Exodus 20:13

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
The commandment, "Thou shalt not kill," stands as a foundational declaration within the Decalogue, profoundly underscoring the sanctity of human life as divinely ordained. This concise yet powerful prohibition, employing the specific Hebrew term *râtsach*, strictly forbids unlawful and malicious homicide, asserting God's exclusive authority over life and death and establishing a cornerstone for moral conduct and social order within the covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [Exodus 20:13](/exodus/20-13 "Exodus 20:13 - The Sixth Commandment") is the sixth of the Ten Commandments, delivered directly by God to Moses and the nation of Israel at Mount Sinai, as recorded in [Exodus 20:1](/exodus/20-1 "Exodus 20:1 - God Speaks the Ten Commandments"). These divine pronouncements form the core of the Mosaic Covenant, establishing the terms of Israel's relationship with Yahweh and providing the moral and legal framework for their nascent society. The Decalogue is strategically structured, with the first four commandments focusing on duties toward God (monotheism, idolatry, the divine name, and the Sabbath), while the latter six address duties toward fellow humans. "Thou shalt not kill" is placed early in the human-focused section, immediately following the command to honor parents, signifying the paramount importance of protecting human life as the fundamental basis for all other societal interactions and justice. It sets an indispensable boundary for interpersonal behavior, reflecting God's own character and His profound regard for His creation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the broader ancient Near East, various law codes existed, such as the Code of Hammurabi, which often prescribed penalties for taking a life. However, the distinctiveness of the Israelite law, as revealed in [Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"), lies in its direct divine origin and its emphasis on the inherent sacredness of human life, not merely as property or a means to an end. Unlike other cultures where life might be valued based on social status or utility, the Israelite law, rooted in the concept of humanity being created in [God's image](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image"), elevated the protection of all human life to an absolute moral imperative. The Hebrew term *râtsach* (רָצַח), specifically used here, distinguishes unlawful, premeditated, or malicious killing (murder) from other forms of taking life, such as divinely ordained capital punishment (as seen in [Exodus 21:12-14](/exodus/21-12-14 "Exodus 21:12-14 - Laws Concerning Murder and Manslaughter")), killing in legitimate warfare, or accidental manslaughter (which necessitated cities of refuge, as detailed in [Numbers 35:9-34](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities of Refuge")). This crucial nuance was essential for a society transitioning from tribal vengeance to a system of divine justice and order.

* **Key Themes:** This commandment is central to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **God's Sovereignty over Life**, asserting that life is a divine gift and its termination belongs exclusively to God. It reinforces the **Sanctity of Human Life**, a principle derived from humanity's creation in God's image, making murder an assault on God Himself. The command also contributes to the theme of **Justice and Social Order**, providing a foundational legal and moral standard necessary for a harmonious covenant community. It underscores the importance of **Love for Neighbor**, as this prohibition is a fundamental expression of valuing the well-being and existence of others. Finally, it highlights the **Moral Law as a Reflection of God's Character**, demonstrating His holiness, justice, and profound care for His creation. These themes are woven throughout the Mosaic Law, shaping Israel's identity as God's chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kill (Hebrew, _râtsach'_):** The Hebrew verb רָצַח (*râtsach*) is precisely chosen in this commandment. As a primitive root, it properly means "to dash in pieces," but in its application to human beings, it specifically denotes the unlawful, premeditated, or malicious taking of a human life, i.e., murder. This term emphasizes the wrongful intent and the violation of both divine and human law. It is distinctly different from other Hebrew words for killing, such such as *harag* (to slay or kill in a general sense, often in battle or execution) or *mut* (to die, or cause to die). The deliberate use of *râtsach* clarifies that the commandment is not an absolute prohibition against all forms of taking life (e.g., self-defense, capital punishment, or just war), but specifically against the act of murder, which is an egregious affront to the Creator and a disruption of the divinely ordained social order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not kill."**: This concise statement is a direct, absolute prohibition expressed as a negative imperative. The phrase "Thou shalt not" (לֹא תִּרְצָח, *lo tirtzach*) signifies an unconditional divine command, not merely a suggestion or a societal guideline. The singular "Thou" addresses each individual within the covenant community directly, placing personal responsibility for adherence. The verb "kill" (רָצַח, *râtsach*), as analyzed above, specifically denotes murder—the unjustified, malicious taking of a human life. Therefore, the command unequivocally forbids the act of murder, establishing the sanctity of human life as a non-negotiable principle within God's law. It is a foundational ethical statement affirming the inherent value of every human being, created in the image of God, and reserving the ultimate authority over life and death to the Creator alone.

#### Literary Devices
The commandment "Thou shalt not kill" employs several impactful literary devices that contribute to its power and memorability. Primarily, it functions as an **Imperative**, a direct and authoritative command from God, conveying absolute divine will and demanding immediate obedience from the covenant community. Its remarkable **Conciseness**, consisting of only three words in the original Hebrew, makes it easily understood, universally applicable, and highly memorable, emphasizing the fundamental and non-negotiable nature of the prohibition. This succinctness also lends it the quality of an **Aphorism**, presenting a profound moral truth in a brief, impactful statement that resonates across generations. Furthermore, as an integral part of the Decalogue, it serves as **Divine Law**, reflecting God's immutable character and His foundational moral expectations for humanity. The negative phrasing ("Thou shalt not") clearly establishes a boundary, highlighting what is strictly forbidden and thereby safeguarding the most fundamental aspect of human existence: life itself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The prohibition against killing is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of humanity's creation and God's absolute sovereignty. Since human beings are uniquely created in the [image of God](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image"), to unlawfully take a human life is to deface God's image and usurp His exclusive prerogative over life and death. This commandment affirms the inherent dignity and sacredness of every individual, regardless of status, age, or perceived worth. It establishes a fundamental principle of justice and order, essential for the flourishing of any society and reflecting God's own character as the Giver and Sustainer of life. It also points to the broader theological truth that all life belongs to God, and therefore, its termination without divine sanction is an act of rebellion against the Creator's authority and a profound violation of His will.

* [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "The Sanctity of Human Life After the Flood")
* [Matthew 5:21-22](/matthew/5-21-22 "Jesus' Teaching on Anger and Murder")
* [1 John 3:15](/1_john/3-15 "Hatred as Murder")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The commandment "Thou shalt not kill" calls believers to a profound and expansive respect for all human life, extending far beyond the literal act of murder. It challenges us to cultivate a heart that values and cherishes every individual, from conception to natural death, actively opposing violence, abortion, euthanasia, and any form of unjust aggression or warfare. This divine mandate compels us to examine our inner attitudes, rooting out hatred, bitterness, anger, contempt, and resentment, which Jesus identified as the spiritual precursors to murder. Practically, this means striving to be peacemakers in our relationships, advocating for justice, protecting the vulnerable, and fostering environments where life is honored and defended. It reminds us that our words, actions, and even our silent complicity can either affirm or diminish the sacred value of another person's life, urging us to live as ambassadors of life in a world often marked by death and destruction. This commandment is a call to embody the life-affirming character of God in every facet of our existence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the specific meaning of *râtsach* (murder) deepen your appreciation for the precise scope and gravity of this commandment?**
* **Beyond the physical act, in what ways might we violate the spirit of this commandment in our thoughts, words, or attitudes towards others, as taught by Jesus?**
* **What practical steps can you take to promote the sanctity of life in your community and within your sphere of influence, reflecting God's value for every human being?**
* **How does the inherent value of human life, as taught in this commandment, inform your view on contemporary ethical issues such as abortion, euthanasia, or capital punishment?**

### FAQ
**Does "Thou shalt not kill" forbid capital punishment or warfare?**

Answer: No, the Hebrew word *râtsach* specifically refers to unlawful, malicious homicide (murder), not all forms of taking life. The Old Testament law itself prescribed capital punishment for various offenses (e.g., [Exodus 21:12](/exodus/21-12 "Exodus 21:12 - Law for Murder")), indicating that divinely sanctioned execution was not considered *râtsach*. Similarly, defensive warfare was permitted and sometimes commanded by God (e.g., [Deuteronomy 20](/deuteronomy/20 "Deuteronomy 20 - Laws Concerning Warfare")). The commandment focuses on the unjustified, intentional taking of innocent life by an individual, which is distinct from state-sanctioned justice or defense.

**What about self-defense? Is it a violation of this commandment?**

Answer: The commandment "Thou shalt not kill" does not prohibit self-defense. The focus of *râtsach* is on malicious, unjustified killing. When one's life or the life of another is in immediate danger, the act of self-preservation, while tragic, is generally understood within biblical ethics as distinct from murder. The law distinguished between premeditated murder and accidental killing or justifiable defense (e.g., [Exodus 22:2](/exodus/22-2 "Exodus 22:2 - Law for Breaking and Entering at Night")). The intent and justification are key factors in determining whether an act falls under the prohibition of *râtsach*.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The commandment "Thou shalt not kill" finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who not only perfectly embodied its spirit but also expanded its scope and provided the means for its true adherence. While the Old Testament law primarily prohibited the outward act of murder, Jesus, in His transformative Sermon on the Mount, revealed the deeper, internal dimension of this command. He taught that even unrighteous anger, contempt, or insult towards a brother places one in danger of judgment, equating the hatred harbored in the heart with the act of murder itself (as seen in [Matthew 5:21-22](/matthew/5-21-22 "Matthew 5:21-22 - Jesus' Teaching on Anger and Murder")). This demonstrates that Christ fulfills the law by elevating it from a mere external code to an internal transformation of the heart and mind. Furthermore, Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly laid down His own innocent life, not as a victim of murder, but as a substitutionary sacrifice to atone for the sins of humanity, including the sin of murder and all forms of hatred. His death and resurrection are the ultimate affirmation of the sanctity of life, offering new life and reconciliation to those who were spiritually dead. Through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, believers are now empowered to love one another, to overcome hatred, and to live lives that truly honor the [sanctity of human life](/1_john/4-7 "1 John 4:7 - Love One Another"), thereby fulfilling the spirit of this commandment in a way impossible under the old covenant alone.

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

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.

Deuteronomy 5:17

Thou shalt not kill.

Genesis 9:5

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.

Genesis 9:6

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

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.

Exodus 21:14

But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.