Genesis 9:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Reflect once more on the unique term used for God. Contemplate how this statement amplifies fear. If, He asserts, the common origin does not deter you, nor does the shared nature prevent you from pursuing an immoral undertaking; if you forsake brotherly compassion and surrender to this wicked plan, remember that humanity is created in God's likeness, honored with a profound privilege, and granted stewardship over all creation—so let go of that evil intent. What, do you believe, will happen if an individual commits numerous murders and spills an excess of blood? Should such a one expect to receive just punishment if only their own blood is shed?

Moreover, it is stated that anyone who takes a life must face death. This is affirmed in Genesis 9:5, which conveys that whoever sheds human blood must have their own blood shed by others. The phrase, "For in the image of God I created man," illustrates that humanity, akin to God, possesses the authority over life and death.

The interpretation of this text is reinforced by the subsequent phrases, as it is stated by God, ‘I will call for your blood also… I will also call for your blood… I will require it from every beast… I will also call for it from the hand of man.’ The Lord equates the wickedness of humanity with the malice found within animals, but He deems human wrongdoing even more grievous, particularly when He refers to the transgressions committed against one’s brother. Unlike beasts, which lack any natural kinship with us, humans possess an intrinsic bond that is fundamental to their nature. When animals take life, they do so in a manner that does not contravene the laws of nature or breach the sense of familial connection.

The Holy Scriptures affirm the certainty of bodily resurrection. After the flood, God speaks to Noah, stating, "I have given you all things as a herbal potion. But the meat in the blood of your souls you shall not eat. And of the blood of your souls will I take it out of the hand of every beast: and of the hand of every man his brother will I take it out. He that sheddeth man's blood, into his place shall he shed it: for in the image of God have I made man" (Gen. 9:3-6). How else will He extract the blood of humans from the hands of all creatures if not by resurrecting those who have died? For animals do not bear the responsibility of human death.

God issued a directive to Noah and all humanity that would descend from him, prohibiting any act of bloodshed or murder among people, for humanity was fashioned in the likeness of God. Should anyone choose to take another's life, that individual must face death as well. “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood,” declared the Lord, “by man shall his blood be shed” (Gen. 9:6). Following the deluge, the earth started to yield fruit once more, and both humanity and every living creature upon it were revitalized and multiplied.

Whoever takes a human life, his own life shall be taken by man, for the original Hebrew expression indicates “in man,” though it can also be understood as “through man.” However, the first interpretation aligns more closely with its usage in scripture (Exodus 13:2, Genesis 9:10), highlighting the law's unique completeness and universality. The specific authority to enact capital punishment on a murderer is not delineated here because the law is intended for all humanity, not confined to a specific tribe or nation, rendering private interpretations irrelevant. It would even be counterproductive to appoint judges for murder in a scenario where all of humanity descended from a single patriarch with his family. This is grounded in the fact that humanity was created in God's divine image.

In accordance with God's just law, a murderer is required to atone for the life he has taken with his own life. His execution may be carried out by the family members of the victim, by a divinely appointed authority, or, should he evade the justice of those authorities, by thieves, wild animals, fire, and other means. It is often the case that those guilty of murder, plagued by their own guilt, surrender themselves to human legal systems. 'For God created man in His own image.' The righteous Lord exacts harsh judgment on the murderer, as he has violated the sacred dignity of God, for the victim was made in the divine likeness.