King James Version
What Does Genesis 9:5 Mean?
“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.”
Context
3
Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.
4
But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.
5
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.
6
Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.
7
And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(5) **Your blood of your lives. . . . —**This verse should be translated: “And surely your blood, *which is *for your souls, will I require (*i.e., *avenge); from every beast will I require it, and from man: even from a man’s brother will I require the soul of man,” as from Cain. “Your blood, which is for your souls,” means that it is the means for the maintenance of the animal life within them. As it is, then, the support of man’s life, au animal which sheds it becomes guilty, and must be slain; and still more must those animals be destroyed which prey upon man. Thus there is a command given for the extirpation of the carnivora at the time when the more peaceful animals had just been saved. The last clause literally is . . . *at the hand of man, at the hand of one that is his brother, will I require the soul of man. *This has nothing to do with the avenger of blood. The near kinsman is here the murderer, and the commandment requires that even such an one should not be spared.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Genesis 9:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Genesis 9:5
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge