Definition: And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 9:5. It’s a pretty intense and serious passage about God’s judgment. Here's an explanation in simple terms: What it says: “And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And surely your blood of your lives…” – This is a very strong statement. It means God isn't just looking for some harm, but he’s demanding a significant amount of loss. It’s not about a small problem; it’s about the complete destruction of everything that was created. “…I will require it…” – This is the core of the verse. God isn't just asking for something to happen, he's saying he will take action and demand a terrible outcome. “at the hand of every beast…” – This refers to all the animals – lions, tigers, bears, wolves, deer, etc. God is demanding that everything that’s alive be destroyed. It's a massive, encompassing demand. “…and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother…” – This continues to expand the scope. It means God isn't just focusing on animals. He is demanding that every person , including family members and friends, be destroyed as well. It’s a terrifying implication that humans are also subject to his wrath. What does this mean in a broader sense? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the consequences of disobedience and sin. It suggests: God's Justice: God is exacting punishment for humanity's wickedness and rebellion against him. The Cycle of Violence: It points to a cycle – a pattern of violence and destruction that has been happening throughout history, stemming from the original sin of Adam and Eve. A Turning Point: This verse marks a significant turning point in the story of humanity—a moment when God decides to completely cleanse the earth of its corruption. Important Note: It’s important to remember this verse comes from a very old text, and it's often interpreted symbolically. It doesn't necessarily mean that everyone will be destroyed in a literal sense. It speaks to a profound consequence for humanity's actions. Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Genesis](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Genesis) - This site has detailed explanations and translations of the verse. Wikipedia - Genesis 9: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genesis_9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genesis_9) – A good overview of the context and meaning. --- Would you like me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Discuss the different interpretations of this passage?