Deuteronomy 5:17
“‘You shall not murder.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Deuteronomy 5:17
“‘You shall not murder.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This commandment, "You shall not murder," is more than just a prohibition against physical violence; it's a call to protect life in all its forms, extending even to guarding against things that harm our own bodies or the well-being of others. The original Hebrew word used here encompasses not only the act of killing but also the intent and actions that lead to another's demise or the neglect of our own preservation.
This verse is part of Moses reiterating the Ten Commandments to a new generation of Israelites poised to enter the Promised Land. It follows the commandment to honor parents and immediately precedes commands against adultery, theft, and false witness, forming the core of the "second table" of the Law concerning our duty to our neighbors. The context highlights that these commands, while familiar from their time at Sinai, are being re-presented with a slight emphasis on using "neither" to link each prohibition.
When God says 'You shall not murder,' does He only mean taking a life with a weapon? What about other ways we can end a life, or contribute to its premature end?
This commandment, found in both Exodus and Deuteronomy, is often understood to prohibit the unlawful taking of a human life. However, biblical wisdom, especially as explored by commentators like Wesley and Benson, reveals a broader application.
Protecting Life in All Forms
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Is it possible to commit murder without ever lifting a hand? Jesus certainly thought so. How does this commandment address what's going on inside us?
The law of God is not just concerned with outward actions; it penetrates to the inner thoughts and attitudes of the heart. As the Pulpit commentary notes, the commandments progress from sins of deed to sins of word, and finally to sins of the heart.
From Deed to Desire
Understand the original words
ratsach · Hebrew Verb
The taking of human life outside of the bounds of authorized justice, warfare, or self-defense; it is a violation of the sanctity of human life created in God's image.
Jesus expands on the commandment not to murder, teaching that even anger and insults towards a brother are related to this prohibition, showing the depth of God's law.
1 John 3:15This passage directly links hating one's brother to murder, echoing the broader understanding of the commandment that includes internal disposition and not just outward action.
Romans 13:8-10Paul explains that loving one's neighbor fulfills the law, and that the commandment not to murder is foundational to this love, demonstrating its primary importance in our relationships.
Genesis 9:6This earlier account establishes the sanctity of human life as created in God's image, providing the theological basis for why murder is such a grave offense against God and humanity.
pooleDeuteronomy 5:17: "Thou shalt not kill."
No text from Poole on this verse.
gillDeuteronomy 5:17: "Thou shalt not kill."
Thou shalt not kill,.... The following commands begin with the copulative "and", different from the manner in which they are expressed, Exodus 20:17 which joins these together, and them with the preceding ones; hence the law is by some said to be one copulative, and may serve to illustrate a passage in James 2:10 .
This commandment, "You shall not murder," is more than just a prohibition against physical violence; it's a call to protect life in all its forms, extending even to guarding against things that harm our own bodies or the well-being of others. The original Hebrew word used here encompasses not only the act of killing but also the intent and actions that lead to another's demise or the neglect of our own preservation.
This verse is part of Moses reiterating the Ten Commandments to a new generation of Israelites poised to enter the Promised Land. It follows the commandment to honor parents and immediately precedes commands against adultery, theft, and false witness, forming the core of the "second table" of the Law concerning our duty to our neighbors. The context highlights that these commands, while familiar from their time at Sinai, are being re-presented with a slight emphasis on using "neither" to link each prohibition.
This verse is part of Moses reiterating the Ten Commandments to a new generation of Israelites poised to enter the Promised Land. It follows the commandment to honor parents and immediately precedes commands against adultery, theft, and false witness, forming the core of the "second table" of the Law concerning our duty to our neighbors. The context highlights that these commands, while familiar from their time at Sinai, are being re-presented with a slight emphasis on using "neither" to link each prohibition.
"“‘You shall not murder." — This commandment, "You shall not murder," is more than just a prohibition against physical violence; it's a call to protect life in all its forms, extending even to guarding against things that harm…
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