Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ContextThe term "man-slayer" refers to an individual who has caused the death of another person. In biblical terms, this can encompass both intentional acts of murder and unintentional killings, with the latter often referred to as manslaughter. The distinction between murder and manslaughter is significant in biblical law, as it determines the legal and spiritual consequences for the perpetrator.
Biblical ReferencesThe concept of man-slaying is addressed in various parts of the Bible, particularly in the context of the Mosaic Law. In
Exodus 21:12-14 , the law differentiates between premeditated murder and accidental killing: "Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death. But if he did not intend any harm, and yet God allowed it to happen, I will appoint a place for you where he may flee. But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him from My altar to be put to death."
Cities of RefugeThe Bible provides a system of cities of refuge for those who commit manslaughter. These cities were designated places where individuals who had killed someone unintentionally could seek asylum from the avenger of blood until they stood trial.
Numbers 35:11-12 states, "Select for yourselves cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. These cities will be a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly."
Moral and Legal ImplicationsThe distinction between murder and manslaughter in biblical law underscores the importance of intent and circumstances in determining guilt and punishment. Intentional murder is met with the severest penalty, reflecting the sanctity of human life as created in the image of God (
Genesis 9:6: "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind"). In contrast, manslaughter, while still a grave matter, allows for mercy and protection through the cities of refuge, recognizing the absence of malicious intent.
New Testament PerspectiveIn the New Testament, the moral teachings of Jesus further emphasize the gravity of taking a life. In
Matthew 5:21-22 , Jesus expands the understanding of murder to include anger and hatred: "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 highlights the heart's condition as central to the sin of murder, extending beyond the physical act to the underlying emotions and intentions.
Theological SignificanceThe biblical treatment of man-slayers reflects the broader theological themes of justice, mercy, and redemption. While the law provides for justice through the punishment of murderers, it also offers mercy to those who have killed unintentionally, pointing to God's desire for repentance and restoration. The provision of cities of refuge can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate refuge found in Christ, who offers forgiveness and reconciliation to all who seek Him.
Library
Psalm LXVI.
... The shedding of the Lord's blood was forgiven themanslayers, not to say, God-slayers:
"for if they had known, the Lord of glory they never would have crucified...
We Shall Now See How the Scriptures Condemn the Amphitheatre. ...
... what a monstrous thing it is, that, in undergoing their punishment, they, from some
less serious delinquency, advance to the criminality ofmanslayers!...
Philippians ii. 11-May
... But art thou rich? Whence so? what hast thou? Gold, silver, precious stones! This
is the boast of robbers also, ofman-slayers, of those who work in the mines....
1 Timothy i. 7-May
... "For murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, formanslayers, for whoremongers,
for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liers...
Weighed in the Balances
... and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers
of fathers and murderers of mothers, formanslayers, for whoremongers...
1 Cor. I. 18-20
... more. For even robbers andman-slayers, having fallen under the condemnation
of their judges, have suffered things more grievous....
Hebrews i. 3
... on what account? for what cause? for this befalleth also robbers, and thieves, and
man-slayers, and effeminate, and whoremongers, and all sorts of wicked men....
John x. 14, 15
... But if thou sayest that the men there are neither men of condition, [1628] nor good,
nor gentle, butman-slayers, tomb-breakers, cut-purses, adulterers...
Matt. Iv. 1
... shall those just and pious men, who have walked in every virtue, lie in the same
state with adulterers, and parricides, andmanslayers, and violators of tombs?...
The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep...
... and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers
of fathers and murderers of mothers, formanslayers, for whoremongers...
Thesaurus
Manslayers (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Manslayers (1 Occurrence). 1 Timothy 1:9 as knowing
this, that law is not made for a righteous man, but
...Man-slayers (1 Occurrence)
Man-slayers.Manslayers,Man-slayers. Manstealing . Multi-Version Concordance...
Manslayers,Man-slayers. Manstealing . Reference Bible.
Man-slayer (20 Occurrences)
Man-slayer. Manslayer, Man-slayer.Manslayers . Multi-Version Concordance
Man-slayer (20 Occurrences).... Manslayer, Man-slayer.Manslayers . Reference Bible
Ungodly (41 Occurrences)
... lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane,
for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, formanslayers, (WEB KJV...
Unholy (23 Occurrences)
... lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane,
for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, formanslayers, (WEB KJV...
Lawless (16 Occurrences)
... lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane,
for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, formanslayers, (WEB KJV...
Insubordinate (3 Occurrences)
... lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane,
for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, formanslayers, (WEB DBY...
Realizing (7 Occurrences)
... lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane,
for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, formanslayers, (See NAS...
Murderers (9 Occurrences)
... lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane,
for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, formanslayers, (WEB KJV...
Resources
Is God man-made? Did man create the idea of God? | GotQuestions.orgHow can Jesus be God, when Numbers 23:19 says that God is not a man or a son of man? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the origin of man? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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