Leviticus 24:17
Leviticus 24:17 in Multiple Translations
And if a man takes the life of anyone else, he must surely be put to death.
¶ And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death.
And he that smiteth any man mortally shall surely be put to death.
And anyone who takes another's life is certainly to be put to death.
Anyone who kills someone else must be executed.
He also that killeth any man, he shall be put to death.
'And when a man smiteth any soul of man, he is certainly put to death.
“‘He who strikes any man mortally shall surely be put to death.
And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death.
He that striketh and killeth a man, dying let him die.
“Also, If anyone murders another person, he must be executed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 24:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Leviticus 24:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִ֕ישׁ
כִּ֥י
יַכֶּ֖ה
כָּל
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
אָדָ֑ם
מ֖וֹת
יוּמָֽת
וְ/אִ֕ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יַכֶּ֖ה
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs
אָדָ֑ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
מ֖וֹת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Ptc
יוּמָֽת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 24:17
וְ/אִ֕ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יַכֶּ֖ה
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
אָדָ֑ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
מ֖וֹת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Ptc
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
יוּמָֽת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — Leviticus 24:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 24:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 24:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 24:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 24:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 24:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 24:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 24:17
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 24:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 24:17
- Sermons on Leviticus 24:17
Context — An Eye for an Eye
15And you are to tell the Israelites, ‘If anyone curses his God, he shall bear the consequences of his sin.
16Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD must surely be put to death; the whole assembly must surely stone him, whether he is a foreign resident or native; if he blasphemes the Name, he must be put to death.
17And if a man takes the life of anyone else, he must surely be put to death.
18Whoever kills an animal must make restitution—life for life. 19If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 9:5–6 | 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: Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 19:11–12 | If, however, a man hates his neighbor and lies in wait, attacks him and kills him, and then flees to one of these cities, the elders of his city must send for him, bring him back, and hand him over to the avenger of blood to die. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 27:24 | ‘Cursed is he who strikes down his neighbor in secret.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ |
| 4 | Numbers 35:30–31 | If anyone kills a person, the murderer is to be put to death on the testimony of the witnesses. But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of a lone witness. You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he must surely be put to death. |
| 5 | Exodus 21:12–14 | Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death. If, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee. But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death. |
Leviticus 24:17 Summary
Leviticus 24:17 teaches us that taking someone's life is a very serious sin, and according to God's law given at that time, it was punishable by death. This shows how much God values human life, which is made in His image (Genesis 1:27). It reminds us to treat others with respect and care, because every life is precious to God. By understanding this, we can better appreciate the importance of forgiveness and the value of life, as also highlighted in verses like Matthew 26:52, where Jesus teaches about living by the sword and dying by the sword.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main principle behind Leviticus 24:17?
The main principle is that taking the life of another human being is a serious offense that warrants the death penalty, as seen in Leviticus 24:17, which aligns with the value of human life emphasized in Genesis 9:6.
Is this verse still applicable today?
While the specific penalty may not be directly applicable in modern societies, the underlying principle of valuing human life and holding people accountable for harming others remains relevant, as supported by verses like Exodus 21:12 and Matthew 26:52.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
This verse reflects God's justice and high regard for human life, created in His image, as stated in Genesis 1:27, emphasizing the seriousness of harming others.
What is the significance of the death penalty in this context?
The death penalty in Leviticus 24:17 serves as a deterrent and a means of upholding justice, highlighting the severity of the offense against both the individual and society, much like the principle seen in Romans 13:4 where the ruler bears the sword to punish the wrongdoer.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse teach me about the value God places on human life, and how should I reflect this value in my interactions with others?
- In what ways can I uphold the principle of respecting and valuing life, as commanded in Leviticus 24:17, in my daily life and community?
- How does understanding the severity of the penalty for taking a life influence my approach to conflicts or disagreements with others?
- What does this verse reveal about God's heart for justice, and how can I align my own heart with His in seeking justice and valuing life?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 24:17
And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death. With the sword, as the Targum of Jonathan adds; which restrains it to any man of the children of Israel, but wrongly; for the original law
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 24:17
And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death. He that killeth any man.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 24:17
This law is repeated here, either to justify this sentence of putting blasphemers to death, from the same severity executed for a less crime; or to prevent the mischievous effects of men’ s striving or contending together, which as here it caused blasphemy, so it might in others lead to murder.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 24:17
Leviticus 24:17 And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death.Ver. 17. And he that killeth any man.] Though in hot blood; Scripture makes no difference between murder and man slaughter.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 24:17
(17) And he that killeth a man.—The enactment that in case of blaspheming no difference is to be made between a non-Israelite and Israelite, is now followed by other laws respecting murder and personal injury which have been given before (Exodus 21:12, &c.), but which are here repeated in order to show that, like blasphemy, they apply alike to Gentile and Jew. It may also be that the repetition here of the law of murder is designed to draw a distinction between the judicial sentence of death carried out by the community, and the illegal taking away of life by individuals.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 24:17
Verse 17. He that killeth any man] Blasphemy against God, i. e., speaking injuriously of his name, his attributes, his government, and his revelation, together with murder, is to be punished with death: he that blasphemes God is a curse in society, and he who takes away, wilfully and by malicious intent, the life of any man, should certainly be put to death. In this respect God has absolutely required that life shall go for life.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 24:17
10–23. Incident of the blasphemer, and laws arising out of that occurrence or suggested by it. This section closely resembles Numbers 15:32-36, which relates the punishment of the man found gathering sticks on the sabbath day. The blasphemer was only half Israelite; according to Deuteronomy 23:8 children of the Edomites and the Egyptians were admitted into the congregation in the third generation, but after the Return alliances with Egyptians and other ‘strange’ nations were prohibited (Ezra 9, 10; Nehemiah 13) on the ground that from such mixed marriages harmful results to the Jewish faith might be anticipated.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 24:17
THE LAW OF , Leviticus 24:17-23. 17. Killeth any man — Smiteth the life of a man, whether bond or free.
Sermons on Leviticus 24:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Eternity to Eternity 03 Genesis 1:1 by Joseph Balsan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the similarities between the days of Noah and the closing days of the church age and the tribulation period. He highlights that both eras wer |
|
(Exodus) Exodus 21:12-25 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a series of laws related to injuries to a person. The basis for capital punishment is mentioned, with the understanding that a government has |
|
(Through the Bible) Exodus 21-22 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses Exodus chapters 21 and 22, emphasizing the importance of God's judgments and laws as guidelines for judges in Israel. He explains that these laws were not mea |
|
|
Christ Our City of Refuge by Hoseah Wu | In this sermon, Richard from Elizabeth introduces his brother Levine to say a few words. Levine expresses his love for bagels and locks and praises the inspiring words written by a |