Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, the term "slayer" is often associated with the act of killing or murder, whether intentional or accidental. The concept of a slayer is addressed in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, particularly in the Old Testament, where laws and provisions were established to deal with those who took the life of another.Cities of Refuge One of the most significant biblical references to a slayer is found in the context of the Cities of Refuge. These cities were established by God through Moses and later implemented by Joshua as a means of providing protection for those who had killed someone unintentionally. The purpose was to offer a safe haven from the avenger of blood, a family member seeking retribution for the death. Numbers 35:11-12 states, "Select for yourselves cities to be your cities of refuge, so that a manslayer who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. These cities will be a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly." The Cities of Refuge underscore the distinction between premeditated murder and accidental killing, highlighting the importance of justice tempered with mercy. The slayer was required to remain in the city until the death of the high priest, after which they could return home without fear of retribution (Numbers 35:25-28). Intentional Killing and Murder The Bible makes a clear distinction between unintentional killing and murder. The Sixth Commandment, "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13), underscores the sanctity of human life and the prohibition against taking life unlawfully. Murder, being a willful and premeditated act, is condemned throughout Scripture and is subject to severe penalties. In the case of intentional murder, the law prescribed capital punishment. Genesis 9:6 states, "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind." This reflects the belief that human life is sacred because it is made in the image of God, and thus, taking a life unlawfully is a direct affront to God Himself. Manslaughter and Accidental Death The Bible also addresses cases of manslaughter, where death occurs without intent to kill. Deuteronomy 19:4-5 provides an example: "Now this is the case of the manslayer who flees there to save his life: He kills his neighbor unintentionally, without having hated him in the past. For instance, a man may go into the forest with his neighbor to cut wood, and as he swings his axe to fell a tree, the iron head may slip from the handle and strike his neighbor, killing him." In such cases, the slayer could flee to a City of Refuge to avoid the wrath of the avenger of blood, emphasizing the need for a fair trial and protection for those who did not intend harm. Spiritual Implications Beyond the legal and societal implications, the concept of a slayer carries spiritual significance. The act of taking a life, whether intentional or accidental, is a reminder of the fallen nature of humanity and the pervasive presence of sin in the world. It points to the need for redemption and the transformative power of God's grace. The New Testament expands on the theme of murder by addressing the heart's intentions. Jesus taught that harboring anger or hatred is akin to murder in God's eyes (Matthew 5:21-22), thus calling believers to a higher standard of love and reconciliation. In summary, the biblical treatment of the slayer encompasses legal, moral, and spiritual dimensions, reflecting the complexity of human life and the divine call to justice, mercy, and redemption. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) One who slays; a killer; a murderer; a destroyer of life.Greek 409. androphonos -- a manslayer ... Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: androphonos Phonetic Spelling: (an-drof-on'-os) Short Definition: a murderer Definition: a murderer, man-slayer ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/409.htm - 6k 443. anthropoktonos -- a manslayer Strong's Hebrew 2026. harag -- to kill, slay... once (1), killed (58), killing (3), kills (2), murdered (2), murderer (1), murderers (1), occurs (1), slain (16), slaughter (1), slay (14), slayer (2), slays (2 ... /hebrew/2026.htm - 6k 5221. nakah -- to smite Library The Cities of Refuge The Cities of Refuge. Whether Christ Opened the Gate of Heaven to us by his Passion? The Kinsman Redeemer The Apology of Aristides as it is Preserved in the History of ... Three Homilies. On Our Lord. The Cities of Refuge: or, The Name of Jesus This Affection the Martyrs of Christ Contending for the Truth did ... What Then, if a Homicide Seek Refuge with a Christian... Demonstration xxii. --Of Death and the Latter Times. Thesaurus Slayer (23 Occurrences)...Slayer (23 Occurrences). ... 2 Kings 9:31 And Jehu hath come into the gate, and she saith, 'Was there peace 'to' Zimri -- slayer of his lord?' (YLT). ... /s/slayer.htm - 13k Man-slayer (20 Occurrences) Killeth (23 Occurrences) Unwittingly (17 Occurrences) Ignorantly (8 Occurrences) Fleeing (38 Occurrences) Revenger (5 Occurrences) Heretofore (25 Occurrences) Thither (119 Occurrences) Hating (95 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about snakes? Are snakes evil? | GotQuestions.orgSlayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Slayer (23 Occurrences)Genesis 4:15 Numbers 35:11 Numbers 35:24 Numbers 35:25 Numbers 35:26 Numbers 35:27 Numbers 35:28 Deuteronomy 4:42 Deuteronomy 19:3 Deuteronomy 19:4 Deuteronomy 19:6 Joshua 20:3 Joshua 20:5 Joshua 20:6 Joshua 21:13 Joshua 21:21 Joshua 21:27 Joshua 21:32 Joshua 21:38 2 Kings 9:31 Ezekiel 21:11 Ezekiel 28:9 Hosea 9:13 Subtopics Related Terms |
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