Exodus 20:13

Thou shalt not kill.

Thou shalt not kill {H7523}.

"Do not murder.

You shall not murder.

Thou shalt not kill.

Commentary

The commandment, "Thou shalt not kill," found in Exodus 20:13, is one of the Ten Commandments, foundational to the moral and legal framework given by God to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. It is a concise yet profound declaration that underscores the sanctity of human life and God's exclusive authority over it.

Context

This verse is part of the Decalogue (the Ten Words), delivered by God Himself to Moses and the nation of Israel (Exodus 20:1). These commandments were not merely suggestions but divine laws intended to govern every aspect of Israelite society, establishing a covenant relationship between God and His people. The commandments progress from duties towards God to duties towards fellow humans, with "Thou shalt not kill" serving as a cornerstone for social order and personal morality, protecting the most fundamental right: the right to life.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated as "kill" in Exodus 20:13 is ratsach (רָצַח). This specific term is crucial for understanding the commandment's scope. Unlike other Hebrew words that refer to killing in general (e.g., in war, capital punishment, or accidental death), ratsach primarily denotes unlawful, premeditated, or malicious killing—what we commonly understand as murder. It refers to the unjustified taking of an innocent human life, emphasizing the wrongful intent and violation of divine and human law. This distinction helps clarify that the commandment is not an absolute prohibition against all forms of taking life, but specifically against malicious homicide.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Sanctity of Human Life: The primary message is the inherent value and sacredness of human life. Since humanity is created in God's own image (Genesis 9:6), taking a human life unlawfully is an affront to God Himself.
  • Divine Authority: This command asserts God's ultimate sovereignty over life and death. He is the Giver of life, and therefore, only He has the ultimate right to determine its end.
  • Foundation of Social Order: Prohibiting murder is essential for the stability and safety of any society. It establishes a fundamental boundary that protects individuals and promotes peace within a community.
  • Internal and External Purity: While outwardly prohibiting the act of murder, the spirit of the law also encourages a heart free from hatred, anger, and malice. Jesus further expounded on this, teaching that even unrighteous anger or contempt for a brother is a violation of the spirit of this commandment (Matthew 5:21-22).

Practical Application

For believers today, "Thou shalt not kill" extends beyond the literal act of murder. It calls for a profound respect for all human life, from conception to natural death, opposing violence, abortion, euthanasia, and unjust wars. It challenges us to examine our attitudes, urging us to root out hatred, bitterness, and anger from our hearts (1 John 3:15). Practically, this commandment encourages us to be peacemakers, to value and protect the dignity of every individual, and to contribute to a society where life is cherished and defended. It reminds us that our words and actions, even seemingly small ones, can either affirm or diminish the value of another person's life.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Romans 13:9 (34 votes)

    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 (24 votes)

    Thou shalt not kill.

  • Genesis 9:5 (13 votes)

    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 (13 votes)

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

  • Matthew 5:21 (10 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

    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.