What does the Bible say about capital punishment?

Capital punishment is mandated in several passages of the Bible, most notably in Exodus 21, which details the crimes deserving of death. Specifically, it states, 'He that smiteth a man so that he die, shall be surely put to death' (Exodus 21:12). This reflects God's justice and the principle that every sin, particularly those manifesting a flagrant disregard for God's image in humanity, warrants severe consequences. This divine ordinance serves to maintain order in society and underscores the gravity of transgressions against the moral law of God.