Gen 9:6 | TNotes | STEP | 9:6 For God made human beings in his own image: The death penalty has a theological basis. God’s image gives humans a unique status and authority within creation (1:26-28 ). Since murder destroys a person made in God’s image, the ultimate penalty must be imposed on a murderer. See also Exod 21:23-25 . We are not to pursue personal revenge (Rom 12:17-19 ) but are to uphold the justice of the “governing authorities” that God has established (Rom 13:1-7 ).

b1:26-28►

cExod 21:23-25►

dRom 12:17-19►

eRom 13:1-7►

‏ Genesis 9:6

9:6 ^a For God made human beings in his own image: The death penalty has a theological basis. God’s image gives humans a unique status and authority within creation (1:26-28 ^b). Since murder destroys a person made in God’s image, the ultimate penalty must be imposed on a murderer. See also Exod 21:23-25 ^c. We are not to pursue personal revenge (Rom 12:17-19 ^d) but are to uphold the justice of the “governing authorities” that God has established (Rom 13:1-7 ^e).