Topical Encyclopedia The term "man-killer" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, the concept is closely associated with murder and the taking of human life, which is addressed extensively throughout Scripture. The Bible consistently condemns murder as a grave sin, reflecting the sanctity of human life created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the prohibition against murder is clearly articulated in the Ten Commandments: "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). This commandment underscores the value God places on human life and His desire for justice and righteousness among His people. The Hebrew word used here, "רָצַח" (ratsach), refers to unlawful killing, distinguishing it from killing in warfare or capital punishment, which were sometimes sanctioned under the Mosaic Law. The first recorded murder in the Bible is that of Abel by his brother Cain (Genesis 4:8). This act of fratricide is depicted as a direct result of sin and jealousy, leading to God's judgment upon Cain. The narrative highlights the destructive nature of murder and its consequences, both for the perpetrator and the community. New Testament Context In the New Testament, Jesus expands on the commandment against murder in His Sermon on the Mount. He teaches that harboring anger and hatred in one's heart is akin to murder: "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment" (Matthew 5:22). This teaching emphasizes the importance of inner purity and the transformation of the heart, aligning with the broader New Testament theme of love and reconciliation. The apostle John further elaborates on this concept, equating hatred with murder: "Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer" (1 John 3:15). This underscores the spiritual dimension of murder, where the intent and condition of the heart are as significant as the physical act itself. Satan as a "Man-killer" In John 8:44, Jesus refers to Satan as a "murderer from the beginning," highlighting the devil's role in inciting sin and death. This description aligns with Satan's character as the adversary who seeks to destroy God's creation and lead humanity away from the truth. The spiritual warfare against such malevolent forces is a recurring theme in the New Testament, calling believers to stand firm in faith and righteousness. Theological Implications The biblical condemnation of murder reflects the inherent value of human life and the moral order established by God. Murder is not only a violation of divine law but also an affront to the Creator, who alone has the authority over life and death. The Bible's teachings on murder call believers to uphold justice, seek reconciliation, and embody the love of Christ in all relationships. Practical Application Christians are called to be peacemakers, actively working to prevent violence and promote harmony within their communities. This involves addressing the root causes of anger and hatred, fostering forgiveness, and advocating for justice. By living out these principles, believers bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel and the hope of redemption through Jesus Christ. Concordance Man-killer (1 Occurrence)1 John 3:15 Thesaurus Man-killer (1 Occurrence)Man-killer. Manius, Man-killer. Mankind . Multi-Version Concordance Man-killer (1 Occurrence). 1 John 3:15 Every one ... /m/man-killer.htm - 6k Hating (95 Occurrences) Manius Age-during (167 Occurrences) Zebah (9 Occurrences) Mankind (80 Occurrences) Resources What is the Spider-Man fallacy? | GotQuestions.orgDoes God killing people make Him a murderer? | GotQuestions.org What is the problem of good? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |