The sixth commandment in the Bible found in Exodus 20:13 simply and boldly tells us, “Thou shall not kill.” As part of the foundational ten commandments, this injunction against killing is important. It speaks to God’s value for life and resistance to violence.
Yet, the Scriptures contain instances where God’s people go to war or engage in violence, even in God’s direction. While a simple statement, “thou shall not kill,” has a complexity that requires looking deeper and considering God’s heart and motivation.
Understanding the Sixth Commandment
Exodus 20:13 and Deuteronomy 5:17 state, “You shall not kill.” Some Bible versions translate “kill” as “murder.” Both passages convey the same fundamental principle: the sanctity of human life. The commandment clearly prohibits murder, highlighting God’s value for human life. Leviticus 24:17 reinforces the prohibition: “Anyone who takes the life of a human being is to be put to death.”
The Bible contains other relevant passages. In Genesis 9:6, after the flood, God establishes a covenant with Noah and his descendants and includes a commandment, saying, “Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind.” This first law since Eden connects to the sin of violence leading to humanity’s destruction (Genesis 6:11-13). This command communicates murder’s severity by highlighting how it attacks God’s image.
Jesus expands on the sixth commandment, deepening its implications. In the Sermon on the Mount, he teaches, “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment” (Matthew 5:21-22). Jesus broadens the commandment to include not only murder but also the root cause: anger and hatred that lead to violence.
The apostle Paul reiterates the commandment in his letters. In Romans 13:9, he writes, “The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not covet,’ and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
By linking the prohibition against murder to the broader command to love others, Paul indicates that true obedience to God’s law involves fostering love and respect for all people.
The Bible also provides narratives to illustrate murder’s consequences. In the story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-16), Cain murdering his brother has severe repercussions, including divine punishment and exile. This story underscores murder’s destructive nature, its profound impact on individuals and communities.
Is the Sixth Commandment Different for Catholics and Other Denominations?
Catholic and high church denominations interpret the sixth commandment differently than evangelicals, due to differences in how they number the ten commandments.
The numbering divergence arises from historical and theological reasons. The Catholic Church follows the division of the Ten Commandments as outlined by St. Augustine. Augustine divides the commandments against covetousness into two (don’t covet someone else’s wife becomes separate from material things). He also combines not having any gods before Yahweh and not making idols into one commandment. In this scheme, the prohibition against murder is listed as the fifth commandment.
Despite the numbering differences, the commandment’s essence remains the same: the sanctity of human life and the prohibition of unjust killing. However, high church denominations may emphasize different aspects of this commandment.
The Catholic Church incorporates a comprehensive approach to “thou shall not kill,” covering a wide range of issues related to life’s sanctity. According to the Catholic Catechism, this commandment encompasses not only murder but also extends to abortion, euthanasia, and capital punishment, emphasizing the protection and respect of human life from conception to natural death. Many Protestant traditions also believe the injunction against murder extends to euthanasia.
High church denominations, such as Anglicanism and Orthodoxy, also uphold life’s sanctity, but may have different nuances. While both traditions oppose abortion and euthanasia, their theological discussions and pastoral approaches might vary.
The Sixth Commandment and the Sanctity of Life
While the commandment itself does not explicitly state why killing is wrong, the broader biblical context explains the reasons behind this command.
Firstly, the sanctity of human life is a fundamental principle. Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created mankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Human beings are created in God’s image, unique from every other creation, invested with inherent dignity and worth. Because humans bear God’s image, their lives are sacred and must be protected. The act of murder violates this divine image and disrespects the Creator. Murder results from hate, pride, and selfishness, all contrary to God’s heart and love for all people.
Additionally, the Bible says that God is the ultimate giver of life, and only he has the authority to take it away. Job 1:21 reflects this: “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” By taking another person’s life, a murderer usurps God’s role, rebelling against divine authority.
Murder’s moral implications extend beyond the individual act. Genesis 9:6 and the ten commandments establish a principle of justice and accountability. Remember, the Mosaic law was given to a nation: murder disrupts the moral and social order, requiring restitution and consequences. The Old Testament law details these consequences: a life for a life. Interestingly, the Law also makes sure an innocent person doesn’t suffer consequences for murder, which also reflects the gravity of taking a life. God had the Israelites set up cities of refuge where an accused individual could flee to get a fair trial.
In the context of the Mosaic law, war, and capital punishment don’t contradict the commandment. “Thou shall not murder” because the biblical concept of murder refers to unlawful, premeditated killing driven by malice or personal vendetta. The Hebrew word for murder used in Exodus 20:13 is ratsach, which specifically denotes wrongful killing, as opposed to killing sanctioned by legal or divine authority.
In contrast, the Mosaic law depicts war and capital punishment as acts of justice and divine judgment. God commands Israel to engage in war under specific circumstances, such as in Deuteronomy 20, where he instructs them to fight against oppressive and murderous nations to establish justice and maintain order. These wars are seen as instruments of divine justice, purging evil and protecting the Israelite community.
Similarly, capital punishment is prescribed for certain offenses, such as murder (Exodus 21:12), to uphold justice and deter further wrongdoing. The Mosaic law requires a thorough legal process with witnesses to ensure fairness (Deuteronomy 17:6). Execution and killing in war are also serious acts due to life’s sanctity; they are only responses to significant sins of violence or leading to death.
Overall, these Old Testament laws reflect everyone’s underlying value. However, the law only offered a moral standard and system for addressing consequences. Outward commandments couldn’t address the real issue, the human heart. Jesus’ teachings and the later New Testament writings expand on these principles, emphasizing how our actions flow from our inward motivations. Therefore, Jesus addresses the need for a change of heart. He provides for that change through his death and resurrection.
How Do Christian Pacifists Interpret the Sixth Commandment?
Several major positions in Christianity consider how to live out God’s deep value for human life. Different interpretations offer arguments for and against allowing self-defense or military service.
Pacifists sees the Bible’s teachings on peace, love, and non-violence as central to their faith. They view Jesus’ teachings and actions as a model for living a life of non-violence and reconciliation. Key passages such as the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7 play a significant role in this perspective. In Matthew 5:39, Jesus instructs, “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” This directive encourages Christians to respond to aggression with non-violence.
Jesus’ teaching to love enemies and pray for persecutors (Matthew 5:44) underscores the principle of overcoming evil with good. Early Christians, including some Church Fathers, advocated for non-violence, reflecting this understanding of Jesus’ message. Paul’s letters further reinforce this pacifist stance. Romans 12:17-21 advises believers not to repay evil for evil and to live at peace with everyone. These teachings suggest a commitment to peace and reconciliation as fundamental aspects of Christian discipleship.
By following these biblical principles, pacifist Christians seek to embody the transformative power of love and non-violence, believing that such a stance is integral to faithfully living out the gospel of Jesus Christ. Absolute pacifism may be rare in Christian tradition, but it has been influential.
Martin Luther King Jr., inspired by Jesus’ teachings, led the Civil Rights Movement through non-violent protest, advocating for racial equality and justice. His commitment to peace and love as tools for social change profoundly impacted American society. The Amish, known for their simple living and deep faith, consistently practice non-violence. They refuse military service and resolve conflicts through forgiveness and community support, exemplifying pacifism daily.
How Do Christian Just War Proponents View the Sixth Commandment?
Christian supporters of self-defense argue that the commandment prohibits murder, which is the unlawful and intentional taking of innocent life, rather than all forms of killing. They cite Exodus 22:2-3, which provides a specific context where self-defense is implicitly allowed: “If a thief is caught breaking in at night and is struck a fatal blow, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed; but if it happens after sunrise, the defender is guilty of bloodshed.” These verses suggest a distinction between defensive actions taken in the immediate threat to one’s life or property and premeditated murder.
Additionally, some interpret Jesus’ instruction to his disciples in Luke 22:36, “If you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one,” as acknowledging the need for self-defense. Though primarily metaphorical, it hints at the practicality of self-protection in a dangerous world.
The concept of justice in the Bible supports the defense of innocent life. Proverbs 24:11 states, “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.” This can be extended to defending oneself or others from immediate harm or death. These ideas often play a key role in discussions about just war—a philosophical view that argues it is possible to have a morally just combat with another nation, not just fighting a way for “necessary evil.”
Christians against self-defense often refer to Jesus’ teachings on non-violence and turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39). This radical call to non-violence suggests that Christians should avoid retaliation and trust in God’s justice rather than taking matters into their own hands.
Whatever our view on self-defense and war as Christians, we remember that we cannot achieve perfect justice today. Romans 12:19 emphasizes leaving vengeance to God: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” This perspective encourages believers to place their hope in divine justice, coming at the end of all things.
Photo Credit:©GettyImages/Makhbubakhon Ismatova
Learn More about the 10 Commandments with these helpful articles that dive deeper into understanding each commandment and what they mean for us today.
What Does the Second Commandment in the Bible Really Mean?
Understanding the Third Commandment: Do Not Use the Lord's Name in Vain
Understanding the Fourth Commandment: Remember the Sabbath Day
Understanding the Fifth Commandment: Honor Your Father and Mother
What is the Sixth Commandment in the Bible?
What is the Seventh Commandment in the Bible?
Understanding the Eighth Commandment: You Shall Not Steal
Understanding the 10th Commandment: You Shall Not Covet
