The Bible unequivocally condemns the act of taking innocent lives, emphasizing the importance of upholding justice and protecting human life. In Exodus, God commands His people to have no part in the shedding of innocent blood, as stated in Exodus 23:7 and reinforced by the sixth commandment in Exodus 20:13. The wisdom literature, such as Proverbs 6:16-19, also denounces hands that shed innocent blood as an abomination to God. Similarly, the New Testament, in 1 John 3:12, contrasts the evil actions of Cain with the righteous deeds of Abel, while Leviticus 24:17 establishes the principle of retribution for one who takes a human life.
Relevance Score
34%
Stay far away from a false accusation. Do not kill the innocent or the just, for I will not acquit the guilty.
There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers.
Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous.
Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous— both are detestable to the LORD.
Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s plan of election might stand,