Topical Encyclopedia Bloodguiltiness refers to the state of being guilty of shedding innocent blood, a concept deeply rooted in the moral and legal codes of the Bible. It encompasses both the act of murder and the responsibility for causing the death of another person, whether directly or indirectly. The Bible treats bloodguiltiness with utmost seriousness, reflecting the sanctity of human life as created in the image of God (Genesis 9:6).Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, bloodguiltiness is addressed extensively within the Mosaic Law. The shedding of innocent blood is strictly prohibited, and the consequences for such actions are severe. Numbers 35:33-34 states, "Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell. For I, the LORD, dwell among the Israelites." This passage underscores the defilement that bloodguilt brings upon the land, emphasizing the need for justice and atonement. The cities of refuge, as described in Numbers 35 and Deuteronomy 19, were established to provide asylum for those who committed manslaughter unintentionally. These cities served as a means to prevent bloodguilt from spreading by protecting the accused from the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted. This system highlights the distinction between intentional murder and accidental killing, with the former carrying the penalty of death (Exodus 21:12-14). Bloodguilt in the Psalms and Prophets The Psalms often reflect on the theme of bloodguiltiness, particularly in the context of personal repentance and divine justice. In Psalm 51:14 , David pleads, "Deliver me from bloodguilt, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing of Your righteousness." Here, David acknowledges his guilt in the matter of Uriah's death and seeks God's mercy and cleansing. The prophets also address bloodguiltiness, condemning the shedding of innocent blood as a grave sin that incurs divine wrath. Isaiah 59:3 declares, "For your hands are stained with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters injustice." This passage illustrates the broader societal implications of bloodguilt, linking it to corruption and moral decay. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the concept of bloodguiltiness is expanded to include the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 27:24-25 , Pilate washes his hands before the crowd, declaring, "I am innocent of this man’s blood. You shall bear the responsibility." The people respond, "His blood be on us and on our children!" This moment signifies the ultimate act of bloodguilt, as the innocent Son of God is unjustly condemned. The New Testament also emphasizes the redemptive power of Christ's blood, which cleanses believers from all sin, including bloodguiltiness. Hebrews 9:14 states, "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!" This highlights the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice, offering forgiveness and reconciliation to those who repent. Moral and Theological Implications Bloodguiltiness carries profound moral and theological implications, underscoring the value of human life and the necessity of justice. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for atonement. The biblical narrative consistently calls for the protection of the innocent and the pursuit of righteousness, reflecting God's character as just and merciful. Throughout Scripture, the theme of bloodguiltiness challenges individuals and communities to uphold justice, seek forgiveness, and embrace the redemptive work of Christ. It is a call to recognize the gravity of sin and the hope of salvation through the blood of Jesus, who offers cleansing and new life to all who believe. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BLOODGUILTINESSblud-gilt'-i-nes: Found in the King James Version only in Psalm 51:14. The Revised Version (British and American) adds Exodus 22:2, 3 1 Samuel 25:26, 33. Ezekiel 18:13 seems to indicate that the phrase does not necessarily signify bloodshed, but any grievous sin which, if it remains, will block God's favor to His land and people (compare Deuteronomy 21:8 Isaiah 1:15). Psalm 51 is to be interpreted in this light. Strong's Hebrew 1818. dam -- blood... root Definition blood NASB Word Usage blood (303), bloodguilt (2), bloodguiltiness (12), bloodshed (27), bloody (7), death (1), guilt of blood (2), homicide or ... /hebrew/1818.htm - 6k Library The Wordless Book Repentance Your Own Salvation Literature. 2 Cor. xii. 16-18 Against those who Say that Demons Govern Human Affairs, and who ... A Man Expects to Reap the Same Kind as He Sows. The Letter of the Church of Rome The French Reformation The Oration on Holy Baptism. Thesaurus Bloodguiltiness (15 Occurrences)...BLOODGUILTINESS. blud-gilt'-i-nes: Found in the King James Version only in Psalm 51:14. ... Multi-Version Concordance Bloodguiltiness (15 Occurrences). ... /b/bloodguiltiness.htm - 11k Bloodguilt (9 Occurrences) Redress (4 Occurrences) Finding (57 Occurrences) Guilty (131 Occurrences) Joyfully (37 Occurrences) Blood-guiltiness (4 Occurrences) Sunrise (25 Occurrences) Slays (7 Occurrences) Dieth (192 Occurrences) Resources Does the Bible really say that parents should have their rebellious children stoned? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bloodguiltiness (15 Occurrences)Exodus 22:2 Exodus 22:3 Leviticus 17:4 Leviticus 20:9 Leviticus 20:11 Leviticus 20:12 Leviticus 20:13 Leviticus 20:16 Leviticus 20:27 Numbers 35:27 Deuteronomy 19:10 Deuteronomy 21:8 1 Samuel 25:26 1 Samuel 25:33 Psalms 51:14 Subtopics Related Terms |
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