Anyone who strikes a person with a fatal blow is to be put to death. The law of murder is stated plainly: fatal blow, death penalty. The simplicity of the formulation establishes the principle; the subsequent verses introduce the distinctions — intent, premeditation, accident — that govern its application. Genesis 9:6 grounded this principle in the image of God: whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed, for in the image of God has God made mankind. The death penalty for murder is not revenge but proportionality and justice. Romans 13:4 says the governing authority does not bear the sword for no reason — the authority to execute judgment on the guilty is a covenant-authorized function. Exodus 21:12 is the legal basis for that authorization.

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