The Bible contains several commandments related to killing, specifically the commandments “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13) and “You shall not kill” (Deuteronomy 5:17). Understanding the differences between these two similar but distinct commandments is important.
The original Hebrew word used in Exodus 20:13 is “ratsach” which refers to intentional, premeditated murder. This commandment prohibits unlawfully taking a human life with malice aforethought. Murder is the unjustified, intentional killing of another human being. This is considered a grievous sin.
In Deuteronomy 5:17, the Hebrew word used is “harag” which has a broader meaning of killing or taking a human life, whether lawful or unlawful. This commandment prohibits taking of human life in general but does not apply to lawful killings such as self-defense, capital punishment, or killing during wartime. Unlawful killing would still be considered murder.
So in summary, “You shall not murder” specifically prohibits premeditated homicide while “You shall not kill” is a broader prohibition of taking human life. Intent and justification are key factors. The Bible recognizes some exceptions where taking a life is permitted or even mandated such as capital punishment for certain offenses (Exodus 21:12-17, Leviticus 24:17,21) or defending yourself or others (Exodus 22:2).
Let’s explore some key differences between these two commandments:
Intent and Premeditation
“You shall not murder” prohibits the intentional, premeditated killing of another person out of malice or hatred. Murder is planned, deliberate and unjustified. “You shall not kill” prohibits taking a life regardless of intent or premeditation. Unintentional killings or accidental deaths would violate the broader commandment even though they are not considered murder.
Motive and Justification
Murder specifically refers to killing motivated by evil intentions like anger, jealousy or greed. Killing may be considered justified and lawful in cases of self-defense, war, upholding justice or protecting others. Self-defense, retribution or killings commanded by God would not be considered murder even though a life is taken.
Scope and Applicability
“You shall not murder” is limited in scope to addressing premeditated homicide. “You shall not kill” is much broader in scope – prohibiting taking of human life in any circumstance unless there is Biblical justification for it. So the second commandment is an overarching guideline addressing all unlawful killing while the first focuses specifically on murder.
Spirit vs Letter of the Law
The command “You shall not murder” addresses the letter of the law – literally prohibiting premeditated homicide. But “You shall not kill” goes further to address the spirit of the law. Even accidental loss of life violates the spirit of this law. So the second commandment calls for valuing human life and avoiding causation of death whenever possible, even unintentional.
Old Testament vs New Testament
Both commandments originate from the Old Testament but Jesus Christ expanded on their intent in the New Testament. He taught that anger in the heart can lead to murder (Matthew 5:21-22) and emphasized love, forgiveness and turning the other cheek over seeking retribution when wronged (Matthew 5:38-42). So the New Testament calls for nonviolence when possible and care for enemies.
Exceptions and Qualifications
“You shall not murder” as defined in Exodus has no exceptions. Premeditated homicide is always prohibited. But “You shall not kill” allows for lawful exceptions like self-defense, just warfare, and implementing capital punishment. However, these should be carefully weighed with wisdom, discernment and justice rather than flippantly rationalizing away the value of human life.
Literal Meaning vs Practical Application
On a literal level, “You shall not kill” seems to prohibit all killing. But when studied carefully along with other Biblical principles, the practical application is more nuanced. The key is properly understanding concepts like justification, motive and lawful purposes. Not every instance of taking a life violates Biblical standards when looked at wholly.
Old Testament Law vs New Testament Grace
While both commandments originate in the Old Testament, Jesus brought a new paradigm of grace in the New Testament. Though the moral principles behind the commands remain, in the New Covenant grace and forgiveness supersede legalism. Continued…
Punishment under the law would require capital punishment for murder. But Christ himself prevented the legal penalty for a woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) and forgave his executioners while dying on the cross (Luke 23:34). So the New Testament elevates forgiveness and restoration above legalism.
Civil Law vs Personal Ethics
“You shall not murder” serves as a civil law prohibiting homicide in ancient Israel. But “You shall not kill” is more of an ethical guideline applicable to all people at all times calling us to value human life. One is enforceable civil law while the other is broader moral principle.
Wrong Actions vs Wrong Intentions
The command “You shall not murder” targets outward actions and behavior – making premeditated homicide a punishable offense under the law. But “You shall not kill” goes further to prohibit wrong intentions and unlawful reasons for taking a life in one’s heart. It addresses inward motives and thought-life.
Personal Actions vs Societal Structures
“You shall not murder” governs individual actions and behaviors. But the broader command “You shall not kill” can also speak to societal sins like warfare, poverty, racism, or policies devaluing human life. It calls us to address systemic and corporate reasons for loss of life above just individual acts.
In summary, while the two commands are similar in calling us to value human life, “You shall not murder” prohibits specifically premeditated homicide while “You shall not kill” encompasses broader unlawful loss of life. But both express God’s heart for preserving life.
More Specific Considerations
Applying these commandments wisely requires deeply examining many additional issues and “gray areas” not addressed simply by the brief commands themselves. Let’s explore a few key considerations:
Killing in Self Defense or Protection of Others
The Bible shows killing may be justified when protecting yourself or others from violence. Exodus 22:2 shows killing a thief in self-defense is not punishable under the law. Protection of others is modeled by David fighting Goliath to shield Israel from his taunts (1 Samuel 17). However, use of force should still be a last resort.
Accidental Killings and Negligence
Though accidental deaths or negligence are not premeditated murder, they still show disregard for human life. The Old Testament makes provision for involuntary manslaughter through cities of refuge (Deuteronomy 19:4-6). Numbers 35:22-28 stipulates inadvertent killers could flee to these cities. But negligence is still discouraged.
Killing in Warfare
The Bible depicts many justified battles. But criteria like just cause, lawful authority, right intention, last resort, proportionality, and likelihood of success should be weighed. Cannot indiscriminately kill civilians or use excessive force. Principles for just war found in Deuteronomy 20, Matthew 26:52, and Romans 12:18.
Capital Punishment
Capital punishment was mandated under Old Testament law for offenses like murder (Exodus 21:12), adultery (Leviticus 20:10), rape (Deuteronomy 22:25), and kidnapping (Exodus 21:16). However, Jesus forgave an adulterous woman from this punishment in John 8:1-11, so mercy is also an important consideration.
Abortion
Many see abortion as murder of an unborn child. Scriptures like Psalm 139:13-16 show God’s active role in conception and formation of life in the womb. However, views differ on when human life begins and competing rights must be weighed carefully. Principles like sanctity of life should guide moral thoughtfulness.
Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
Though not expressly addressed in Scripture, the value of human life implies existence should not be ended prematurely. However, allowing natural death by refusing extraordinary, disproportionate measures is not considered euthanasia. Intentional killing of oneself or ending another’s life directly would require very careful moral reasoning.
Self-Defense Laws and Social Values
Biblical self-defense allows protection of life against violence. But some nations’ lax self-defense laws enable weakly justified killings or valorize violence. Biblical respect for life should inform social values above just strictly following ever-expanding legal allowances for killing.
Inaction and Negligence
While directly taking a life is prohibited, failing to act to prevent death can also show disregard for human life. Ignoring starvation, exposure, untreated illness, or not intervening to prevent suicide when able to also goes against “You shall not kill” at heart.
Hate, Dehumanization and Systemic Injustice
Unjust social structures that devalue human life can enable higher rates of lawful but unethical state killings. Cultivating climates of nationalism, racism, sexism, classism or ethnic hate makes it easier to indirectly justify policies that endanger life. Systems must uphold dignity.
Respecting Life Until Natural Death
While killing is prohibited, artificially prolonging fading life may show lack of acceptance of natural mortality. As Ecclesiastes 3:2 states, there is a time to die. Gentle care, comfort and pain relief at end of life can show reverence for God’s timing.
Prioritizing Redemption and Restoration
While lawful penalties for murder exist, Christians should focus more on forgiveness, restoration, and justice that preserves life. Like Christ showed grace to adulterous woman in John 8:1-11 and converted murderer Paul in Acts 9:1-9.
In conclusion, properly applying “You shall not kill” requires holistic study of Scripture, pursuit of divine wisdom, and thoughtfulness considering many complex factors involved in preservation of human life.