One verse. Three ways to understand.
Anyone who kills another person will be put to death by other people, because God made humans in His own image.
God is establishing that murder deserves the death penalty because every human life is sacred, being made in God's image.
These are AI-assisted adaptations, not separate Bible editions. Compare them with the KJV source and read our methodology. How these readings are made →
Read the KJV source
King James Version · EnglishWhoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.Ask the AI Assistant
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📚 Historical Context
After the great Flood, God established a covenant with Noah and his descendants to restore order in the world, including guidelines for human society. In this context, Genesis 9:6 introduces a divine command that whoever sheds human blood must have their blood shed by humans, as a way to protect the sanctity of life. This law reflects God's original creation of humanity in His image, emphasizing the inherent value and dignity of every person.