The term "slays" in the Bible refers to the act of killing or putting to death, often in the context of warfare, judgment, or sacrifice. This concept is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, reflecting both divine justice and human conflict. The act of slaying is depicted in various narratives, laws, and prophecies, each providing insight into the moral and spiritual dimensions of life and death as understood in the biblical worldview.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, slaying is frequently associated with God's judgment and the execution of His will. For instance, in the account of the Flood, God slays all living creatures except those preserved in the ark (Genesis 7:21-23). This act underscores the severity of divine judgment against pervasive wickedness.

The concept of slaying is also central to the sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law. Animals were slain as offerings to atone for sin, symbolizing the seriousness of sin and the need for a substitute to bear its penalty. Leviticus 1:5 describes the process: "Then he shall slaughter the bull before the LORD, and Aaron’s sons the priests shall present the blood and sprinkle it on all sides of the altar at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting."

In the context of warfare, slaying is often depicted as a necessary act for the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. The conquest of Canaan involved the slaying of its inhabitants as an act of divine judgment and the establishment of Israel in the Promised Land (Joshua 6:21). This reflects the belief that God is sovereign over nations and uses human agents to accomplish His purposes.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of slaying takes on a more spiritual dimension. The ultimate act of slaying is seen in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, who was "slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8). This act is central to Christian theology, representing the ultimate sacrifice for the atonement of sin and the reconciliation of humanity with God.

The New Testament also speaks of the spiritual battle against sin and evil, where believers are called to "put to death" the deeds of the flesh (Romans 8:13). This metaphorical use of slaying emphasizes the need for spiritual discipline and the rejection of sinful behaviors.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The act of slaying in the Bible raises significant moral and ethical questions, particularly regarding the sanctity of life and the justice of God. The biblical narrative consistently affirms the value of life, yet it also acknowledges the reality of sin and the necessity of judgment. The tension between justice and mercy is a recurring theme, ultimately resolved in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Prophetic and Eschatological Dimensions

Prophetically, the Bible speaks of a future time when God will slay the wicked as part of His final judgment. Isaiah 11:4 prophesies, "But with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips." This eschatological vision underscores the ultimate triumph of God's justice and the establishment of His kingdom.

In summary, the concept of slaying in the Bible encompasses a range of meanings and applications, from historical events to spiritual truths. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin, the reality of divine judgment, and the hope of redemption through Christ.2026. harag -- to kill, slay
... killed (58), killing (3), kills (2), murdered (2), murderer (1), murderers (1),
occurs (1), slain (16), slaughter (1), slay (14), slayer (2), slays (2), slew ...
/hebrew/2026.htm - 6k

7921. shakol -- to be bereaved
... 1), bereaved your of children (1), cast (1), childless (1), depopulated (1),
made...childless (1), miscarried (1), miscarrying (2), slays (1), unfruitful (1 ...
/hebrew/7921.htm - 6k

5221. nakah -- to smite
... shoot (1), shot (1), slain (11), slapped (1), slaughter (1), slaughtered (1),
slaughtering (2), slay (5), slayer (1), slayers (1), slaying (1), slays (1), slew ...
/hebrew/5221.htm - 7k

Concerning Pollio and Sameas. Herod Slays the Principal Of
... CHAPTER 1. Concerning Pollio And Sameas. Herod Slays The Principal Of. Antigonus's
Friends, And Spoils The City Of Its Wealth. Antony Beheads Antigonus. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 concerning pollio and.htm

If I must Now Explain How the Just Man "Slays his Enemies...
... Chapter XXII. If I must now explain how the just man "slays his enemies?
If I must now explain how the just man "slays his enemies ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/chapter xxii if i must.htm

Victor's Dilemma: He must Either Say all Infants are Saved, or ...
... A Treatise on the soul and its origin, Chapter 14."Victor's Dilemma: He Must Either
Say All Infants are Saved, or Else God Slays the Innocent. ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 14 victors dilemma he must.htm

The Pelagians Allow that Christ Died Even for Infants; Julianus ...
... Book II. Chapter 56."The Pelagians Allow that Christ Died Even for Infants;
Julianus Slays Himself with His Own Sword. But whatever ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 56 the pelagians allow that.htm

Whether it is Lawful for a Private Individual to Kill a Man who ...
... Dei i, 21), "He slays not who owes his service to one who commands him, even as
a sword is merely the instrument to him that wields it." Wherefore those who ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful for 2.htm

Whether a Man Should be Debarred from Receiving Orders on Account ...
... Hence he who by mishap slays a man without knowing that it is a man, is not called
a homicide, nor does he incur irregularity (unless he was occupying himself ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a man should be.htm

Whether it is Lawful to Kill the Innocent?
... Wherefore he who kills a just man, sins more grievously than he who slays a sinful
man: first, because he injures one whom he should love more, and so acts ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful to 9.htm

Salted with Fire
... It slays that which is slaying us, for our sins destroy in us the true
life of a man, and make us but parables of walking death. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/salted with fire.htm

A Life Lost and Found [Footnote: Preached after the Funeral of Mr. ...
... perfection of prudence. 'Who pleasure follows pleasure slays,' and who slays
pleasure finds a deeper and a holier delight. The keenest ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/a life lost and found.htm

Augustin's Part in the Controversy.
... Mere knowledge slays: while to lead a holy life is the gift of God,"not only because
He has given us will, nor only because He has taught us the right way ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/iii augustins part in the.htm

Slays (7 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Slays (7 Occurrences). Revelation 13:10 If anyone
has captivity, he will go into captivity. If anyone is ...
/s/slays.htm - 8k

Sledge (3 Occurrences)

/s/sledge.htm - 7k

Slaying (21 Occurrences)

/s/slaying.htm - 13k

Vengeance (63 Occurrences)
... Genesis 4:15 Yahweh said to him, "Therefore whoever slays Cain, vengeance will be
taken on him sevenfold." Yahweh appointed a sign for Cain, lest any finding ...
/v/vengeance.htm - 26k

Zimri (16 Occurrences)
... Phinehas sees this and goes after Zimri into the qubbah, where he slays the two
together, and thus the plague is stayed (25:6-9). The connection between these ...
/z/zimri.htm - 18k

Slay (189 Occurrences)
... Genesis 4:15 Yahweh said to him, "Therefore whoever slays Cain, vengeance will be
taken on him sevenfold." Yahweh appointed a sign for Cain, lest any finding ...
/s/slay.htm - 38k

Sevenfold (10 Occurrences)
... Genesis 4:15 Yahweh said to him, "Therefore whoever slays Cain, vengeance will be
taken on him sevenfold." Yahweh appointed a sign for Cain, lest any finding ...
/s/sevenfold.htm - 9k

Slayer (23 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who slays; a killer; a murderer; a destroyer
of life. Multi-Version Concordance Slayer (23 Occurrences). ...
/s/slayer.htm - 13k

Finding (57 Occurrences)
... Genesis 4:15 Yahweh said to him, "Therefore whoever slays Cain, vengeance will be
taken on him sevenfold." Yahweh appointed a sign for Cain, lest any finding ...
/f/finding.htm - 23k

Strike (168 Occurrences)
... Genesis 4:15 Yahweh said to him, "Therefore whoever slays Cain, vengeance will be
taken on him sevenfold." Yahweh appointed a sign for Cain, lest any finding ...
/s/strike.htm - 46k

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