Bible Dictionary
BLOODGUILTINESS
Guilt deserving judgment, especially grievous sin that brings condemnation and hinders God's favor. The term is not limited to literal bloodshed but may describe serious wrongdoing generally.
Definition
Bloodguiltiness is guilt deserving judgment, especially grievous sin that obstructs God’s favor. The term need not refer only to the literal shedding of blood.
Biblical Usage
In Psalm 51 it concerns serious sin requiring cleansing. Other passages indicate that the expression may include any grievous wrongdoing whose continued presence brings guilt upon a person or people.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>blud-gilt'-i-nes: Found in the King James Version only in Ps 51:14. The Revised Version (British and American) adds Ex 22:2,3; 1Sa 25:26,33. Eze 18:13 seems to indicate that the phrase does not necessarily signify bloodshed, but any grievous sin which, if it remains, will block God's favor to His land and people (compare De 21:8; Isa 1:15). Ps 51 is to be interpreted in this light.</p>