Thou Shalt Not Kill? What Does It Really Mean? When the Bible says, “Do not kill,” does that mean all killing is sinful? This question has led many to believe that the Bible contradicts itself when examined alongside the events of the Old Testament.
I want to begin by taking a minute to address the state of the world as we know it today.
Across the globe, murder, lawlessness, and violence are on the rise. Each year, hundreds of thousands of individuals fall victim to heinous acts, resulting in widespread suffering. In certain societies, the sanctity of human life seems to hold little value.
Throughout history, various societies have often reduced the value of human beings, including young children, to mere property or laborers serving the interests of the ruling class and the wealthy.
Moreover, it is concerning how prevalent depictions of violence and lawlessness have become in films and other media, frequently exposed even to young audiences. This constant exposure can leave a lasting impact on the human psyche, potentially leading to significant consequences.
As a result, many people may find themselves desensitized to violence and crime. Headlines and reports often focus on horrific events, and many forms of entertainment—such as television, movies, video games, music, and literature—often center around themes of lawlessness, violence, and immorality. This can contribute to a societal perception that devalues life.
It’s worth reflecting on how much daily life is saturated with these images and narratives. For many, this bombardment of violent content through various media can complicate our understanding of human life and morality.
👉 The Ten Commandments Series
Part 1: No Other Gods
Part 2: No Idols
Part 3: Do Not Take His Name in Vain
Part 4: The Sabbath
Part 5: Honor Your Father and Mother
Part 6: Thou Shalt Not Kill (Current Article)
The Sixth Commandment — What Does It Say?
When we look at the condition of the world today, does it not make perfect sense why God gave the sixth Commandment?
Let’s look at what it is in Exodus 20:13 NKJV
- You shall not murder.
As indicated in the introduction, the world has moved far—far away from this Commandment.
So, let’s take a good look at this Commandment and see what it’s really all about.
Does the Bible Contradict Itself? Thou shalt not kill
First, different Bible translations can create misunderstandings about its meaning. One common misunderstanding is that the Bible contradicts itself, and it is based on the following question:
How can the Bible state “Thou shalt not kill” (KJV), with all of the killing that took place in the Old Testament? That is a reasonable observation and question.
The Difference Between Murder and Killing
The fact is, different Bible translations can create misunderstandings about this verse and the meaning of the Commandment, deeming it necessary to look below the surface.
The Hebrew word in the original text is [Rat-sakh], which is murder. Murder is the unlawful termination of an individual’s life by another individual. Especially with premeditated malice or hatred. This is the true meaning of the Commandment.
The Hebrew word for to kill is [harag], which is generally used for the putting away of animals, including sacrificially, and for ruthless, personal violence of man against man—war. This is not the word used in this Commandment. That is why most modern translations (i.e., The New King James Translation above) render the sixth commandment “You shall not murder” rather than “You shall not kill.”
Therefore, a very large issue can arise depending on which translation an individual studies.
Just think, if the intended meaning of “Thou shalt not kill” meant—no killing at all—it would include the totality of the God-endorsed conflicts implemented by the nation of Israel, a violation of God’s own commandment. But understand that God does not break His commandments; therefore, the verse does not demand a total ban on taking human life.
When Is Killing Permissible in Scripture?
This commandment does not prohibit all killing. The Bible indicates that taking a life is permissible in certain situations; let’s look at these in Scripture:
– As capital punishment
Genesis 9:6 NKJV
- Whoever sheds man’s blood, By man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man.
– During a justified war
1 Samuel 15:3 NKJV
This is God’s instructions to King Saul through the prophet Samuel:
- Now go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them. But kill both man and woman, infant and nursing child, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’ ”
– In cases of adultery, which was meant to protect the family unit, is crucial for society’s stability.
Leviticus 20:10 NKJV
- ‘The man who commits adultery with another man’s wife, he who commits adultery with his neighbor’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress, shall surely be put to death.
– In self-defense, such as when a thief breaks into a home
Exodus 22:2 NKJV
- If the thief is found breaking in, and he is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt for his bloodshed.
In cases of accidental killing
Deuteronomy 19:4-5 NKJV
4.Whoever kills his neighbor unintentionally, not having hated him in time past—
- as when a man goes to the woods with his neighbor to cut timber, and his hand swings a stroke with the ax to cut down the tree, and the head slips from the handle and strikes his neighbor so that he dies—he shall flee to one of these cities and live;
Lastly, For killing animals for food
Genesis 9:3 NKJV
- Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs.
So we must understand that there is a Biblical difference between justified killing and murder, the unlawful, intentional homicide. In the same way, most nations’ laws distinguish between these acts. Accordingly, the Ten Commandments forbid murder specifically, but not all forms of killing.
This is why, when disputes arise regarding Scripture, it’s necessary to examine the original texts (Greek & Hebrew) to determine more clearly what the author was expressing.
How Far Has Society Drifted?
Now that we know the difference between murder and killing, and it is clear what this Commandment commands, let’s look at how far we are from this Commandment, and how much it matters.
Every single day in America, over 50 people are murdered. Around the world, that number exceeds 1,200 per day. The fact is, human life has become cheap in society’s eyes. Let’s look at some statistics.
U.S. Murder / Homicide Statistics
Annual U.S. Homicides
- According to the CDC, roughly 20,000–23,000 people are murdered each year in the United States, depending on the year measured.
- The most recent CDC data lists 20,162 homicide deaths in 2024.
U.S. Homicide Rate
- The current U.S. homicide rate is approximately 5.9 per 100,000 people.
- That remains well above many other developed nations.
Daily Equivalent
- That averages to approximately:
- 55 murders per day
- More than 2 murders every hour
Worldwide Murder Statistics
Global Annual Murders
- According to United Nations homicide data, the world sees approximately 450,000–470,000 intentional homicides per year.
- Latest UN estimates place the number around 458,000+ annually.
Daily / Hourly Equivalent
- That equals approximately:
- 1,250 murders per day worldwide
- 52 murders every hour globally
These are concerning statistics! How did we get here?
Well, as mentioned in the introduction, we have become desensitized to murder. It no longer shocks or causes sorrow to hear about it. We have lost our sense of self-control, which causes us to sin. We are encouraged to rein this in. As the Bible states in Ephesians 4:26, “Be angry, and do not sin.”
This commandment is broken either by a planned murderous attack upon a person(s) or by a rash, reckless attack. This commandment forbids the taking of a life because a person is—let’s look at these behaviors
- angry
- bitter
- violent
- uncontrolled
- passionate
- vengeful
- selfish
- stealing
- lusting
- coveting
- rebelling
Within this list is the breaking of another commandment, which will be covered later in this series.
Murder is always wrong, no matter the reasons behind it. This belief is crucial for the safety of our community and society. We cannot allow lawlessness and violence to thrive. We must uphold God’s Holy Word: murder driven by anger, robbery, or violence should always be condemned and punished.
The Heart Behind Murder
Furthermore, there are other acts just as unacceptable as directly killing someone physically.
There are those who, while not taking life by their own hand, show reckless or intentional disregard for human life and become morally complicit in its destruction. Many people around the world engage in such acts. For example, people are being pushed to work in unsafe conditions that can injure or kill them. They’re forced to live in terrible environments that lack basic necessities, leading to premature death. Additionally, individuals are being sold drugs that enslave them and ultimately lead to their demise.
Jesus Expands the Commandment
Further, Jesus expanded the commandment against killing to include not just the physical act itself, but also the anger and wrongful motives that can lead someone to murder.
Matthew 5:21-22 NKJV
- “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’
- But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.
Calling another “Raca,” which is a transliteration of an Aramaic term implying “empty-headed,” is an insult.
Saying “you fool” to a person is another insult. Fool is a translation of the Aramaic word Mōre, which is most likely a case form of the Greek word mōros (the origin of the English word moron), implying a person who regularly acts like an idiot.
To treat a person with such contempt was to strip away their personal identity and wrongly make him or her into something he or she was not.
Jesus said this behavior subjects one to “Judgment” and “in danger of hell fire.”
You see, we can murder an individual with our tongues.
Murder is more than a physical act; it’s rooted in internal feelings such as anger, bitterness, and enmity. It stems from an uncontrolled spirit and inner turmoil. Anger is the foundational sin that violates God’s law. It encompasses negative mindsets, such as:
– Bitterness and enmity
– Indignation and wrath
– Striking out at others
– Disappointment or self-hatred
– Rage and fury
– Lack of self-control
– Desire to harm others
– Envy and resentment towards others’ happiness
– Slander and attempts to ruin another’s reputation. This is wrong especially since everyone is created in God’s image.
To God, murder is not just physical in nature but also the condition of one’s heart towards another.
So to observe what the Scripture says in Ephesians 4:26-27 NKJV
- “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,
- nor give place to the devil.
Now, understand that there is justified anger. Justified anger is essential for believers; they should be angry at those who sin, act unjustly, or behave selfishly. However, this anger must be disciplined and controlled, focusing only on wrongdoing against God or others. The key difference between justified and unjustified anger is that justified anger is not selfish and doesn’t arise from personal grievances. It serves a purpose: to address the situation peacefully and constructively.
Romans 12:18-19 NKJV
- If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
- Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
If only we could live by this verse alone! To live peaceably with all men!
Modern Violations of the Commandment
Now, thus far, we’ve looked at murder from the perspective of individual against individual. But there is another form of murder that has become highly acceptable in the societies of the world—Abortion.
Abortion, which involves ending the lives of unborn babies, has long been a significant moral failure of humanity. The sanctity of life is consistently under threat.
According to the CDC, over 20,000 people are murdered in America each year…
But over one million unborn children are aborted in America annually.
Worldwide, that number rises to roughly 73 million.
Unfortunately, public opinion often contradicts the fundamental commandment, “You shall not murder,” when it comes to abortion.
I won’t further address that topic here. However, there is a full article on this website that addresses it. Here is the link.
Another form of murder that doesn’t involve person-to-person involvement is suicide. Suicide is the termination of one’s own life,
Suicide is perceived differently across various cultures and beliefs. For instance:
– Some may wonder if a Christian can take their own life due to extreme despair.
– Others question if someone can be seen as noble for committing suicide in the name of a cause or country, like the Japanese kamikaze pilots in World War II. 4970
Regardless of circumstances, suicide as a way to escape life’s struggles is a grave mistake. It occurs all too frequently but is never a solution. Every human life reflects God’s image, and no one should end their own life. Here are three compelling reasons to avoid suicide:
- God forbids murder, and suicide is self-murder.
- It destroys the image of God within us.
- Jesus Christ loves us and provides the strength to face and overcome our challenges.
Hebrews 2:18 confirms this:
- For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.
The Consequences of Murder
The Commandment is, “You shall not murder.” These four words have behind them the eternal force of God, who is the Author of life. Human life is sanctified. The sacredness of life has and always will remain unmoved in the eyes of God. Individuals who break this commandment will face the Righteous Judge who will hold them completely accountable for murder. No murderer can escape these terrible consequences. So, let’s address some of these consequences, and then we’ll look at the blessings of obedience to this command.
First, the individual who murders another will suffer the wrath of God.
Romans 1:18, 29 NKJV
- For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
- being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, MURDER, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,
Next, the individual who murders another will be judged and will not inherit the kingdom of God. They will not inherit eternal life.
1 John 3:15 NKJV
- Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
And next, the individual who murders another is to face civil court, sentencing, imprisonment, the death penalty, or some other form of retribution.
Leviticus 24:17 NKJV
- ‘Whoever kills any man shall surely be put to death.
Lastly, the individual who murders another confirms that he is defiled and has an evil heart.
Matthew 15:19–20 NKJV
- For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, MURDERS, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.
- These are the things which defile a man…
The Blessings of Obedience
To address obedience to the Command: On the other hand, obedience yields blessings.
The individual who obeys this commandment and does not murder another person has decided to value life.
The contrast is stark between a culture that allows or executes the innocent and helpless, and a culture that honors and protects the sacredness of human life.
Those who really love, defend, and protect life benefit an entire community, nation, and world.
So, what are the benefits when God’s people speak out against murder?
What are the benefits to Christian believers who respect the sanctity of life?
Well, first, an individual who honors the Lord and values life will avoid killing and live by the Spirit, showing its qualities.
Let’s look at what the fruit of the Spirit is: Galatians 5:22-25 NKJV
- But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
- gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
- And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
- If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Next, the individual who follows God and respects the sanctity of life will have a sacrificial love for his brother.
1 John 3:14-16 NKJV
- We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.
- Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
- By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
Those who embrace God’s salvation and value life will feel a genuine urgency, stay alert to the times, maintain a clear perspective, and recognize the fragility of life, as addressed in God’s Word.
James 4:14 NKJV
- whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
Lastly, the individual who truly respects the sacredness of life will understand that the only way to save his life is to give it away to Christ.
Matthew 16:25-26 NKJV
- 25. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
- For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
A Call to Repentance
Anyone who has murdered another human being, either physically or spiritually in their heart, must repent. If you have violated this commandment—whether by your hands or by hatred in your heart—repent.
Christ still offers mercy to all who come to Him.
Jesus is ever knocking on our doors for us to let Him in and save us.
As Jesus said in Revelation 3:19-21 NKJV.
- As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
- Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
- To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”
My friends, we must respect the life that God has created, ours and that of others. We must obey the sixth Commandment, “You shall not murder.”
Amen!
Questions, comments, and concerns may be left below.
Blessings!
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👉 The Ten Commandments Series
Explore the full Ten Commandments series below:
Part 1: No Other Gods
Part 2: No Idols
Part 3: Do Not Take His Name in Vain
Part 4: The Sabbath
Part 5: Honor Your Father and Mother
Part 6: Thou Shalt Not Kill (Current Article)
