“‘You shall not murder.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Deuteronomy 5:17
What does Deuteronomy 5:17 mean?
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Deuteronomy 5:17
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This commandment is far more than just a prohibition against taking a life; it's a profound call to protect and preserve life in all its forms. It implicitly demands we actively work against anything that diminishes or destroys human flourishing, including neglect, harmful actions, or even hateful thoughts toward others.
“‘You shall not murder.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Moses is restating the Ten Commandments to the new generation of Israelites poised to enter the Promised Land, framing them as the terms of their covenant with God. These commandments are presented as the foundational laws for their nation, following God's powerful deliverance from slavery in Egypt. This specific prohibition against killing comes after the command to honor the Sabbath and just before the prohibitions against adultery, stealing, and false witness, establishing a clear order of righteousness.
We often think of the commandment against murder as a straightforward rule. But what if its reach extends far beyond the act of violence?
This commandment, like others in the second part of the Decalogue, moves from outward actions to inward attitudes. While it directly prohibits the taking of a life, its spirit guards the sanctity of all human life. This means it also calls us to actively protect life and well-being.
Consider the progression:
Why did God give this command? It wasn't just to prevent chaos, but to establish a foundation for life and flourishing.
The prohibition against murder is foundational to God's desire for His people to live and thrive. It’s about respecting the image of God in every person.
This commandment sets a standard for:
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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 the command against murder, showing that anger and insults directed at a brother are precursors to the act and are also worthy of judgment.
1 John 3:15This passage directly equates hating a brother with murder, emphasizing the inward disposition that the commandment addresses, as highlighted by commentators like Wesley and Benson.
Romans 13:8-10Paul shows how loving your neighbor fulfills the law, including the prohibitions against murder, adultery, and theft, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of love.
Genesis 9:6This foundational passage establishes God's image in humanity and links the shedding of innocent blood to a violation of that image, underscoring the sanctity of life.
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 is far more than just a prohibition against taking a life; it's a profound call to protect and preserve life in all its forms. It implicitly demands we actively work against anything that diminishes or destroys human flourishing, including neglect, harmful actions, or even hateful thoughts toward others.
Moses is restating the Ten Commandments to the new generation of Israelites poised to enter the Promised Land, framing them as the terms of their covenant with God. These commandments are presented as the foundational laws for their nation, following God's powerful deliverance from slavery in Egypt. This specific prohibition against killing comes after the command to honor the Sabbath and just before the prohibitions against adultery, stealing, and false witness, establishing a clear order of righteousness.
Moses is restating the Ten Commandments to the new generation of Israelites poised to enter the Promised Land, framing them as the terms of their covenant with God. These commandments are presented as the foundational laws for their nation, following God's powerful deliverance from slavery in Egypt. This specific prohibition against killing comes after the command to honor the Sabbath and just before the prohibitions against adultery, stealing, and false witness, establishing a clear order of righteousness.
"“‘You shall not murder." — This commandment is far more than just a prohibition against taking a life; it's a profound call to protect and preserve life in all its forms. It implicitly demands we actively work against anything…
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Last reviewed October 2026