Genesis 9:5-7
“And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each human being, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of another human being. Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind. As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it.”
Genesis 9:5-7 Meaning
The Bible verses in Genesis 9:5-7 convey a message about the sanctity of human life and the importance of respecting and preserving it. They remind us that God has created humanity in His image and has given us the responsibility to protect and value every human life.
Explanation and Commentary on Genesis 9:5-7
In Genesis 9:5-7, there is a profound declaration made by God after Noah and his family emerged from the ark following the Great Flood. The verses establish the sacredness and value of human life, emphasizing the importance of respecting the sanctity of life granted by God.
Firstly, God clearly articulates the sanctity of human life by stating, “And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it and from man. From his fellow man I will require a reckoning for the life of man” (Genesis 9:5). This pronouncement underscores the significance of life as it demands accountability for taking another’s life, whether it be human or animal. This concept aligns with the biblical principle of respecting the inherent value of life, as each individual is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).
Furthermore, God emphasizes the concept of human beings being made in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-27). This divine aspect instills a unique value and dignity within humanity, requiring us to honor and uphold the lives of others. The responsibility to uphold the sanctity of life extends to our relationships with one another, emphasizing the accountability we have towards our fellow human beings.
In these verses, God establishes the principle of justice by requiring a reckoning for the shedding of human blood. This principle aligns with other biblical teachings regarding justice and fairness (Exodus 21:12-14, Leviticus 24:17-22). The concept of accountability for taking a life extends beyond mere legal consequences; it reflects a moral and spiritual responsibility to honor the divine gift of life.
Moreover, the verses also signify God’s covenant with humanity and all living creatures, promising not to flood the earth again in such a catastrophic manner (Genesis 9:11-17). This covenant reflects God’s mercy and grace towards His creation, emphasizing His commitment to preserving life and providing an opportunity for redemption.
As we reflect on these verses, we are reminded of our responsibility to respect and protect the sanctity of life. It calls us to value the lives of others, seek justice, and honor the image of God in every individual. This passage serves as a moral compass guiding our interactions and treatment of others, emphasizing the significance of life as a divine gift that warrants reverence and stewardship.
Context of Genesis 9:5-7
Genesis 9 is part of the account of Noah and the flood. After the floodwaters recede, Noah and his family come out of the ark, and God establishes a covenant with Noah. In this covenant, God promises never to destroy all life on earth with a flood again. Genesis 9:5-7 is part of God’s instructions to Noah and his descendants in the context of this covenant.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Genesis 9:5-7
a) “And for your lifeblood, I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each human being, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of another human being” (Genesis 9:5): This part highlights God’s demand for justice and accountability for taking human life. God values each life and will hold those responsible for shedding innocent blood accountable.
b) “Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind” (Genesis 9:6): This verse establishes the principle of punishment for murder. It reveals that human life is uniquely significant because we are created in the image of God. Taking a life unjustly is a severe offense against the very image and likeness of God.
c) “As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it” (Genesis 9:7): This instruction reaffirms God’s desire for humanity to multiply and fill the earth with descendants. It underscores the value of human life and the importance of its continuity.
Application of Genesis 9:5-7 to Our Lives
The teachings in Genesis 9:5-7 resonate with us today, calling us to champion the value and sanctity of every human life. As followers of Christ, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, recognizing the divine image in every person we encounter.
We must pursue justice, advocating for the protection of life and for consequences against those who would harm others unjustly. Let us strive to build a community where all are valued and respected, upholding the sacredness of human life.
Also Read: Genesis 9:1-4 Meaning and Commentary
Biblical Translations of Genesis 9:5-7
Genesis 9:5-7 King James Version (KJV)
“And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man. Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein.”
Genesis 9:5-7 English Standard Version (ESV)
“And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it and from man. From his fellow man I will require a reckoning for the life of man. ‘Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image. And you, be fruitful and multiply, increase greatly on the earth and multiply in it.'”
Genesis 9:5-7 New Living Translation (NLT)
“And I will require the blood of anyone who takes another person’s life. If a wild animal kills a person, it must die. And anyone who murders a fellow human must die. If anyone takes a human life, that person’s life will also be taken by human hands. For God made human beings in his own image. Now be fruitful and multiply, and repopulate the earth.”
Genesis 9:5-7 New King James Version (NKJV)
“Surely for your lifeblood I will demand a reckoning; from the hand of every beast I will require it, and from the hand of man. From the hand of every man’s brother I will require the life of man. Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man. And as for you, be fruitful and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth and multiply in it.”
Genesis 9:5-7 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
“For your own lifeblood I will surely require a reckoning: from every animal I will require it and from human beings, each one for the blood of another, I will require a reckoning for human life. Whoever sheds the blood of a human, by a human shall that person’s blood be shed; for in his own image God made humankind. And you, be fruitful and multiply, abound on the earth and multiply in it.”
Genesis 9:5-7 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
“I will require the life of every animal and every person for your lifeblood. I will require the life of each person’s brother for a human life. Whoever sheds human blood, by humans his blood will be shed, for God made humans in his image. But you, be fruitful and multiply; spread out over the earth and multiply on it.”
Final Thoughts
The Bible verses in Genesis 9:5-7 remind us of the inherent sanctity and value of human life. As Christians, we should uphold and protect the dignity of every human being, recognizing that each person is created in the image of God.
We should embrace a reverence for life and work towards justice and reconciliation, treating one another with love and respect. Let us reflect on how we can contribute to promoting a culture of life and affirming the value of every individual, just as God desires.