Definition: Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 9:6. It's a really important and somewhat complex passage about creation and humanity. Here’s an explanation in plain terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about the idea that murder – specifically killing a human being – is a direct violation of God’s creation and brings forth consequences. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood…” : This means "anyone who kills a human being." It's a general statement about taking a life. "...by man shall his blood be shed..." : This is the key part. God says that every act of killing by a human will inevitably lead to bloodshed – and ultimately, the shedding of another person’s blood. It’s not just accidental; it's a direct result of taking someone's life. "...for in the image of God made he man." : This is where it gets really significant. The Bible says that humans are created in the image of God . This means we share a fundamental connection with God – we’re given a unique spirit and nature, including the capacity for love, compassion, and responsibility. So, what does this all mean? It's telling us that human life is precious and sacred. Taking another human life is a grave sin because it undermines our relationship with God and diminishes the value of human life itself. It’s a fundamental prohibition against murder. Why is this verse important? It establishes God’s authority: It shows that God doesn't tolerate violence or taking lives freely. It emphasizes responsibility: It highlights our role as stewards of life and urges us to act with kindness and respect towards all people. It’s a foundational principle: This verse is often seen as the foundation for many ethical teachings in Christianity and Judaism, emphasizing love, compassion, and avoiding harm. In short, Genesis 9:6 tells us that taking another person's life is forbidden because it violates God’s creation and our responsibility to respect human life. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Provide more context about the story of the Garden of Eden? Discuss the theological significance of this verse?