Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5061 sanctity of life

5061 sanctity of life

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 0 » 5061 sanctity of life

Scripture treats human life as a divine gift and something for which humans are responsible. It is thus to be valued and respected. No human being has the right to take the life of another.

The sanctity of all human life

It proceeds from God

Genesis 2:7; Acts 17:25

It is precious to God

Genesis 1:27 See also Genesis 4:10-11; 2 Samuel 18:12-13; Matthew 6:25-26

It is protected by God

Deuteronomy 22:8 See also Genesis 4:15; Numbers 35:11-12; Jeremiah 22:3

Death is by God's appointment

Hebrews 9:27 See also Job 14:5; Psalm 90:3,5

God prohibits unlawful taking of life

Exodus 20:13 pp Deuteronomy 5:17 See also Matthew 19:18; Romans 13:9 So precious is human life that some situations which required the death penalty in the OT are dealt with differently in the NT (e.g., Jn 8:5,11).

God punishes unlawful taking of life

Genesis 9:6 See also Exodus 21:14; 2 Samuel 12:9; 2 Kings 21:16

The sanctity of children's lives

Children are planned by God

Genesis 18:10; Judges 13:3-4; 1 Kings 13:2; 2 Kings 4:16-17; Jeremiah 1:5; Luke 1:13-17,24-25,31-33,35

Children are precious and to be treasured

Psalm 127:3-4 See also Genesis 33:5; Genesis 48:9; Psalm 113:9; Psalm 128:3

Child sacrifice is opposed

Genesis 22:10-12; Leviticus 18:21; Deuteronomy 12:31; 2 Kings 3:27; Kings 16:3 pp 2 Chronicles 28:3; Psalm 106:38; Isaiah 57:5; Jeremiah 7:30-31; Jeremiah 19:5; Ezekiel 16:20-21

Warnings against murder of children

Exodus 1:16-17; Acts 7:19

Antenatal life is fully human