Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Overview: Bloodshed, in the biblical context, refers to the act of taking human life, often through violence or murder. It is a grave sin that is condemned throughout Scripture. The shedding of blood is not only a physical act but also carries deep spiritual and moral implications. It is often associated with guilt, defilement, and the need for atonement. Old Testament References: The concept of bloodshed is introduced early in the Bible. In Genesis 4:10, after Cain kills Abel, God says, "What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground." This passage highlights the seriousness of murder and the divine awareness of bloodshed. The Mosaic Law explicitly condemns murder and prescribes severe penalties for it. Exodus 20:13 states, "You shall not murder," one of the Ten Commandments that underscores the sanctity of human life. Numbers 35:33 further emphasizes, "Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell. For I, the LORD, dwell among the Israelites." This verse links bloodshed with the defilement of the land, indicating that murder has communal and spiritual consequences. Bloodshed is also associated with the concept of bloodguilt, where the community or individual is held accountable for unpunished murder. Deuteronomy 21:1-9 describes the ritual for atoning for unsolved murders, demonstrating the need for justice and cleansing from bloodguilt. New Testament References: In the New Testament, Jesus expands on the commandment against murder by addressing the heart's intentions. In Matthew 5:21-22, He teaches, "You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder,’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment." Here, Jesus emphasizes that anger and hatred are akin to murder in God's eyes, highlighting the importance of inner purity and reconciliation. The New Testament also speaks of the ultimate act of bloodshed in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Acts 2:23 states, "He was handed over by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross." This event, while an act of bloodshed, becomes the means of atonement for humanity's sins, demonstrating God's redemptive power. Theological Implications: Bloodshed is a violation of the divine image in humanity, as humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). It disrupts the order and peace intended by God and incurs divine judgment. The Bible consistently calls for justice and righteousness, urging believers to uphold the sanctity of life. The sacrificial system in the Old Testament, which involved the shedding of animal blood, prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Hebrews 9:22 explains, "According to the Law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." This underscores the necessity of blood for atonement and the profound significance of Christ's sacrifice. Moral and Ethical Considerations: Christians are called to be peacemakers and to value life, opposing violence and murder. Romans 12:18 advises, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This reflects the Christian duty to pursue peace and reconciliation, avoiding anger and hatred that lead to bloodshed. In summary, bloodshed is a serious offense against God and humanity, with far-reaching spiritual and communal consequences. The Bible calls for justice, atonement, and the pursuit of peace, ultimately pointing to the redemptive work of Christ as the solution to the problem of sin and bloodshed. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The shedding or spilling of blood; slaughter; the act of shedding human blood, or taking life, as in war, riot, or murder.Greek 129. haima -- blood ... blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of Christ); by implication, bloodshed, also kindred ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/129.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 4939. mispach -- probably outpouring, bloodshed... 4938b, 4939. mispach. 4940 . probably outpouring, bloodshed. Transliteration: mispach Phonetic Spelling: (mis-pawkh') Short Definition: bloodshed. ... /hebrew/4939.htm - 6k 1818. dam -- blood 6450. Pas Dammim -- "palm of blood," a place in Judah Library Appendix. India's Ills and England's Sorrows The God of Peace Demolition of the Idolatrous Temples at Alexandria, and the ... On the Consecration of Gods, on Account of the Benefits which they ... Of the Senses, and their Pleasures in the Brutes and in Man; and ... How Eurycles Calumniated the Sons of Mariamne; and How Euaratus of ... The Inroads of Mahometanism Acts xii. 1, 2 The World Our Enemy. Thesaurus Bloodshed (43 Occurrences)...Bloodshed (43 Occurrences). Exodus 22:2 If the thief is found breaking in, and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt of bloodshed for him. ... /b/bloodshed.htm - 19k Employ (6 Occurrences) Dies (71 Occurrences) Bloody (19 Occurrences) Boundaries (19 Occurrences) Bloodshedding Stealing (8 Occurrences) Deception (24 Occurrences) Breaking (69 Occurrences) Shed (73 Occurrences) Resources What is bloodguilt (Joel 3:21)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about self-defense? | GotQuestions.org How are people destroyed from a lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6)? | GotQuestions.org Bloodshed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bloodshed (43 Occurrences)Exodus 22:2 Exodus 22:3 Leviticus 17:4 Numbers 35:33 Deuteronomy 17:8 Deuteronomy 19:10 Deuteronomy 21:8 Deuteronomy 22:8 1 Samuel 25:26 1 Samuel 25:31 1 Samuel 25:33 2 Samuel 16:7 2 Samuel 16:8 2 Chronicles 19:10 Psalms 5:6 Psalms 26:9 Psalms 55:23 Psalms 59:2 Psalms 139:19 Proverbs 29:10 Isaiah 5:7 Isaiah 26:21 Isaiah 33:15 Jeremiah 48:10 Ezekiel 5:17 Ezekiel 7:23 Ezekiel 9:9 Ezekiel 14:19 Ezekiel 21:22 Ezekiel 22:2 Ezekiel 22:13 Ezekiel 24:6 Ezekiel 24:9 Ezekiel 35:6 Ezekiel 38:22 Hosea 1:4 Hosea 4:2 Hosea 12:14 Micah 3:10 Micah 7:2 Habakkuk 2:8 Habakkuk 2:12 Habakkuk 2:17 Subtopics Related Terms |