Exodus 21:14 - If a man schemes and comes presumptuously on his neighbor to kill him, you shall take him from my altar, that he may die.
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What does "Exodus 21:14" mean?
This verse, Exodus 21:14, is a stark and powerful declaration concerning premeditated murder. Let's break down its meaning:
"If a man schemes...": This indicates premeditation and planning. It's not an accidental death or a crime of passion. The man has carefully thought about and devised a plan to kill his neighbor.
"...and comes presumptuously on his neighbor to kill him...": This clarifies the act. It's a deliberate, arrogant, and violent assault with the clear intention of taking the neighbor's life. The word "presumptuously" suggests a sense of entitlement or disregard for the sanctity of life.
"...you shall take him from my altar...": This is the key element highlighting the severity of the crime. In ancient Israel, the altar was a place of refuge, sanctuary, and atonement. People could seek protection there. However, this verse makes an exception for premeditated murderers. Even clinging to the altar, seeking divine mercy or protection, would not save them.
"...that he may die.": This is the judgment: capital punishment. The severity reflects the gravity of deliberately taking another human life.
In Essence:
The verse emphasizes that the sanctuary of the altar, a place of refuge even in the eyes of God, could not protect someone who had deliberately and maliciously planned and carried out the murder of another person. This highlights the sanctity of human life and the severe consequences for those who intentionally violate it. It means that no one, regardless of social status or circumstance, is above the law when it comes to taking a life intentionally.
Exodus 21:14 - If a man schemes and comes presumptuously on his neighbor to kill him, you shall take him from my altar, that he may die.
What does "Exodus 21:14" mean?
This verse, Exodus 21:14, is a stark and powerful declaration concerning premeditated murder. Let's break down its meaning:
"If a man schemes...": This indicates premeditation and planning. It's not an accidental death or a crime of passion. The man has carefully thought about and devised a plan to kill his neighbor.
"...and comes presumptuously on his neighbor to kill him...": This clarifies the act. It's a deliberate, arrogant, and violent assault with the clear intention of taking the neighbor's life. The word "presumptuously" suggests a sense of entitlement or disregard for the sanctity of life.
"...you shall take him from my altar...": This is the key element highlighting the severity of the crime. In ancient Israel, the altar was a place of refuge, sanctuary, and atonement. People could seek protection there. However, this verse makes an exception for premeditated murderers. Even clinging to the altar, seeking divine mercy or protection, would not save them.
"...that he may die.": This is the judgment: capital punishment. The severity reflects the gravity of deliberately taking another human life.
In Essence:
The verse emphasizes that the sanctuary of the altar, a place of refuge even in the eyes of God, could not protect someone who had deliberately and maliciously planned and carried out the murder of another person. This highlights the sanctity of human life and the severe consequences for those who intentionally violate it. It means that no one, regardless of social status or circumstance, is above the law when it comes to taking a life intentionally.