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But if he struck him with an instrument of iron, so that he died, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.
Verse Takeaways
1
Intent Defines the Crime
Commentators like John Calvin and John Gill explain that this verse establishes a crucial legal and moral principle: intent matters. Using an "instrument of iron" was considered clear evidence of a premeditated desire to kill. The law wasn't just concerned with the outcome (death) but with the wicked intention in the heart, distinguishing murder from accidental manslaughter.
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4
18th Century
Presbyterian
The meaning is: Since taking another person’s life by any means whatever is murder and exposes the murderer to the penalty of retaliation, if the d…
16th Century
Protestant
And if he smite him with an instrument of iron. God appears to contradict Himself. A little further on, He absolves involuntary murderers,…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die As with an hatchet, hammer, sword, knife, &c.
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To show plainly the abhorrence of murder, and to provide more effectively for the punishment of the murderer, the nearest relation of the deceased,…
