Thou Shalt Not Kill
The sixth commandment protects the sanctity of human life, forbidding unlawful killing and affirming that every person is made in the image of God.
The sixth commandment protects the sanctity of human life, forbidding unlawful killing and affirming that every person is made in the image of God.
"Thou shalt not kill." — Exodus 20:13 (KJV)
"Thou shalt not kill."Exodus 20:13 — Read in Context
What Does the 6th Commandment Mean?
The Hebrew word used here is 'ratsach,' which specifically refers to unlawful killing or murder, rather than all forms of taking life. The Old Testament permitted killing in warfare, self-defense, and capital punishment under the Mosaic Law, while strictly forbidding personal murder and manslaughter. The sanctity of human life is grounded in Genesis 9:6: 'for in the image of God made he man.' Every human being bears God's image, making the unjust taking of life an assault on God Himself. Jesus expanded this commandment's scope in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:21-22), teaching that even anger and hatred toward another person violate the spirit of this law. The apostle John affirmed this: 'Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer' (1 John 3:15).
Historical Context
In the ancient Near East, human life had varying value depending on social class. Hammurabi's Code (c. 1754 BC) prescribed different penalties for killing a nobleman versus a commoner or slave. Israel's law was radical in declaring all human life sacred because every person—slave or free, Israelite or foreigner—bore God's image (Genesis 9:6). The cities of refuge (Numbers 35) distinguished between intentional murder and accidental manslaughter, showing sophisticated legal thinking. Blood revenge was common in tribal societies; this commandment and its supporting laws channeled justice through proper legal processes rather than personal vendettas.
Original Language
'Ratsach' specifically means unlawful killing—murder, manslaughter, or blood-guilt killing. Hebrew has other words for killing: 'harag' (to slay, general), 'muth' (to cause death), and 'qatal' (to kill in battle). The choice of 'ratsach' narrows the prohibition to unjust, unauthorized taking of human life.
Common Misconceptions
Myth
This commandment prohibits all killing, including self-defense and military service.
Truth
The Hebrew 'ratsach' specifically refers to murder—unlawful, unjust killing. The same Law that gave this commandment also prescribed capital punishment, permitted defensive warfare, and established cities of refuge for accidental killers. The commandment targets the malicious taking of innocent life.
Myth
Jesus' expansion of this commandment to include anger means all anger is sinful.
Truth
Jesus condemned unjust, murderous anger—hatred that wishes harm on another. Righteous anger (such as Jesus' cleansing of the Temple) is appropriate when directed at injustice. The sin is harboring hatred and dehumanizing rage, not all forms of anger (Ephesians 4:26).
Applying This Commandment Today
Beyond physical violence, this commandment challenges us to guard against hatred, resentment, and dehumanizing attitudes. It calls believers to be advocates for life, to pursue peace, and to treat every person—regardless of age, status, or condition—as a sacred bearer of God's image.
Related Scripture References
Genesis 9:6
"Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man."Read in context
Matthew 5:21-22
"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: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment."Read in context
1 John 3:15
"Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him."Read in context
Romans 12:18
"If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."Read in context
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'Thou shalt not kill' mean all killing is wrong?
The Hebrew word 'ratsach' specifically refers to murder or unlawful killing. The Old Testament distinguishes between murder, manslaughter, warfare, and judicial execution. The commandment primarily forbids the unjust taking of innocent human life.
How did Jesus expand the sixth commandment?
In Matthew 5:21-22, Jesus taught that the commandment extends beyond physical murder to include anger and hatred. He revealed that the spirit of the law addresses the heart attitudes that lead to violence, not just the outward act.
Related Beatitudes
Beatitudes that connect to this Commandment:
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16. The Good Samaritan
Loving your neighbor fulfills the command to preserve life
Read more15. The Sheep and Goats
Neglecting the vulnerable violates the spirit of preserving life
Read more11. The Wicked Tenants
The tenants murdered the servants and the owner's son
Read more28. The Good Shepherd
The shepherd lays down his life to protect, not destroy
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