What does the Bible say about taking a life?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that unlawfully taking human life is a grave sin against God, who made every person in his image, while also distinguishing murder from other cases of death addressed by civil justice. The sixth commandment says, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17), and Genesis 9:6 grounds human life’s sanctity in God’s image. Exodus 21:12-14 distinguishes deliberate killing from unintended death and recognizes public justice. Jesus deepens the commandment in Matthew 5:21-22, exposing angry, contemptuous hearts, and 1 John 3:15 warns that hatred is akin to murder. God calls sinners to repentance, mercy, and love of neighbor, not personal vengeance.