Jump to: Topical • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Execution, in the context of the Bible, refers to the act of carrying out a death sentence as a form of capital punishment. This practice is evident throughout the Scriptures and is often associated with the administration of justice according to the laws given by God to the Israelites. Execution is depicted as a means to uphold righteousness, deter sin, and maintain societal order.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, execution is primarily associated with the Mosaic Law, which prescribed capital punishment for various offenses. The Law was given to the Israelites as a covenantal code to guide their conduct and ensure holiness among God's chosen people. Execution served as a deterrent against grave sins and was intended to purge evil from the community. One of the earliest references to execution is found in Genesis 9:6, where God establishes the principle of retributive justice: "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind." This verse underscores the sanctity of human life and the seriousness of murder. The Mosaic Law outlines specific crimes warranting execution, including murder (Exodus 21:12), adultery (Leviticus 20:10), idolatry (Deuteronomy 17:2-5), and blasphemy (Leviticus 24:16). The method of execution varied, with stoning being the most common (Deuteronomy 13:10). The law required the testimony of two or three witnesses to carry out an execution, ensuring that the punishment was justly administered (Deuteronomy 17:6). New Testament Context In the New Testament, the focus shifts from the legalistic application of the Law to the fulfillment of the Law through Jesus Christ. While the New Testament does not prescribe execution as a form of punishment for believers, it acknowledges the authority of governing bodies to administer justice, including capital punishment. Romans 13:4 affirms the role of civil authorities as God's servants to execute wrath on wrongdoers: "For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer." This passage suggests that the state has the divinely sanctioned authority to enforce laws, including the use of capital punishment. The execution of Jesus Christ is the most significant instance of execution in the New Testament. Although He was innocent, Jesus was crucified under Roman law, fulfilling the prophecies of the suffering Messiah and providing atonement for humanity's sins (Isaiah 53:5; John 19:16-18). His execution highlights the themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the ultimate triumph over sin and death. Theological Implications Execution in the Bible is intertwined with themes of justice, holiness, and the consequences of sin. It reflects the seriousness with which God views sin and the lengths to which He will go to maintain the purity of His people. The Old Testament laws regarding execution underscore the need for a just and orderly society, while the New Testament reveals the transformative power of grace through Jesus Christ. While the Bible acknowledges the role of execution in maintaining justice, it also emphasizes mercy, forgiveness, and the potential for redemption. The tension between justice and mercy is resolved in the person and work of Jesus, who bore the penalty of sin on behalf of humanity, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him. Topical Bible Verses Romans 13:4For he is the minister of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath on him that does evil. Topicalbible.org Matthew 5:38-39 Matthew 26:52-54 Exodus 20:13 Exodus 21:24-25 Exodus 22:2-3 Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of executing; a carrying into effect or to completion; performance; achievement; consummation; as, the execution of a plan, a work, etc.2. (n.) A putting to death as a legal penalty; death lawfully inflicted; as, the execution of a murderer. 3. (n.) The act of the mode of performing a work of art, of performing on an instrument, of engraving, etc.; as, the execution of a statue, painting, or piece of music. 4. (n.) The carrying into effect the judgment given in a court of law. 5. (n.) A judicial writ by which an officer is empowered to carry a judgment into effect; final process. 6. (n.) The act of signing, and delivering a legal instrument, or giving it the forms required to render it valid; as, the execution of a deed, or a will. 7. (n.) That which is executed or accomplished; effect; effective work; -- usually with do. 8. (n.) The act of sacking a town. Greek 1349. dike -- right (as self-evident), justice (the principle, a ... ... right (as self-evident), justice (the principle, a decision or its execution). Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: dike Phonetic Spelling: (dee'-kay ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1349.htm - 7k 1806. exago -- to lead out 4669. smurnizo -- to be like myrrh, to mingle with myrrh Strong's Hebrew 8546. timuthah -- death... Word Origin from muth Definition death NASB Word Usage death (1), die (1). death, die. From muwth; execution (as a doom) -- death, die. see HEBREW muwth. ... /hebrew/8546.htm - 6k 5950. aliliyyah -- a deed Library Of Design and Execution. The Wicked Plan Having Been Carried into Execution, Diocletian... Whether the Soul of Christ had Omnipotence as Regards the ... The Answer that we must Take into Account the Purpose of the Doer ... Twenty-Second Proposition of Arminius Via Dolorosa The First Opinion, which I Reject, but which is Espoused by those ... Appendix. Death of Jesus. My Judgment Respecting the Two Last Described Schemes of ... Thesaurus Execution (4 Occurrences)... 1. (n.) The act of executing; a carrying into effect or to completion; performance; achievement; consummation; as, the execution of a plan, a work, etc. ... /e/execution.htm - 8k Levy (19 Occurrences) Hanging (82 Occurrences) Punishments (31 Occurrences) Witness (295 Occurrences) Respite (8 Occurrences) Return (499 Occurrences) Extent (15 Occurrences) Performance (6 Occurrences) Achan (7 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about stoning? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Annas in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the Swoon Theory? Did Jesus survive the crucifixion? | GotQuestions.org Execution: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Execution (4 Occurrences)Acts 12:19 Acts 23:30 Esther 9:1 Daniel 2:12 Subtopics Related Terms |