Leviticus 24:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And he {H376} that killeth {H5221} any {H5315} man {H120} shall surely {H4191} be put to death {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Anyone who strikes another person and kills him must be put to death.

Berean Standard Bible

And if a man takes the life of anyone else, he must surely be put to death.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 24:17 stands as a foundational decree within the Mosaic Law, unequivocally asserting the sanctity of human life and mandating capital punishment for its intentional violation. This verse profoundly underscores the immeasurable value God places on human existence, which is uniquely created in His divine image, and articulates the severe, divinely ordained consequence for murder, thereby reflecting God's absolute justice and His demand for a life in retribution for such a heinous act against His creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 24:17 is situated within a broader collection of civil and ritual laws delivered to Israel, immediately following the narrative of the blasphemer who was stoned to death for cursing God's name, as commanded by the Lord in [Leviticus 24:10-16](/leviticus/24-10-16 "Leviticus 24:10-16 - The Blasphemer's Punishment and the Law of Blasphemy"). This preceding account establishes a clear precedent for capital punishment as a divinely sanctioned response to ultimate offenses against God and His covenant. The overarching context of [Leviticus 24](/leviticus/24 "Leviticus 24 - Laws for the Tabernacle and Justice") begins with specific instructions for the Tabernacle's lamp and showbread, then transitions abruptly to this crucial legal section concerning personal injury and capital crimes. Verses [Leviticus 24:18-22](/leviticus/24-18-22 "Leviticus 24:18-22 - Laws of Retribution and Lex Talionis") immediately follow, detailing the principle of proportionate justice, famously summarized as "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" ([Leviticus 24:20](/leviticus/24-20 "Leviticus 24:20 - The Principle of Lex Talionis")). However, verse 17 specifically elevates murder above other injuries, demanding the ultimate penalty of life for life, thereby distinguishing it as a crime of unparalleled gravity and highlighting the unique value of human life.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel functioned as a theocracy, meaning its civil laws were not merely societal constructs but direct emanations from divine commands, meticulously reflecting God's holy character and His covenant relationship with His chosen people. In a society that lacked modern correctional facilities or widespread law enforcement agencies, severe penalties served dual purposes: as a powerful deterrent against transgression and as an essential means of preserving social order and maintaining the ritual and moral purity of the community. The prohibition against murder was foundational, echoing the post-Flood covenant established with Noah, where God explicitly declared, "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image" ([Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Genesis 9:6 - The Noahic Covenant and the Sanctity of Life")). This established the profound sanctity of human life as divinely ordained and protected from the earliest stages of human history. Unlike many other ancient Near Eastern legal codes, which frequently permitted monetary compensation for homicide, the Mosaic Law, as unequivocally stated in [Leviticus 24:17](/leviticus/24-17 "Leviticus 24:17 - The Law on Murder"), strictly mandated capital punishment. This emphasized that human life, being created in God's image, possessed infinite value that could not be quantified or compensated by any material means. This strict mandate also served a crucial social function, preventing uncontrolled blood feuds and cycles of personal vengeance by ensuring that justice was administered by the community's appointed authorities rather than by aggrieved individuals or families.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes found throughout Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Primarily, it reinforces the **Sanctity of Human Life**, a theme rooted in the creation account where humanity is uniquely made in the image of God ([Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image")). To take a human life is thus an assault not merely on an individual but on God's very likeness. Secondly, it highlights God's **Justice and Righteousness**, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to upholding moral order and demanding a commensurate penalty for ultimate transgressions. The principle of "life for life" is an expression of divine justice, ensuring that severe crimes receive severe consequences. Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of **Holiness and Purity within the Community**. The shedding of innocent blood defiled the land and the community, necessitating a purging of evil through the administration of justice (cf. [Numbers 35:33-34](/numbers/35-33-34 "Numbers 35:33-34 - Blood Defiles the Land")). Finally, it underscores the **Authority of Divine Law**, showing that these statutes are not arbitrary human constructs but divinely revealed commands that govern every aspect of Israelite society, from ritual practice to civil conduct, all designed to reflect God's character and maintain His covenant relationship with His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **killeth (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** This verb (נָכָה, H5221) means "to strike," "to smite," or "to kill." In this context, given the severe penalty, it refers specifically to the act of intentional homicide. Unlike accidental killing, which had provisions for cities of refuge ([Numbers 35:9-34](/numbers/35-9-34 "Numbers 35:9-34 - Cities of Refuge")), the use of `nâkâh` here, combined with the subsequent penalty, clearly denotes a deliberate and culpable act of taking a human life. It emphasizes the direct, forceful, and decisive nature of the perpetrator's action.
* **any man (Hebrew, _nephesh âdâm'_):** The phrase "any man" translates the Hebrew `nephesh âdâm` (נֶפֶשׁ אָדָם, H5315 and H120), literally "soul of man" or "life of a human being." `Nephesh` (soul, life, person) is used broadly to refer to a living being, highlighting the vitality and essence of a person. `Âdâm` (human being, mankind) emphasizes the universal applicability of this law to any member of the human species, regardless of their social status, nationality, or gender. This underscores the inherent and equal value of every individual life in God's eyes, reinforcing the idea that murder is an offense against humanity itself, created in God's image.
* **shall surely be put to death (Hebrew, _mûwth yûmâth'_):** This is a powerful Hebrew idiom, a grammatical construction known as the infinitive absolute followed by a finite verb (מוֹת יוּמָת, H4191). It literally translates to "dying he shall die" or "death he shall be put to death." This construction conveys absolute certainty, inevitability, and emphatic affirmation. It leaves no room for doubt, negotiation, or alternative outcomes; the penalty is fixed, non-negotiable, and unavoidable for the one found guilty of intentional murder. It underscores the divine decree and the uncompromising nature of the punishment for such a grave offense.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he that killeth any man":** This opening clause precisely identifies both the perpetrator and the victim. The phrase "he that killeth" (using the Hebrew verb `nâkâh`) points to an individual who actively and intentionally commits the act of homicide. The object, "any man" (Hebrew `nephesh âdâm`), is crucial, emphasizing the universal scope of the law. It signifies that the life of any human being, regardless of their social standing, ethnicity, or personal characteristics, holds equal and sacred value in God's sight. This clause establishes the specific crime: the deliberate taking of a human life.
* **"shall surely be put to death":** This concluding clause declares the divinely mandated consequence for the crime. The emphatic Hebrew idiom `mûwth yûmâth` ("dying he shall die") leaves no ambiguity concerning the penalty. It signifies that capital punishment is the absolute and inevitable consequence for intentional murder. This reflects God's unwavering justice, His demand for a life in retribution for a life taken, and the ultimate seriousness with which He views the shedding of innocent blood. The certainty of the penalty serves as both a powerful deterrent and a means of purging moral evil and defilement from the covenant community.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 24:17 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message with clarity and force. The most evident is **Direct Statement**, presenting the law in a clear, unambiguous, and declarative manner, which leaves no room for misinterpretation regarding the act and its consequence. This directness is characteristic of biblical legal texts and contributes to its authoritative tone. The verse also functions as a **Legal Formula**, a concise, prescriptive statement typical of ancient Near Eastern and biblical law, designed to establish a binding statute. The use of the Hebrew infinitive absolute, `mûwth yûmâth` ("shall surely be put to death"), is a powerful device of **Emphasis** and **Certainty**. This idiomatic repetition creates an undeniable sense of inevitability and finality, underscoring the absolute nature of the divine judgment and the non-negotiable penalty. Furthermore, the verse, particularly when read in conjunction with the subsequent "eye for an eye" principle, demonstrates a form of **Proportionate Retribution**, where the ultimate crime (murder) receives the ultimate, reciprocal punishment, reinforcing the concept of a just and balanced system of divine justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 24:17 is deeply rooted in the foundational theological conviction of the sanctity of human life, which is paramount because humanity is uniquely created in the very image of God. To take a human life is not merely an offense against another person, but a direct assault on the Creator Himself, defacing His image and usurping His sovereign authority over life and death. This law profoundly underscores God's righteous and just character, demonstrating that He is a God who demands a commensurate penalty for the ultimate transgression against life. The severity of the punishment serves as a stark reminder of sin's gravity, particularly the sin of shedding innocent blood, and God's unwavering commitment to upholding moral order, protecting the vulnerable, and purging evil from His covenant community. It reveals that God values human life so highly that its intentional destruction demands the ultimate forfeiture.

* [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "The Noahic Covenant and the Sanctity of Life")
* [Romans 13:4](/romans/13-4 "Governing Authorities as Agents of God's Justice")
* [Matthew 5:21-22](/matthew/5-21-22 "Matthew 5:21-22 - Jesus' Teaching on Anger and Murder")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 24:17 transcends its ancient legal context to offer enduring and profound principles for all humanity, calling us to a deep and abiding reverence for human life. It compels us to recognize that every individual, from conception to natural death, bears the indelible mark of God's image and possesses inherent dignity and immeasurable value. This foundational truth should profoundly shape our perspectives on contemporary ethical dilemmas surrounding life, such as abortion, euthanasia, and the just application of capital punishment, urging us to defend and protect life at every stage. Furthermore, the verse compels us to champion justice in our societies, advocating for equitable laws that protect the vulnerable and hold accountable those who perpetrate violence. For believers, it deepens our understanding of the seriousness of sin, particularly the sin of hatred and unrighteous anger, which Jesus identified as the spiritual root of murder. We are called not only to refrain from physical violence but to actively cultivate hearts of love, compassion, and reconciliation, recognizing that true justice and reverence for life begin with a transformed inner life that honors God and cherishes every person created in His likeness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of the sanctity of human life, as expressed in Leviticus 24:17, challenge or affirm your views on contemporary issues like abortion or euthanasia?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and communities, actively uphold and demonstrate the value of every human life in a world that often devalues it?**
* **Considering Jesus' teaching in [Matthew 5:21-22](/matthew/5-21-22 "Matthew 5:21-22 - Jesus' Teaching on Anger and Murder"), how does this verse from Leviticus call us to examine not just our actions, but also the attitudes and intentions of our hearts?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse apply to all forms of killing, or specifically to murder?**

Answer: Leviticus 24:17 specifically addresses intentional killing, which is commonly understood as murder. The Hebrew term used (`nâkâh`, "to strike/kill") and the broader context of Mosaic Law consistently distinguish between deliberate homicide and other forms of killing, such as accidental death (for which cities of refuge were provided, as seen in [Numbers 35:9-34](/numbers/35-9-34 "Numbers 35:9-34 - Cities of Refuge")), killing in self-defense, or killing in the context of a divinely sanctioned war. The emphasis here is on the premeditated or malicious taking of an innocent human life, which is viewed as a direct violation of God's command and the sanctity of life.

**How does this Old Testament law relate to the concept of capital punishment in modern societies?**

Answer: Leviticus 24:17 provides a foundational biblical principle for capital punishment: that the intentional taking of a human life warrants the ultimate penalty. While modern legal systems and ethical considerations surrounding capital punishment are complex and widely debated, this verse underscores the biblical conviction that life is sacred and that severe crimes against it demand severe justice. It reflects God's character as a righteous judge who holds human life in the highest regard and demands accountability for its violation. The New Testament acknowledges the role of governing authorities in administering justice, even bearing "the sword" ([Romans 13:4](/romans/13-4 "Romans 13:4 - Governing Authorities as Agents of God's Justice")), implying the state's legitimate power to enforce laws, including capital punishment, though the specific application and justification in contemporary contexts remain subjects of ongoing theological and ethical discussion among believers.

**What is the "sanctity of human life" and why is it so important in this verse?**

Answer: The "sanctity of human life" is the profound theological principle that human life is inherently sacred and possesses inestimable value because it is uniquely created in the very image of God ([Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image")). This concept is paramount in Leviticus 24:17 because it provides the ultimate rationale for why murder is such a heinous crime and why its penalty is so severe. To kill a human being is not merely to end a life, but to attack God's very image, to deface His creation, and to usurp His divine authority over life and death. Therefore, the law demands a life for a life, not merely as retribution, but as a profound reaffirmation of God's supreme value for human existence and His unwavering commitment to justice for those made in His likeness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 24:17, with its unwavering demand for "life for life" in the case of murder, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate justice and profound redemption found in Jesus Christ. While this verse highlights the severity of sin and the just penalty it demands, Christ fulfills this law not by enforcing its literal application upon us, but by bearing its full weight Himself. Jesus, the perfect [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), took upon Himself the death penalty for humanity's sin, including the sin of murder and the hatred from which it springs (cf. [Matthew 5:21-22](/matthew/5-21-22 "Matthew 5:21-22 - Jesus' Teaching on Anger and Murder")). His sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate "life for life" exchange, where His innocent and perfect life was given to redeem those who were spiritually "dead in transgressions" ([Ephesians 2:1](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1 - Dead in Transgressions")). Furthermore, Christ, as the righteous judge, perfectly upholds God's justice, and through His atoning work, He offers forgiveness and new, eternal life to all who believe, transforming hearts that were once prone to violence and hatred into vessels of love, peace, and righteousness ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Thus, the law's demand for justice is fully met in Him, and its underlying principle of the sanctity of life finds its highest expression in the abundant and eternal life He offers to all who trust in His name ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")).

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

Genesis 9:5

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.

Genesis 9:6

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

Deuteronomy 19:11

But if any man hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth into one of these cities:

Deuteronomy 19:12

Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.

Deuteronomy 27:24

Cursed [be] he that smiteth his neighbour secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Numbers 35:30

Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person [to cause him] to die.

Numbers 35:31

Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which [is] guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death.