beast" and "at the hand of man" signifies that the responsibility and accountability for the shedding of life will be exacted from the agent or perpetrator of that act. It points to the source from which the requirement will be demanded.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And surely your blood of your lives will I require;"**: This opening clause establishes God's direct and personal involvement in upholding the sanctity of human life. The emphatic "surely" (Hebrew: _ʼak_) underscores the certainty and solemnity of this divine decree. The phrase "blood of your lives" (literally "blood of your souls/persons") highlights that the life principle resides in the blood, and God will hold accountable anyone who causes its unlawful shedding. This is a declaration of divine justice for homicide.
* **"at the hand of every beast will I require it,"**: This surprising inclusion demonstrates the absolute and universal value God places on human life. Even an animal, which lacks moral agency, is held accountable by God for taking a human life. This principle, later codified in Mosaic Law ([Exodus 21:28](/exodus/21-28 "If an ox gore a man, and he die")), served to instill profound reverence for human life, emphasizing that its destruction, even by an animal, was a serious matter before God.
* **"and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man."**: This final clause extends the divine demand for accountability directly to humanity. "At the hand of man" refers to human responsibility in general, while the more specific "at the hand of every man's brother" emphasizes the inherent bond and mutual responsibility humans have towards one another within the human community. It underscores that murder is not merely a crime against an individual but a profound violation of human solidarity and, ultimately, an offense against God Himself. This universal principle applies to all individuals, highlighting the gravity of homicide and laying the groundwork for human justice systems to punish it.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically of the phrase "will I require" (Hebrew: _dârash_) and "at the hand of." This repetition serves to emphasize God's unwavering commitment to justice and accountability for human life, reinforcing the certainty and universality of this divine decree. The use of "blood of your lives" is a form of **Merism**, where "blood" represents the entire person or the very essence of life, highlighting the sacredness of the whole individual. There is also a clear progression from the general ("every beast") to the specific ("man," then "every man's brother"), creating a sense of escalating responsibility and a widening scope of accountability, culminating in the most heinous act: fratricide or the murder of a fellow human. This structure lends a sense of divine authority and comprehensive coverage to the pronouncement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 9:5 is a cornerstone for understanding the sanctity of human life and the divine imperative for justice. It establishes that human life is uniquely valuable, not merely because of its utility or societal contribution, but because it is inherently sacred to God. This verse lays the theological groundwork for the prohibition against murder, asserting God's active role as the ultimate arbiter of justice for the shedding of innocent blood. It underscores that life is a divine gift, and its unlawful termination is an affront to the Creator, demanding a divine response.

* [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Humanity created in God's image")
* [Exodus 21:28-29](/exodus/21-28-29 "Laws concerning a goring ox")
* [Numbers 35:33](/numbers/35-33 "Land polluted by blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 9:5 continues to resonate with profound implications for contemporary society, underpinning the intrinsic value of every human being, regardless of age, ethnicity, ability, or social status. This divine declaration mandates that societies establish and uphold systems of justice that hold individuals accountable for violence, particularly murder, recognizing that the pursuit of justice for victims of homicide aligns with God's own righteous character. It reminds us that God is a God of justice who cares deeply about the innocent and will ultimately hold all accountable for their actions, offering comfort to those who suffer from violence and injustice, even if earthly justice is delayed or incomplete. Furthermore, it calls believers to champion the cause of life, advocating for the vulnerable and opposing any ideology or practice that devalues human existence, from conception to natural death.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine requirement for accountability from both animals and humans in Genesis 9:5 deepen your understanding of the sanctity of human life?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary societal views that might devalue certain human lives?**
* **How should the church, as an embodiment of God's justice and love, respond to acts of violence and injustice in the world today, particularly those involving the shedding of innocent blood?**
* **Considering God's active role in "requiring" life for life, how does this truth provide comfort or challenge your perspective on divine justice in the face of unpunished crimes?**

### FAQ
**Why does God require blood from animals for taking human life?**

Answer: God's requirement of blood from animals (e.g., if an ox gores a person to death) underscores the absolute and universal sanctity of human life. It demonstrates that the value of human life is so immense that even creatures without moral agency are held accountable for its destruction. This principle, later codified in Mosaic Law in passages like [Exodus 21:28](/exodus/21-28 "If an ox gore a man, and he die"), served to instill a profound reverence for human life in society, emphasizing that its shedding, even accidentally by an animal, was a serious matter before God. It highlights that the sanctity of human life transcends human legal systems and is a divine mandate, reinforcing the idea that all life belongs to God.

**Does Genesis 9:5 explicitly command capital punishment?**

Answer: While Genesis 9:5 does not explicitly state "you must execute the murderer," it lays the foundational principle for capital punishment by declaring that God will "require the life of man" from the one who takes it. The immediate subsequent verse, [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Whoever sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed"), clarifies this by stating, "Whoso shedeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man." Together, these verses establish the divine mandate for human governments to exact the life of a murderer as a just consequence for taking a life made in God's image. This is understood as the initial biblical warrant for capital punishment for murder, based on the *Imago Dei*.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 9:5, with its profound emphasis on the sacredness of human life and the divine requirement for justice concerning its shedding, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. While this verse institutes a principle of justice for the taking of physical life, Christ's sacrifice on the cross addresses the deeper spiritual death caused by sin, which is the root of all violence and injustice. His shed blood, unlike the blood of animals or the blood required for human justice, is the perfect and final atonement, satisfying God's ultimate requirement for life and providing remission for sins ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Without shedding of blood is no remission")). The justice God demands for the shedding of innocent blood is perfectly met in the crucifixion of the innocent Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), whose blood cleanses from all sin and offers eternal life to those who believe ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin")). Furthermore, Christ, as the righteous judge, will ultimately bring perfect justice to all who have shed innocent blood, and His coming kingdom will be characterized by the complete cessation of violence and the full flourishing of life in His image, where "they shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain" ([Isaiah 11:9](/isaiah/11-9 "The peaceful kingdom of the Messiah")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 21:28

If an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox [shall be] quit.

Exodus 21:29

But if the ox were wont to push with his horn in time past, and it hath been testified to his owner, and he hath not kept him in, but that he hath killed a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and his owner also shall be put to death.

Exodus 21:12

¶ He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.

Genesis 4:9

¶ And the LORD said unto Cain, Where [is] Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: [Am] I my brother's keeper?

Genesis 4:10

And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.

Psalms 9:12

When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.

Leviticus 19:16

Thou shalt not go up and down [as] a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I [am] the LORD.