The term "killest" is an archaic form of the verb "kill," found in older English translations of the Bible, such as the King James Version. It is the second person singular form, used historically to address someone directly. In the context of the Bible, the act of killing is addressed in various ways, reflecting both the historical and moral dimensions of the act.

Biblical Context

1. The Sixth Commandment: The most direct biblical injunction against killing is found in the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:13 states, "You shall not murder." This commandment underscores the sanctity of human life, which is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. The Hebrew word used here, "רָצַח" (ratsach), is often translated as "murder," indicating unlawful killing with malice aforethought.

2. Old Testament Laws and Warfare: The Old Testament contains numerous laws regarding killing, distinguishing between murder and manslaughter. For instance, Numbers 35:16-21 provides guidelines for cities of refuge, where those who killed unintentionally could seek asylum. Additionally, the Old Testament recounts instances of warfare where killing was commanded by God, such as in the conquest narratives of Joshua. These instances are often understood within the context of divine judgment and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

3. New Testament Teachings: In the New Testament, Jesus expands on the commandment against murder in the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5:21-22 states, "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." Here, Jesus emphasizes the heart's intentions, equating unjust anger with the act of murder itself.

4. Theological Implications: The prohibition against killing is rooted in the belief that humans are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This theological foundation affirms the inherent value and dignity of human life. The act of murder is seen as an affront to God’s creation and order.

5. Capital Punishment and Justice: The Bible also addresses the issue of capital punishment. Genesis 9:6 states, "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind." This verse is often cited in discussions about the biblical basis for capital punishment, suggesting a divinely sanctioned form of justice for the crime of murder.

6. Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God: While physical killing is addressed in the Bible, the New Testament also speaks of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 reminds believers, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This passage encourages Christians to focus on spiritual battles rather than physical violence.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The biblical perspective on killing encompasses both legal and moral dimensions. The Bible consistently upholds the value of life and calls for justice, mercy, and reconciliation. The teachings of Jesus further call believers to a higher standard of love and forgiveness, challenging them to overcome hatred and violence with compassion and peace.

Warning.
... As he went up Mount Olivet, His heart seemed to be greatly moved and He cried,
"Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sowing and reaping/chapter viii warning.htm

An Unheeded Warning
... chapter of Matthew and the thirty-seventh to the thirty-ninth verse, inclusive,
we hear him saying, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/an unheeded warning.htm

The Universality of Actual Grace
... XXIII, 37: "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them
that are sent unto thee, how often would I((volui) have gathered together ...
/.../pohle/grace actual and habitual/section 3 the universality of.htm

A Prayer Before Taking of Medicine.
... O Merciful Father, who art the Lord of health and of sickness, of life and of death;
who killest and makest alive; who bringest down to the grave and raisest ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/a prayer before taking of.htm

The King's Farewell
... O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are
sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the kings farewell.htm

Warning against Disobedience. Prayer.
... of the heathen," [4317] who "settest the low on high and bringest low the exalted;"
[4318] who "makest rich and makest poor," [4319] who "killest and makest to ...
/.../the epistles of clement/chapter lix warning against disobedience prayer.htm

Psalm CXXII.
... great thing? Is not it that Jerusalem, unto whom the Lord said, "O Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, thou that killest the Prophets," etc. [5427 ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxii.htm

That the Jews Should Lose Jerusalem, and Should Leave the Land ...
... have been as Sodoma, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah." [3852] Also in
the Gospel the Lord says: "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killest the prophets ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/6 that the jews should.htm

And what was it that I Delighted In, but to Love...
... But where to find such, I could not discover, save in Thee, O Lord, who teachest
by sorrow, and woundest us, to heal; and killest us, lest we die from Thee. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter ii and what was.htm

Christ Predicts the Divine Judgments Upon Jerusalem. (Matt. ...
... "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which,
are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together ...
/.../section 253 christ predicts the.htm

Killest (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Killest (3 Occurrences). ... Now if thou dost not commit adultery,
but killest, thou art become a transgressor of the law. (ASV DBY WBS). ...
/k/killest.htm - 7k

Stonest (2 Occurrences)
... Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest
them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children ...
/s/stonest.htm - 7k

Killeth (23 Occurrences)

/k/killeth.htm - 13k

Killer (1 Occurrence)

/k/killer.htm - 6k

Gathereth (65 Occurrences)
... Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest
them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children ...
/g/gathereth.htm - 26k

Chickens (1 Occurrence)
... Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest
them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children ...
/c/chickens.htm - 6k

Committest (3 Occurrences)
... Now if thou committest no adultery, yet if thou killest, thou art become a transgressor
of the law. (WBS). Ezekiel 16:32 A wife that committeth adultery! ...
/c/committest.htm - 7k

Gathered (384 Occurrences)
... Luke 13:34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them
that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together ...
/g/gathered.htm - 35k

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