Capital Punishment in the Bible: What Scripture Teaches

The Old Testament laws make clear that shedding innocent blood demands the death penalty. Genesis 9:6 states that whoever kills a person shall have their life taken in return. Exodus and Leviticus reinforce “eye for an eye” justice, prescribing death for premeditated murder. Numbers and Deuteronomy outline the role of avengers and cities of refuge, distinguishing between intentional homicide and accidental killing. These passages emphasize protecting the community and deterring future crimes. Medieval theologian Thomas Aquinas argued in Summa Theologica that executing murderers is lawful when it safeguards the common good. He also maintained that only a government authority may carry out such sentences, just as a physician removes a diseased limb to save the body. Together, these biblical and theological sources illustrate a consistent principle: capital punishment for murder serves justice and preserves societal health.

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