Genesis 9:6 Meaning and Explanation
“Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Whoever kills a human will be killed; humans are made in God's image.
The Context of Genesis 9:6
The principle of capital punishment is given based on humanity's divine image.
What Does Genesis 9:6 Mean?
This verse establishes a principle of justice and the reason for it: human life is sacred because humans bear God's image. When one sheds human blood, that person forfeits their own life as the just consequence. This reflects the gravity with which God regards the human image.
The 'image of God' confers distinctive worth on humanity above all other creatures. This grounds the command that life is not to be arbitrarily taken, and that shedding innocent blood demands the ultimate penalty.
Genesis 9:6 in the Original Language
tselem (צֶלֶם), 'image'—a representation or form that reflects the divine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 9:6
What does Genesis 9:6 mean?
Whoever kills a human will be killed; humans are made in God's image.
What is the context of Genesis 9:6?
The principle of capital punishment is given based on humanity's divine image.