What does the Bible say about punishment for murder?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that murder is a grave sin against God’s image-bearing human life, deserving righteous judgment, while personal vengeance belongs to God and lawful civil authority. Genesis 9:6, Exodus 21:12, and Leviticus 24:17 establish the seriousness of willful killing and affirm that God appointed just punishment for it. Numbers 35:30-31 also requires careful testimony and rejects bribery that would evade justice. Yet Scripture distinguishes public justice from private retaliation: Romans 12:19 calls believers to leave vengeance to God, and Romans 13:1-14 recognizes governing authorities as God’s servants for restraining evil. Jesus deepens the commandment in Matthew 5:21 by exposing murderous anger in the heart, calling sinners to repentance and the mercy found in him.