Genesis 9:6
Verse
Context
The Covenant of the Rainbow
5And 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: 6Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind. 7But as for you, be fruitful and multiply; spread out across the earth and multiply upon it.”
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood - Hence it appears that whoever kills a man, unless unwittingly, as the Scripture expresses it, shall forfeit his own life. A man is accused of the crime of murder; of this crime he is guilty or he is not: if he be guilty of murder he should die; if not, let him be punished according to the demerit of his crime; but for no offense but murder should he lose his life. Taking away the life of another is the highest offense that can be committed against the individual, and against society; and the highest punishment that a man can suffer for such a crime is the loss of his own life. As punishment should be ever proportioned to crimes, so the highest punishment due to the highest crime should not be inflicted for a minor offense. The law of God and the eternal dictates of reason say, that if a man kill another, the loss of his own life is at once the highest penalty he can pay, and an equivalent for his offense as far as civil society is concerned. If the death of the murderer be the highest penalty he can pay for the murder he has committed, then the infliction of this punishment for any minor offense is injustice and cruelty; and serves only to confound the claims of justice, the different degrees of moral turpitude and vice, and to render the profligate desperate: hence the adage so frequent among almost every order of delinquents, "It is as good to be hanged for a sheep as a lamb;" which at once marks their desperation, and the injustice of those penal laws which inflict the highest punishment for almost every species of crime. When shall a wise and judicious legislature see the absurdity and injustice of inflicting the punishment of death for stealing a sheep or a horse, forging a twenty shillings' note, and Murdering A Man; when the latter, in its moral turpitude and ruinous consequences, infinitely exceeds the others?* (* On this head the doctor's pious wish has been realized since this paragraph was written. - Publishers)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Whoso sheddeth man's blood . . . for in the image of God made he man--It is true that image has been injured by the fall, but it is not lost. In this view, a high value is attached to the life of every man, even the poorest and humblest, and an awful criminality is involved in the destruction of it.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed,.... That is, he that is guilty of wilful murder shall surely be put to death by the order of the civil magistrate; so the Targum of Jonathan,"by witnesses the judges shall condemn him to death,''that is, the fact being clearly proved by witnesses, the judges shall condemn"him to death,''that is, the fact being clearly proved by witnesses, the judges shall pass the sentence of death upon him, and execute it; for this is but the law of retaliation, a just and equitable one, blood for blood, or life for life; though it seems to be the first law of this kind that empowered the civil magistrate to take away life; God, as it is thought, reserving the right and power to himself before, and which, for some reasons, he thought fit not to make use of in the case of Cain, whom he only banished, and suffered not others to take away his life, but now enacts a law, requiring judges to punish murder with death: and which, according to this law, ought never to go unpunished, or have a lesser punishment inflicted for it: the reason follows: for in the image of God made he man; which, though sadly defaced and obliterated by sin, yet there are such remains of it, as render him more especially the object of the care and providence of God, and give him a superiority to other creatures; and particularly this image, among others, consists in immortality, which the taking away of his life may seem to contradict; however, it is what no man has a right to do.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
9:6 For God made human beings in his own image: The death penalty has a theological basis. God’s image gives humans a unique status and authority within creation (1:26-28). Since murder destroys a person made in God’s image, the ultimate penalty must be imposed on a murderer. See also Exod 21:23-25. We are not to pursue personal revenge (Rom 12:17-19) but are to uphold the justice of the “governing authorities” that God has established (Rom 13:1-7).
Genesis 9:6
The Covenant of the Rainbow
5And 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: 6Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind. 7But as for you, be fruitful and multiply; spread out across the earth and multiply upon it.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Through the Bible) Exodus 1-5
By Chuck Smith1.8K1:23:21ExpositionalGEN 50:26EXO 2:15EXO 4:1EXO 4:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is not just a passive observer of our struggles and suffering. He takes action to deliver His people from their hardships. The preacher also highlights the importance of not getting too attached to material possessions, as they can easily be taken away. Instead, our focus should be on the things of the Spirit and God's eternal kingdom. The sermon references the story of Moses and the Israelites in Egypt, where they faced oppression and hardship, but ultimately God delivered them.
Deformation of Image - Inalienable Aspects - Moral Agency
By John Murray1.8K46:23Moral AgencyGEN 1:26GEN 5:1GEN 5:3GEN 7:3GEN 9:6EPH 4:4COL 3:10In this sermon, the speaker begins by praying for discernment and guidance from the Holy Spirit and the Holy Word. They express a concern about losing contact with the committee and proceed to briefly recap the main points made in the previous sermon. The first point is that, based on biblical evidence, fallen man is still considered to be in the image of God. However, other passages define the divine image in terms of knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, which cannot be attributed to fallen man. The speaker then focuses on three characteristics of personality: self-consciousness, rationality, and freedom.
Blood Guild - Sanctity Life Sunday
By Erlo Stegen1.3K50:05SanctificationGEN 9:6EXO 20:13PSA 139:13ISA 53:3MAT 6:33ROM 12:11CO 6:19In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the impact of a young girl's life and the significance of her clothing in reflecting her faith. He also shares the tragic story of an 11-year-old boy who was killed in a vehicle accident, emphasizing that even young children can be called by the Lord. The preacher discusses the importance of preaching courageously and boldly, while also emphasizing the need to finish one's message efficiently. He challenges the congregation to consider their own efforts in winning others to the Lord and warns against actions that may push people away from Christianity. The sermon also includes a personal story of a woman who had previously aborted two babies but now cherishes her third child as a gift from God.
09-10-80 7p Part I
By Bertha Smith86134:36Christian LifeGEN 9:6JHN 3:162CO 5:21In this sermon, the preacher begins by sharing an illustration about the question of why God made human beings sinful and selfish. He uses a Chinese word for man to represent all people, emphasizing that everyone is sinful and in need of God's forgiveness. The preacher then discusses how God prepared a place and a people for the coming of Jesus, who laid aside his heavenly glory to die for the sins of humanity. He emphasizes the need for individuals to come to the cross and receive Jesus as their Savior in order to be counted righteous and have the Holy Spirit living inside them.
Abortion & the Campaign for Immorality - John Macarthur
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons72946:41RadioGEN 9:6In this sermon, John MacArthur discusses the recent political conventions and their adoption of a Romans 1 platform. He expresses his concern over the promotion of sexual freedom, homosexuality, abortion, and the removal of God from the agenda. MacArthur emphasizes the importance of understanding the biblical perspective on these issues and highlights the scientific fact that life begins at conception. He urges Christians to stand firm in their beliefs and not compromise with the immoral campaign of the world.
The Sixth Commandment
By A.W. Pink0MurderAnger ManagementGEN 9:6EXO 20:13DEU 19:21PRO 13:10LUK 3:14LUK 7:8JHN 8:44JHN 18:36EPH 4:261JN 3:12A.W. Pink expounds on the Sixth Commandment, 'Thou shalt not kill,' emphasizing that it not only forbids murder but also the underlying emotions such as anger and hatred that can lead to it. He illustrates how the commandment serves to protect the sanctity of life and the well-being of individuals, warning against the dangers of envy and rash anger. Pink highlights that lawful actions, such as capital punishment and just wars, do not violate this commandment, while also addressing the grave sin of suicide as self-murder. He concludes with practical advice on managing anger and cultivating a humble spirit to prevent the escalation of harmful emotions. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding of the commandment's implications for personal conduct and community relations.
1 Peter 4:15
By John Gill0Righteous LivingAccountabilityGEN 9:6EXO 22:1PRO 28:13MAT 7:1GAL 6:51TH 4:112TH 3:111TI 5:13JAS 4:111PE 4:15John Gill emphasizes that Christians should not suffer for wrongdoing, such as murder, theft, or being a busybody in others' affairs. He explains that the consequences of such actions are severe, as outlined in the law of God, and that suffering for these reasons is disgraceful for a believer. Instead, Christians are called to live righteously and focus on their own responsibilities rather than meddling in the lives of others. Gill warns against the dangers of covetousness and the pursuit of others' goods, which can lead to moral failure. Ultimately, he encourages believers to uphold their integrity and character in all circumstances.
From Creation to Christ
By G. Campbell Morgan0RedemptionCreationGEN 1:1GEN 6:5GEN 9:6GEN 11:4GEN 12:2EXO 3:10MAT 4:17JHN 1:1JHN 1:11ROM 5:8G. Campbell Morgan explores the journey from creation to Christ, emphasizing that God is love and the origin of all things. He discusses the significance of creation, the fall of man, and the subsequent history of humanity, highlighting God's continuous presence and guidance. Morgan illustrates how the line of faith began with Abraham, leading to the establishment of Israel, which was meant to be a blessing to all nations. He reflects on human failures throughout history, culminating in the coming of Christ, who embodies God's ultimate plan for redemption. The sermon concludes with the assurance that while humanity fails, God's purpose and progress remain steadfast.
The Wise Men Visit Jesus Matthew 2:1-23
By David Servant0GEN 1:27GEN 9:6MAT 2:1David Servant preaches about the visit of the wise men to Jesus, highlighting their journey to Bethlehem guided by a star placed by God, their recognition of Jesus as worthy of worship and expensive gifts, and the evil intentions of King Herod to kill Jesus, leading to the tragic massacre of young boys in Bethlehem. The sermon emphasizes the consequences of Herod's actions and the ultimate justice of God, showcasing the importance of recognizing the value of every human life as created in God's image and loved by Him.
Are We Preaching the Gospel?
By K.C. Moser0GEN 9:6PRO 1:11MAT 5:21ROM 3:15GAL 5:21The preacher delves into the dual meanings of 'oxus' in the Bible, highlighting its representation of rapid motion and sharpness, particularly in the book of Revelation. This sharpness symbolizes the eagerness and readiness of people to commit violence and shed blood, showcasing the inherent malice and hatred within humanity. The sermon emphasizes the swift nature of men to engage in acts of murder, drawing attention to the prevalence of violence throughout history and the deep-rooted depravity in human hearts.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood - Hence it appears that whoever kills a man, unless unwittingly, as the Scripture expresses it, shall forfeit his own life. A man is accused of the crime of murder; of this crime he is guilty or he is not: if he be guilty of murder he should die; if not, let him be punished according to the demerit of his crime; but for no offense but murder should he lose his life. Taking away the life of another is the highest offense that can be committed against the individual, and against society; and the highest punishment that a man can suffer for such a crime is the loss of his own life. As punishment should be ever proportioned to crimes, so the highest punishment due to the highest crime should not be inflicted for a minor offense. The law of God and the eternal dictates of reason say, that if a man kill another, the loss of his own life is at once the highest penalty he can pay, and an equivalent for his offense as far as civil society is concerned. If the death of the murderer be the highest penalty he can pay for the murder he has committed, then the infliction of this punishment for any minor offense is injustice and cruelty; and serves only to confound the claims of justice, the different degrees of moral turpitude and vice, and to render the profligate desperate: hence the adage so frequent among almost every order of delinquents, "It is as good to be hanged for a sheep as a lamb;" which at once marks their desperation, and the injustice of those penal laws which inflict the highest punishment for almost every species of crime. When shall a wise and judicious legislature see the absurdity and injustice of inflicting the punishment of death for stealing a sheep or a horse, forging a twenty shillings' note, and Murdering A Man; when the latter, in its moral turpitude and ruinous consequences, infinitely exceeds the others?* (* On this head the doctor's pious wish has been realized since this paragraph was written. - Publishers)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Whoso sheddeth man's blood . . . for in the image of God made he man--It is true that image has been injured by the fall, but it is not lost. In this view, a high value is attached to the life of every man, even the poorest and humblest, and an awful criminality is involved in the destruction of it.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed,.... That is, he that is guilty of wilful murder shall surely be put to death by the order of the civil magistrate; so the Targum of Jonathan,"by witnesses the judges shall condemn him to death,''that is, the fact being clearly proved by witnesses, the judges shall condemn"him to death,''that is, the fact being clearly proved by witnesses, the judges shall pass the sentence of death upon him, and execute it; for this is but the law of retaliation, a just and equitable one, blood for blood, or life for life; though it seems to be the first law of this kind that empowered the civil magistrate to take away life; God, as it is thought, reserving the right and power to himself before, and which, for some reasons, he thought fit not to make use of in the case of Cain, whom he only banished, and suffered not others to take away his life, but now enacts a law, requiring judges to punish murder with death: and which, according to this law, ought never to go unpunished, or have a lesser punishment inflicted for it: the reason follows: for in the image of God made he man; which, though sadly defaced and obliterated by sin, yet there are such remains of it, as render him more especially the object of the care and providence of God, and give him a superiority to other creatures; and particularly this image, among others, consists in immortality, which the taking away of his life may seem to contradict; however, it is what no man has a right to do.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
9:6 For God made human beings in his own image: The death penalty has a theological basis. God’s image gives humans a unique status and authority within creation (1:26-28). Since murder destroys a person made in God’s image, the ultimate penalty must be imposed on a murderer. See also Exod 21:23-25. We are not to pursue personal revenge (Rom 12:17-19) but are to uphold the justice of the “governing authorities” that God has established (Rom 13:1-7).