KJV ORIGINAL
Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Cursed is anyone who accepts money to kill an innocent person. And all the people must say, 'Amen.'
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
God is declaring that anyone who takes payment to murder an innocent person will be cursed, and the people must agree with this judgment.
📚 Historical Context
This verse is part of the covenant renewal ceremony Moses instructed the Israelites to perform when they entered the Promised Land. The people were to gather at Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim to hear blessings and curses, publicly affirming God's standards for their new nation. This particular curse addressed the serious crime of accepting payment for murder, which would corrupt justice and make killing a business transaction.
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