Genesis 9:6

KJV

Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whoso sheddeth {H8210} man's {H120} blood {H1818}, by man {H120} shall his blood {H1818} be shed {H8210}: for in the image {H6754} of God {H430} made {H6213} he man {H120}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Whoever sheds human blood, by a human being will his own blood be shed; for God made human beings in his image.

Berean Standard Bible

Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind.

American Standard Version

Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 9:6 articulates a foundational divine decree establishing the sanctity of human life and the principle of capital justice following the Great Flood. It unequivocally declares that the unlawful taking of human life will be met with the shedding of the perpetrator's own blood by human agency, grounding this severe mandate in the profound theological truth that humanity is uniquely created in the very image of God. This verse thus elevates an assault on human life to an offense against the Creator Himself, providing the ethical basis for human governance and the administration of justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 9:6 is situated within the broader narrative of the Noahic Covenant, which God establishes with Noah and his descendants immediately after the global flood, as detailed in [Genesis 9:1-17](/genesis/9-17 "The Noahic Covenant - God's Promise to Noah"). This covenant marks a pivotal new beginning for humanity, re-establishing divine order and moral law for a world cleansed of the pervasive violence and corruption that characterized the pre-Flood era, famously described in [Genesis 6:11-13](/genesis/6-11-13 "The Earth Corrupted Before the Flood"). Following God's blessing and command to "be fruitful and multiply" ([Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "God's Blessing and Command to Noah")), the text outlines new dietary permissions and, crucially, new stipulations regarding the sacredness of life, making Genesis 9:6 the cornerstone of this post-diluvian moral framework.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the immediate aftermath of the Flood, humanity was starting anew, without established societal structures or formal legal systems. God's covenant with Noah, therefore, serves as a universal foundational law for all humankind, predating and transcending specific national laws like the later Mosaic Law. The command for capital punishment for murder in Genesis 9:6 is a divine delegation of authority to human beings to maintain order and justice in a fallen world. This was a necessary measure to prevent a return to the chaotic violence that necessitated the Flood judgment, establishing a deterrent and a clear moral boundary. It underscores that even in the absence of complex legal codes, the value of human life is inherently recognized and divinely protected.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 9:6 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and biblical theology. Foremost is the **sanctity of human life**, rooted in the concept of the [Imago Dei](/genesis/1-27 "Humanity Created in God's Image"). This verse elevates human life above all other created life, making its unlawful taking an affront to God. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **divine justice and human governance**, marking the first explicit divine authorization for human authorities to wield the "sword" of justice, a principle later reiterated in passages like [Romans 13:4](/romans/13-4 "The Authority of Governing Rulers"). Thirdly, it reinforces the **universality of God's moral law**, demonstrating that certain ethical principles, particularly concerning life and justice, are binding upon all humanity, not just a select group or nation. This command is a foundational element of the [Noahic Covenant](/genesis/9 "The Noahic Covenant"), which establishes a universal moral framework for all humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sheddeth (Hebrew, _shâphak'_):** H8210. A primitive root meaning "to spill forth" or "to pour out." While it can refer to pouring out liquids like water or wine, in the context of blood, it signifies the violent act of causing blood to flow out, leading to death. The repetition of this word emphasizes the direct and reciprocal nature of the justice demanded: as blood is poured out, so shall blood be poured out.
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** H1818. From a root meaning "to be silent" or "to cease," referring to blood as that which, when shed, causes death and brings life to an end. It represents life itself (cf. [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "The Life is in the Blood")). The shedding of blood, therefore, is the taking of life, a grave act that demands a commensurate response.
* **Image (Hebrew, _tselem'_):** H6754. From an unused root meaning "to shade," implying a phantom, illusion, or resemblance. In this context, it refers to a representative figure or likeness. When applied to humanity, "image of God" signifies humanity's unique dignity, inherent worth, and capacity to reflect God's nature, distinguishing humans from all other creation. To destroy this "image" is to deface God's own representation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whoso sheddeth man's blood,"**: This initial clause identifies the heinous act of murder, the unlawful taking of a human life. The phrase "man's blood" emphasizes that the victim is a human being, distinct from animals, whose life carries a unique sacredness. The act of "shedding blood" is a vivid and direct description of violence resulting in death.
* **"by man shall his blood be shed:"**: This second clause prescribes the divine consequence for murder: capital punishment administered by human agency. It is a declaration of retributive justice, establishing the principle of "life for a life." This is not a license for personal vengeance but a divine mandate for human authorities to execute justice, ensuring accountability and deterring further bloodshed by demonstrating the ultimate value God places on human life.
* **"for in the image of God made he man."**: This final, pivotal clause provides the profound theological rationale for the preceding command. The sanctity of human life and the severity of murder are rooted in the truth of the *Imago Dei*. Humanity's unique creation in God's image means that every human being possesses inherent dignity, value, and a unique relationship with the Creator. Therefore, to destroy a human life is to assault God's own likeness, making murder an act of profound disrespect and defiance against the Creator Himself.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 9:6 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a form of **Lexical Repetition** and **Chiasm**, which reinforces the reciprocal nature of the justice decreed: "Whoso sheddeth (A) man's blood (B), by man (B') shall his blood (A') be shed." This structure emphasizes the direct and inevitable consequence of the act. The verse also utilizes **Legal Language** and **Divine Mandate**, conveyed through its declarative and authoritative tone, establishing a clear and binding law rather than a suggestion. Finally, the use of a **Causal Clause** ("for in the image of God made he man") provides the theological bedrock, explaining the profound *reason* behind the command and elevating the discussion from mere legal prescription to a deep theological truth about human worth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 9:6 is a cornerstone passage for understanding the sanctity of human life and the divine institution of justice. It unequivocally establishes that human life possesses an inherent, inalienable dignity and value, not because of human achievement or societal status, but solely because humanity is uniquely created in the image of God. This *Imago Dei* means that every human being, regardless of age, ability, or circumstance, reflects the Creator in a profound way, making an attack on human life a direct affront to God Himself. Furthermore, this verse marks the first explicit delegation of the right and responsibility to administer capital justice to human authorities, demonstrating God's concern for order and righteousness in a fallen world. This universal principle of justice, rooted in the Noahic Covenant, undergirds all subsequent biblical law regarding the protection of life and the punishment of murder.

* [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Humanity Created in God's Image")
* [Exodus 21:12](/exodus/21-12 "Law Regarding Murder")
* [Romans 13:4](/romans/13-4 "The Governing Authority as God's Servant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 9:6 remains profoundly relevant for all humanity, calling us to a deep and abiding reverence for every human life and a steadfast commitment to justice. It compels us to recognize the inherent dignity of every individual, from conception to natural death, because each person bears the divine image. This truth should shape our ethics, our policies, and our personal interactions, fostering a culture that cherishes and protects life in all its stages. Furthermore, the verse underscores the solemn responsibility of human societies and their governing authorities to uphold justice, protect the innocent, and hold accountable those who commit heinous crimes. This divine mandate for justice is not about vengeance, but about reflecting God's own righteous character and preserving the moral order necessary for human flourishing. It serves as a timeless reminder that violence against humanity is, in a profound sense, an assault on God's own representation in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of the *Imago Dei* (image of God) challenge contemporary views on human dignity and the value of life?**
* **In what ways can individuals and communities uphold the sanctity of life in a world often marked by violence and disregard for human dignity?**
* **What is the role of justice in reflecting God's character, and how should societies balance mercy with the demands of righteous judgment?**

### FAQ
**Why is the "image of God" so crucial to this command?**

Answer: The "image of God" (*Imago Dei*) is the theological bedrock for the command in [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Genesis 9:6 - Sanctity of Life") because it signifies humanity's unique dignity and inherent worth. Unlike any other created being, humans reflect God's attributes—such as rationality, morality, spiritual capacity, and the ability to exercise dominion over creation, as first described in [Genesis 1:26-27](/genesis/1-26-27 "Humanity Created in God's Image"). Therefore, to unlawfully take a human life is not merely a crime against an individual but an assault on God's very representation on earth. It is an act of profound disrespect and defiance towards the Creator, making murder an offense of the highest order that demands the most severe consequence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 9:6, with its profound emphasis on the *Imago Dei* and the necessity of justice for the shedding of innocent blood, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is not merely created in the image of God, but is the perfect and unblemished "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Christ the Image of God")) and the "exact imprint of his being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Christ the Express Image of God")). While humanity's image of God was marred and distorted by sin, leading to the very violence Genesis 9:6 seeks to curb, Christ, through His redemptive work, restores and renews the *Imago Dei* in believers, conforming them to His perfect likeness ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Conformed to the Image of His Son")). Furthermore, the principle of "blood for blood" finds its ultimate, paradoxical fulfillment in Christ's sacrifice: He, the innocent Lamb of God, willingly shed His own perfect blood ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "Redemption by Christ's Precious Blood")) to atone for the guilt of humanity's sin, including the sin of murder and all violence against God's image. His death on the cross addresses the ultimate injustice and provides the means for true justice and reconciliation, pointing forward to a new heaven and new earth where all violence and injustice are finally overcome, and God's image is perfectly restored in His redeemed people ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "No More Death or Suffering")).

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

Leviticus 24:17

And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death.

Matthew 26:52

Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

Revelation 13:10

He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

Numbers 35:33

So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye [are]: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it.

Genesis 1:26

¶ And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

Genesis 1:27

So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Exodus 21:12

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