◄ Leviticus 24:17 ►
And if a man takes the life of anyone else, he must surely be put to death.
Study Bible
And if a man
This phrase introduces the subject of the law, emphasizing personal responsibility. In Hebrew, the word for "man" is "אִישׁ" (ish), which can refer to an individual male but often represents humanity in general. This highlights the universal application of the law, underscoring that it is not limited to a specific group but applies to all individuals within the community. The use of "man" here reflects the patriarchal context of ancient Israelite society, where men were often the primary subjects of legal discourse.

takes the life
The Hebrew phrase "יַכֶּה כָּל־נֶפֶשׁ" (yakeh kol-nephesh) literally means "strikes any soul." The term "נֶפֶשׁ" (nephesh) is often translated as "soul" or "life," indicating the essence of a living being. This phrase underscores the sanctity of life, a core principle in the biblical worldview. The act of taking a life is not merely a physical act but a profound moral and spiritual violation, as life is a divine gift from God. This reflects the biblical understanding that humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and thus, life is sacred and inviolable.

of anyone
The phrase "כָּל־נֶפֶשׁ אָדָם" (kol-nephesh adam) translates to "any human soul," emphasizing the universality of the law. It signifies that the law applies to the life of any person, regardless of status, ethnicity, or social standing. This reflects the biblical principle of equality before the law, as all human life is equally valuable in the eyes of God. The inclusion of "anyone" reinforces the comprehensive nature of the commandment, ensuring that justice is applied impartially.

he must surely be put to death
The Hebrew phrase "מוֹת יוּמָת" (mot yumat) is a strong expression, often translated as "shall surely be put to death." This repetition of the root "מוּת" (mut), meaning "to die," emphasizes the certainty and seriousness of the penalty. It reflects the principle of lex talionis, or the law of retribution, which is a foundational aspect of ancient Near Eastern legal systems. The death penalty here serves as a deterrent and a means of upholding justice within the community. From a theological perspective, this underscores the gravity of taking a life, as it is an offense not only against the individual but against God, the giver of life. The severity of the punishment reflects the high value placed on human life and the need to maintain order and righteousness within the covenant community.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites who received the laws from God, including the laws in Leviticus.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God to whom the laws were given, living in the wilderness at the time of receiving these laws.

3. Mount Sinai
The place where Moses received the laws from God, including the laws in Leviticus.

4. God
The divine lawgiver who established the moral and ceremonial laws for His people.

5. The Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites were journeying and receiving God's laws after their exodus from Egypt.
Teaching Points
The Sanctity of Human Life
Human life is sacred because it is created in the image of God. This principle underlies the commandment against murder and the severe penalty for taking a life.

Justice and Accountability
The law in Leviticus 24:17 reflects God's justice and the need for accountability in society. It underscores the importance of upholding justice to maintain order and righteousness.

The Heart of the Law
While the law prescribes a physical penalty, Jesus teaches that the heart's intentions are equally important. Believers are called to examine their hearts and attitudes towards others.

The Role of Government
Romans 13 discusses the role of government in executing justice. Believers are to respect and uphold laws that protect life and promote justice.

Forgiveness and Redemption
While the law prescribes death for murder, the New Testament offers hope for forgiveness and redemption through Christ. Believers are called to extend grace and seek reconciliation.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the command in Leviticus 24:17 reflect the value God places on human life, and how should this influence our view of others?

2. In what ways does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:21-22 deepen our understanding of the commandment against murder?

3. How can believers balance the call for justice with the call for forgiveness and grace in situations involving harm or loss of life?

4. What role should Christians play in advocating for laws and policies that protect human life and promote justice in society?

5. How can we apply the principles of justice and accountability in our personal relationships and community interactions?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 9:6
This verse establishes the sanctity of human life, stating that whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed, for humans are made in the image of God.

Exodus 20:13
The commandment "You shall not murder" underscores the value God places on human life.

Matthew 5:21-22
Jesus expands on the commandment against murder, teaching about the heart's intentions and the seriousness of anger.

Romans 13:9
Paul reiterates the commandment against murder, emphasizing love as the fulfillment of the law.

Revelation 21:8
This verse warns of the eternal consequences for murderers, among others, highlighting the seriousness of taking a life.
Sermons
A Suggestive EpisodeW. Clarkson Leviticus 24:10-16, 23
Shelomith's SonJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 24:10-23
The Law of DeathR.A. Redford Leviticus 24:10-23
Public Justice Secured by the Law of RetaliationR.M. Edgar Leviticus 24:17-22
The Holy Law of GodW. Clarkson Leviticus 24:17-22
People
Aaron, Dan, Dibri, Ephah, Israelites, Israelitess, Moses, Shelomith
Places
Teman
Topics
Another's, Anyone, Certainly, Death, Human, Killeth, Kills, Mortally, Smiteth, Soul, Strikes, Surely, Takes
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 24:17

     5040   murder

Leviticus 24:17-20

     5372   knife

Leviticus 24:17-21

     5492   restitution
     5495   revenge, and retaliation

Leviticus 24:17-22

     5346   injury
     5483   punishment
     5493   retribution
     8307   moderation

Library
The Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force Has Been Professed by a Minority of Men from the Very Foundation of Christianity. Of the Book "What
CHAPTER I. THE DOCTRINE OF NON-RESISTANCE TO EVIL BY FORCE HAS BEEN PROFESSED BY A MINORITY OF MEN FROM THE VERY FOUNDATION OF CHRISTIANITY. Of the Book "What I Believe"--The Correspondence Evoked by it-- Letters from Quakers--Garrison's Declaration--Adin Ballou, his Works, his Catechism--Helchitsky's "Net of Faith"--The Attitude of the World to Works Elucidating Christ's Teaching--Dymond's Book "On War"--Musser's "Non-resistance Asserted"--Attitude of the Government in 1818 to Men who Refused to …
Leo Tolstoy—The Kingdom of God is within you

Feast of the Dedication. The Jews Attempt to Stone Jesus and He Retires to Peræa.
(Jerusalem and Beyond Jordan.) ^D John X. 22-42. ^d 22 And it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem: 23; it was winter; and Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. [The feast of dedication was one of eight days' duration and began upon the 25th Chisleu, which, according to the calculation of M. Chevannes, fell upon the nineteenth or twentieth of December, a.d. 29. The feast was kept in honor of the renovation and purification of the temple in the year b.c. 164, after it had been desecrated …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Defends Disciples who Pluck Grain on the Sabbath.
(Probably While on the Way from Jerusalem to Galilee.) ^A Matt. XII. 1-8; ^B Mark II. 23-28; ^C Luke VI. 1-5. ^b 23 And ^c 1 Now it came to pass ^a 1 At that season ^b that he ^a Jesus went { ^b was going} on the { ^c a} ^b sabbath day through the grainfields; ^a and his disciples were hungry and began ^b as they went, to pluck the ears. ^a and to eat, ^c and his disciples plucked the ears, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. [This lesson fits in chronological order with the last, if the Bethesda …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Questions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day Sabbath.
AND PROOF, THAT THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK IS THE TRUE CHRISTIAN SABBATH. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'The Son of man is lord also of the Sabbath day.' London: Printed for Nath, Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1685. EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. All our inquiries into divine commands are required to be made personally, solemnly, prayerful. To 'prove all things,' and 'hold fast' and obey 'that which is good,' is a precept, equally binding upon the clown, as it is upon the philosopher. Satisfied from our observations …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Third Stage of the Roman Trial. Pilate Reluctantly Sentences Him to Crucifixion.
(Friday. Toward Sunrise.) ^A Matt. XXVII. 15-30; ^B Mark XV. 6-19; ^C Luke XXIII. 13-25; ^D John XVIII. 39-XIX 16. ^a 15 Now at the feast [the passover and unleavened bread] the governor was wont { ^b used to} release unto them ^a the multitude one prisoner, whom they would. { ^b whom they asked of him.} [No one knows when or by whom this custom was introduced, but similar customs were not unknown elsewhere, both the Greeks and Romans being wont to bestow special honor upon certain occasions by releasing …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Voluntary Suffering
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. T hat which often passes amongst men for resolution, and the proof of a noble, courageous spirit, is, in reality, the effect of a weak and little mind. At least, it is chiefly owing to the presence of certain circumstances, which have a greater influence upon the conduct, than any inherent principle. Thus may persons who appear to set death and danger at defiance in the hour …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

A Divine Saviour.
"Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew xvi. 1; John vi. 69.) We meet with a certain class of Enquirers who do not believe in the Divinity of Christ. There are many passages that will give light on this subject. In 1 Corinthians xv. 47, we are told: "The first man is of the earth earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven." In 1 John v. 20: "We know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true; and we are in Him that is …
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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