Meaning
Bloodguilt is responsibility or liability for bloodshed, especially the unlawful taking of human life.
Biblical Usage
Scripture connects bloodguilt with responsibility for the shedding of human blood. The term concerns liability for bloodshed rather than merely the physical act of killing.
In 2 Samuel 3:28-29, David declares himself and his kingdom guiltless concerning the blood of Abner after Joab kills him. Psalm 51:14 uses the word bloodguiltiness in David’s plea for deliverance from guilt associated with bloodshed.
Key References
- Genesis 9:5-6 — Addresses accountability for the shedding of human blood.
- Numbers 35:33 — Connects the shedding of blood with defilement of the land.
- Deuteronomy 19:10 — Addresses the prevention of innocent bloodshed.
- 2 Samuel 3:28-29 — Records David’s declaration concerning responsibility for Abner’s death.
- Psalm 51:14 — Records a plea for deliverance from bloodguiltiness.
- Isaiah 1:15 — Describes hands full of blood in a rebuke concerning wrongdoing.
- Joel 3:21 — Refers to the cleansing of blood that had not been cleansed.
Related Terms
- Bloodshed — The act of causing blood to be shed, especially by violence or killing.
- Murder — The unlawful killing of a person.
- Guilt — Responsibility for wrongdoing.
- Justice — The administration of what is right and due.