What is the difference between murder and killing in Exodus 20:13? The Command Stated Exodus 20:13: “You shall not murder.” Key Word: “Ratsach” Explained • The Hebrew verb used here is רָצַח (ratsach). • Ratsach is never used for legitimate acts of war, self-defense, or capital punishment; it speaks of unauthorized, intentional, or negligent taking of human life. • When Scripture refers to lawful killing, it uses other verbs such as נָכָה (nakah, “strike”) or הָרַג (harag, “kill”). Distinguishing Murder from Killing Murder (ratsach) • Unlawful—outside God-ordained boundaries (Numbers 35:31). • Intentional or malicious (Deuteronomy 19:11-12). • Condemned wherever it appears (Genesis 9:6; Proverbs 6:16-17). Killing (lawful taking of life) • Authorized by God under specific circumstances: – Capital punishment (Genesis 9:6; Romans 13:4). – Just war (Deuteronomy 20:1-4; Ecclesiastes 3:8). – Self-defense (Exodus 22:2; Luke 22:36-38). • Involuntary manslaughter is treated separately, with cities of refuge provided (Numbers 35:9-15). Permitted Forms of Killing in Scripture • Civil justice: “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed” (Genesis 9:6). • Military engagement: David praised for defending Israel (1 Samuel 17:45-47). • Protective force: “If a thief is caught breaking in at night and is struck so that he dies…” (Exodus 22:2). The Heart Behind the Command • Human life bears God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27). • Murder attacks God’s creative sovereignty (Psalm 139:13-16). • Jesus extends the command to the attitude of hatred (Matthew 5:21-22; 1 John 3:15). Practical Applications for Today • Value every human life from conception to natural death (Psalm 127:3). • Reject violence born of anger, revenge, or hate (Romans 12:17-21). • Support lawful authorities who wield the sword justly (Romans 13:1-4). • Seek reconciliation quickly to guard the heart from murderous roots (Ephesians 4:26-27). |
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