And if a man takes the life of anyone elseThis phrase establishes the principle of the sanctity of life, a core tenet in biblical law. The commandment reflects the belief that life is a gift from God and only He has the authority to give and take it. This principle is rooted in
Genesis 9:6, where God declares that whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed, for humans are made in the image of God. The phrase underscores the seriousness of murder and the value placed on human life in the biblical narrative.
he must surely be put to death
This part of the verse introduces the concept of capital punishment as a divine mandate for the crime of murder. It reflects the lex talionis, or the law of retribution, which is a common theme in the Mosaic Law, as seen inExodus 21:23-25. The death penalty for murder serves as a deterrent and a means of purging evil from the community, as outlined inDeuteronomy 19:13. This principle is also seen in the New Testament, where Paul acknowledges the authority of the state to wield the sword inRomans 13:4. Theologically, this punishment prefigures the ultimate justice of God, where sin leads to spiritual death, but through Christ, believers are offered eternal life.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe prophet and leader of the Israelites who received the laws from God, including the laws in Leviticus.
2.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God to whom the laws were given, living in the wilderness at the time of receiving these laws.
3.
Mount SinaiThe place where Moses received the laws from God, including the laws in Leviticus.
4.
GodThe divine lawgiver who established the moral and ceremonial laws for His people.
5.
The WildernessThe setting where the Israelites were journeying and receiving God's laws after their exodus from Egypt.
Teaching Points
The Sanctity of Human LifeHuman 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 AccountabilityThe 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 LawWhile 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 GovernmentRomans 13 discusses the role of government in executing justice. Believers are to respect and uphold laws that protect life and promote justice.
Forgiveness and RedemptionWhile 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 and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 24:17?
2.How does Leviticus 24:17 emphasize the value of human life in God's eyes?
3.What are the implications of "anyone who takes a human life" today?
4.How does Leviticus 24:17 connect with the commandment "You shall not murder"?
5.In what ways can we uphold the sanctity of life in our community?
6.How should Leviticus 24:17 influence our views on justice and retribution?
7.How does Leviticus 24:17 align with the concept of forgiveness in Christianity?
8.Why does Leviticus 24:17 emphasize retribution rather than mercy?
9.How should Christians interpret "anyone who takes a human life must surely be put to death"?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 24?
11.What is the Bible's stance on capital punishment?
12.What does it mean to worship?
13.Is penal substitution supported by biblical scripture?
14.In Leviticus 20:2–5, why would an omniscient God require death for sacrificing children to Molek, yet historically many other cultures that practiced similar rites seemingly flourished?What Does Leviticus 24:17 Mean
And if a man- Moses writes to every Israelite male, but the wording embraces any human participant. God addresses individuals personally, showing that each person is morally accountable (Exodus 21:12;Ezekiel 18:20).
- Scripture consistently teaches that sin is ultimately personal before it is societal (Romans 3:23).
takes the life- The phrase points to intentional killing—murder, not accidental death.Numbers 35:15-24 makes that distinction clear, prescribing refuge for manslaughter but judgment for deliberate bloodshed.
-Genesis 9:6 sets the foundation: “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed,”. God ties respect for life to His own image in humanity.
of anyone else- No exceptions of status, ethnicity, age, or ability. The law protects every human life equally (Exodus 12:49;Leviticus 19:15).
- This impartiality reflects God’s character: “There is no favoritism with God” (Romans 2:11).
he must surely be put to death- Capital punishment is presented as God’s required response to murder, not optional or vengeful but just.Exodus 21:14 andDeuteronomy 19:11-13 echo the same standard.
- The civil authority later carries this out:Romans 13:4 calls it “the sword” entrusted to the governing power to punish wrongdoers.
- Purpose:
• Vindicate the sanctity of life.
• Restrain violence in the community (Numbers 35:33-34).
• Foreshadow the ultimate judgment where God will perfectly repay every deed (Revelation 20:12-13).
summaryLeviticus 24:17 affirms that every individual bears personal responsibility before God, that human life is sacred because it reflects God’s image, that justice must be impartial, and that deliberate murder demands the highest earthly penalty. The verse underscores both the seriousness of sin and the unwavering righteousness of God’s law, calling society to honor life as God does.
(17)
And he that killeth a man.--The enactment that in case of blaspheming no difference is to be made between a non-Israelite and Israelite, is now followed by other laws respecting murder and personal injury which have been given before (
Exodus 21:12, &c.), but which are here repeated in order to show that, like blasphemy, they apply alike to Gentile and Jew. It may also be that the repetition here of the law of murder is designed to draw a distinction between the judicial sentence of death carried out by the community, and the illegal taking away of life by individuals.
Verse 17. - In close connection with the command to slay the blasphemer is repeated the prohibition of murder, and the injunction that the murderer
shall surely be put to death. Thus a distinction is sharply drawn between the judicial sentence carried out by the congregation, and the unsanctioned
smiting the life of a man by another, and a warning is given against any man fanatically taking the law into his own hands, even in the case of a blasphemer.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
And ifכִּ֥י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctiona manוְאִ֕ישׁ(wə·’îš)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male persontakes the lifeיַכֶּ֖ה(yak·keh)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5221:To strikeof anyone else,כָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyhe must surely be put to death.מ֖וֹת(mō·wṯ)Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 4191:To die, to kill
Links
Leviticus 24:17 NIVLeviticus 24:17 NLTLeviticus 24:17 ESVLeviticus 24:17 NASBLeviticus 24:17 KJV
Leviticus 24:17 BibleApps.comLeviticus 24:17 Biblia ParalelaLeviticus 24:17 Chinese BibleLeviticus 24:17 French BibleLeviticus 24:17 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Leviticus 24:17 He who strikes any man mortally shall (Le Lv Lev.) 
