Homicide(killing, manslayer, murder)

Summary

The killing of a human being, which biblical law carefully distinguished between intentional murder (requiring execution) and accidental manslaughter (allowing refuge).

☩Intentional Murder

Premeditated murder required capital punishment: 'Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed' (Genesis 9:6). The law specified that murderers must be executed and could not ransom their lives (Numbers 35:16-21, 31). This applied regardless of the victim's status.

☩Accidental Manslaughter

One who killed accidentally could flee to a city of refuge (Numbers 35:11-15, 22-28; Deuteronomy 4:41-43; 19:1-13). There they would stand trial; if found innocent of intent, they remained protected in the refuge city until the high priest's death. This system prevented blood feuds while honoring both justice and mercy.

Related Verses331 mentions

Leviticus· 27 verses

1:5 1:11 3:2 3:8 3:13

Exodus· 19 verses

1:16 1:22 2:12 2:14 4:24

2 Samuel· 18 verses

1:15 1:16 2:18 3:24 4:5

Numbers· 17 verses

11:15 14:15 16:13 16:41 22:29

References

1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Homicide," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).