Deuteronomy 5:17

KJV

Thou shalt not kill.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not kill {H7523}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Do not murder.

Berean Standard Bible

You shall not murder.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt not kill.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 5:17, the succinct yet profound sixth commandment, "Thou shalt not kill," serves as a cornerstone of God's moral law, unequivocally establishing the sanctity of human life as a divine imperative. This directive, reiterated to a new generation of Israelites on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, underscores the inherent value of every individual, created in God's image, and forms a foundational principle for a just, peaceful, and God-honoring society, prohibiting the unlawful and intentional taking of human life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 5 opens with Moses gathering all Israel to reiterate the covenant made at Horeb (Mount Sinai), emphasizing that these laws were not just for their ancestors but for them, the generation about to inherit the land. The chapter meticulously re-presents the Ten Commandments, beginning with the foundational declaration of God's identity and His deliverance of Israel from Egypt. Following the first five commandments, which primarily concern Israel's relationship with God and respect for authority (parents), Deuteronomy 5:17 introduces the first of the commandments dealing with inter-human relations, specifically the preservation of life. This placement highlights the supreme importance of life within the covenant community, serving as a prerequisite for societal order and well-being, leading into subsequent laws concerning fidelity, property, and truthfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The giving of the Law in Deuteronomy occurs approximately 40 years after the initial revelation at Sinai, as the Israelites stand on the plains of Moab, poised to enter Canaan. This generation, largely born in the wilderness, needed to internalize the covenant principles that would govern their lives in the Promised Land. In the ancient Near East, while various legal codes existed (e.g., Code of Hammurabi), the Mosaic Law distinguished itself by its divine origin and its emphasis on the inherent value of human life, not merely as property or a means to an end. The prohibition against killing stood in stark contrast to the often brutal and arbitrary violence prevalent in surrounding cultures, establishing a unique standard for a people set apart by God. This commandment was crucial for establishing a stable, just society, protecting its members from internal strife and ensuring the well-being of the community as they transitioned from nomadic life to settled existence.
* **Key Themes:** The commandment "Thou shalt not kill" profoundly reinforces the **sanctity of human life**, a theme rooted in the creation account where humanity is uniquely made in the [image of God](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image"). This principle elevates human life above all other created things, making its unlawful taking a direct affront to the Creator. It is a fundamental expression of **covenant faithfulness**, as obedience to this law demonstrates Israel's commitment to God's righteous standards and their love for their neighbor, which is a core aspect of the [Law's summary](/matthew/22-37 "Matthew 22:37-40 - The Greatest Commandments"). Furthermore, it lays the groundwork for **societal justice and order**, ensuring the protection of individuals within the community and preventing anarchy. The commandment also implicitly highlights God's **sovereignty over life and death**, reserving the ultimate authority to Himself, and establishing a moral framework that transcends mere human convention, as seen in the broader context of [Deuteronomy's legal framework](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy 1 - Introduction to the Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kill (Hebrew, _rāṣaḥ'_):** The Hebrew verb רָצַח (_rāṣaḥ_) is crucial for understanding the precise scope of this commandment. Unlike other Hebrew words for taking life (e.g., הָרַג _hārag_ "to slay, kill" generally, or מוּת _mût_ "to die, put to death"), _rāṣaḥ_ specifically denotes unlawful, premeditated, or malicious killing, often translated as "murder" or "homicide." This distinction is vital because the Old Testament law itself prescribes capital punishment for certain offenses (e.g., [Exodus 21:12](/exodus/21-12 "Exodus 21:12 - Penalty for Murder")), allows for self-defense, and regulates warfare. Therefore, Deuteronomy 5:17 is not a blanket prohibition against all forms of taking life, but rather a specific prohibition against the unjust, unauthorized, and often intentional shedding of innocent human blood. It targets the act of murder, whether premeditated or manslaughter, that violates the divine order and the sanctity of human life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not kill":** This concise phrase, an apodictic negative command, directly and absolutely prohibits the act of murder. The use of the second person singular "thou" makes it a personal directive to every individual within the covenant community. It is not merely a suggestion or a societal guideline, but a divine command, reflecting God's absolute standard for human conduct. The brevity of the statement emphasizes its foundational nature and universal applicability within the covenant, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the gravity of the offense. It establishes a fundamental boundary for human behavior, protecting the most precious gift of life.

#### Literary Devices
The commandment "Thou shalt not kill" employs several potent **literary devices**. Its primary form is an **apodictic law**, meaning it is an absolute, unconditional command ("You shall not X"), as opposed to casuistic law ("If X, then Y"). This direct, unqualified prohibition underscores the universal and timeless nature of the command, applying equally to all members of the covenant community without exception. The brevity and starkness of the phrase create a powerful **conciseness**, making it easily memorable and impactful, conveying the gravity of the directive with minimal words. Furthermore, as a **negative command**, it sets a clear boundary, defining what is forbidden and thereby establishing a moral baseline for righteous behavior. This negative framing also implicitly highlights the immense value of what is being protected—human life—by strictly forbidding its unjust termination.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The prohibition against murder in Deuteronomy 5:17 is deeply interwoven with the broader theological tapestry of the Old Testament and resonates powerfully throughout biblical revelation. It stems directly from the doctrine of humanity's creation in the image of God, where taking a human life is seen as an assault on God's very likeness and sovereignty. This commandment underscores God's ultimate ownership of life and His demand for justice and righteousness within His covenant people. It is not merely a legalistic rule but an expression of God's character as the giver and sustainer of life, calling His people to reflect His holiness in their interactions. The shedding of innocent blood is consistently presented as a defilement of the land and a grievous sin that cries out for divine judgment, necessitating atonement and purification.

* [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Genesis 9:6 - The Sanctity of Life After the Flood")
* [Exodus 21:12](/exodus/21-12 "Exodus 21:12-14 - Laws Concerning Homicide")
* [Numbers 35:16](/numbers/35-16 "Numbers 35:16-34 - Laws Regarding Murder and Cities of Refuge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The commandment "Thou shalt not kill" extends far beyond the literal act of murder, inviting believers to a profound and holistic reverence for human life in all its forms. It challenges us to examine the attitudes of our hearts, recognizing that hatred, anger, and contempt can be the seeds of violence, as Jesus himself taught. This command calls us to actively promote peace, reconciliation, and justice in our relationships and in society at large. It compels us to advocate for the vulnerable, the marginalized, and the defenseless, from the unborn to the elderly, recognizing the inherent dignity of every person as created by God. Living out this commandment means cultivating a spirit of compassion, forgiveness, and love, actively working against any force or ideology that devalues human life, and striving to be agents of life and flourishing in a world often marked by violence and disregard for others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:21-22 expand our understanding of "Thou shalt not kill," and what implications does this have for our inner lives?**
* **In what ways might we, even unintentionally, devalue human life through our words, attitudes, or inaction in our daily lives?**
* **What practical steps can we take to promote peace, reconciliation, and the protection of vulnerable lives within our communities and globally?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over life and death influence our perspective on difficult ethical issues related to life and dying?**

### FAQ

**Does this commandment prohibit capital punishment, self-defense, or warfare?**

Answer: The Hebrew word used in Deuteronomy 5:17 is _rāṣaḥ_ (רָצַח), which specifically refers to unlawful, premeditated, or malicious killing—what we commonly call murder or homicide. It does not encompass all forms of taking human life. The Old Testament law itself, given by God, distinguishes between murder and other situations. For instance, it prescribes capital punishment for certain offenses, including murder itself ([Exodus 21:12](/exodus/21-12 "Exodus 21:12 - Penalty for Murder")), and establishes cities of refuge for accidental killing ([Numbers 35:9-34](/numbers/35-9 "Numbers 35:9-34 - Cities of Refuge")). Self-defense, particularly when one's life is in danger, is also implicitly permitted in certain contexts (e.g., [Exodus 22:2](/exodus/22-2 "Exodus 22:2-3 - Laws Concerning Theft and Self-Defense")). Furthermore, God commanded and regulated warfare for Israel in specific circumstances ([Deuteronomy 20](/deuteronomy/20 "Deuteronomy 20 - Laws Concerning Warfare")). Therefore, "Thou shalt not kill" primarily prohibits the unjust, unauthorized, and malicious taking of an innocent human life, rather than every instance where a life is taken.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The ultimate fulfillment of the commandment "Thou shalt not kill" is found in Jesus Christ, who not only perfectly embodied its spirit but also expanded its scope to encompass the very intentions of the heart. While the Old Covenant prohibited the outward act of murder, Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, revealed that hatred and anger towards a brother are tantamount to murder in God's eyes ([Matthew 5:21-22](/matthew/5-21 "Matthew 5:21-22 - Jesus' Teaching on Anger")). He called His followers to a radical love that extends even to enemies ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")), demonstrating that true obedience to this commandment is not merely the absence of violence but the active presence of love and reconciliation. Christ, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly laid down His own life, not to take life, but to give it abundantly ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life")), offering forgiveness to those who crucified Him. Through His sacrifice, He broke the power of sin and death, enabling believers, by the power of the [Holy Spirit](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9-11 - Life in the Spirit"), to live lives characterized by love, peace, and the preservation of life, reflecting the very nature of God, who is love ([1_john/4-8](/1_john/4-8 "1 John 4:8 - God Is Love")). Thus, the New Covenant calls us not just to refrain from murder, but to actively pursue life, peace, and the flourishing of all humanity, mirroring the life-giving work of our Savior.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 20:13

Thou shalt not kill.

Romans 13:9

For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if [there be] any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Matthew 5:21

¶ Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

Matthew 5:22

But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Genesis 9:6

Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

James 2:11

For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

Matthew 19:18

He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,