Topical Encyclopedia Blood-guiltiness refers to the state of being guilty of shedding innocent blood, a concept deeply rooted in biblical teachings. It encompasses both the act of murder and the broader implications of causing or being complicit in the unjust taking of life. This term is often associated with the moral and spiritual consequences that follow such actions, as outlined in the Scriptures.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the sanctity of life is a fundamental principle, and the shedding of innocent blood is strictly condemned. Genesis 9:6 establishes the divine mandate against murder: "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind." This verse underscores the belief that human life is sacred because it is made in the image of God. The Mosaic Law further elaborates on the consequences of blood-guiltiness. In Numbers 35:33-34, the land itself is said to be defiled by bloodshed: "Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell. For I, the LORD, dwell among the Israelites." The law provided cities of refuge to protect those who committed manslaughter unintentionally, distinguishing between accidental and premeditated killing (Numbers 35:9-15). Deuteronomy 19:10-13 emphasizes the importance of justice in preventing blood-guiltiness: "Do this so that innocent blood will not be shed in your land, which the LORD your God is giving you as your inheritance, and so that you will not be guilty of bloodshed." The passage highlights the community's responsibility to ensure justice and prevent the shedding of innocent blood. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the concept of blood-guiltiness is expanded to include not only physical acts of murder but also the attitudes and intentions of the heart. Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:21-22, "You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder,’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment." This teaching emphasizes the internalization of the commandment, focusing on the heart's condition as well as outward actions. The crucifixion of Jesus is a pivotal event in the New Testament that involves the theme of blood-guiltiness. In Matthew 27:24-25, Pilate washes his hands before the crowd, declaring, "I am innocent of this man’s blood. You bear the responsibility." The people respond, "His blood be on us and on our children!" This moment reflects the collective acceptance of responsibility for the shedding of innocent blood, a profound acknowledgment of blood-guiltiness. Theological Implications Blood-guiltiness carries significant theological implications, particularly concerning justice, repentance, and atonement. The Bible consistently calls for justice to be served in cases of murder, reflecting God's character as just and righteous. At the same time, the Scriptures offer a path to repentance and forgiveness. Psalm 51, attributed to David after his sin with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah, is a poignant plea for mercy: "Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing of Your righteousness" (Psalm 51:14). The sacrificial system in the Old Testament, culminating in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, addresses the need for atonement for sin, including blood-guiltiness. Hebrews 9:22 states, "According to the Law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." This underscores the necessity of a sacrificial offering to atone for the guilt of sin, ultimately fulfilled in the sacrifice of Christ. Conclusion Blood-guiltiness is a profound biblical concept that underscores the value of human life and the seriousness of taking it unjustly. It calls for justice, repentance, and atonement, reflecting the character of God as both just and merciful. Through the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments, believers are reminded of the gravity of shedding innocent blood and the hope of redemption through Christ. Strong's Hebrew 1818. dam -- blood... root Definition blood NASB Word Usage blood (303), bloodguilt (2), bloodguiltiness (12), bloodshed (27), bloody (7), death (1), guilt of blood (2), homicide or ... /hebrew/1818.htm - 6k Library The Wordless Book Guilt of Neglecting the Heathen. On the Reception of the Lapsed to Penitence. David as an Example of Humility. David as an Example of Humility. Psalm 51 The Persecution under Nero in which Paul and Peter were Honored at ... Epistle cxxi. To Leander, Bishop of Hispalis (Seville). Repentance A New Agency Needed Thesaurus Bloodguiltiness (15 Occurrences)...BLOODGUILTINESS. blud-gilt'-i-nes: Found in the King James Version only in Psalm 51:14. ... Multi-Version Concordance Bloodguiltiness (15 Occurrences). ... /b/bloodguiltiness.htm - 11k Blood-guiltiness (4 Occurrences) Bloodguilt (9 Occurrences) Guiltiness (7 Occurrences) Redress (4 Occurrences) Avenging (10 Occurrences) Finding (57 Occurrences) Guilty (131 Occurrences) Joyfully (37 Occurrences) Limits (69 Occurrences) Resources Do the news reports of rivers turning blood red have anything to do with the end times? | GotQuestions.orgIs pleading the blood of Jesus biblical? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about donating blood/blood donations? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Blood-guiltiness (4 Occurrences)Exodus 22:2 Exodus 22:3 Numbers 35:27 Psalms 51:14 Subtopics Related Terms |
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