Does the Bible say "kill" or "murder"?

1. Understanding the Key Passage in the Ten Commandments

Exodus 20:13 states, “You shall not murder.” This commandment is often quoted from older translations as “Thou shalt not kill” (e.g., KJV). However, most modern translations follow more precise scholarship, reflecting the Hebrew term that specifically addresses unlawful, intentional killing—“murder”—rather than all taking of life.

2. Original Hebrew Word: Ratsach

The Hebrew verb traditionally appearing in Exodus 20:13 is “רָצַח” (ratsach). While this word can sometimes describe manslaughter or accidental killing, the dominant usage refers to violence that is intentional, unjustified, or performed with malice. According to lexical studies, the broader biblical and cultural context clarifies that the command targets “murder,” not every possible form of taking a life.

3. Scriptural Consistency in Exodus and Deuteronomy

The commandment against murder is repeated in Deuteronomy 5:17: “You shall not murder.” This repetition demonstrates that the Mosaic Law consistently views the unlawful taking of an innocent life as the violation. The term used in both places originates from the same Hebrew root that carries the sense of premeditated homicide.

4. Why the Distinction Matters

1. Alignment with God’s Character: Scripture portrays God as both just and merciful. Prohibiting murder (rather than killing in every form) aligns with God’s justice, since Scripture permits certain forms of capital punishment (Genesis 9:6) and recognizes legitimate acts of defense (Exodus 22:2).

2. Contextual Clarity: Ancient Israel had a system of cities of refuge (Numbers 35:9–15) to handle cases of accidental homicide, distinguishing them from deliberate wrongdoing. This system emphasized the difference between unintentional killing and premeditated murder.

5. Insights from Other Old Testament Passages

• Genesis 9:6: “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made humankind.” This verse underscores the sanctity of human life and demonstrates that the unlawful shedding of blood (murder) is distinctly punished.

• Numbers 35:16–21 details various scenarios and consequences for murder versus accidental killing, reinforcing the biblical distinction.

6. Perspective of the New Testament

Jesus reiterates the command against murder in passages such as Matthew 5:21: “You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder,’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’” The Greek verb here (φονεύω, phoneuō) aligns closely with the concept of willful, immoral homicide.

Furthermore, Jesus goes beyond the external act, highlighting the heart motive—anger and hatred (Matthew 5:22). This emphasis shows the continuity between the Old and New Testaments: the concern is not merely about physically ending a life but also about the sinful intent behind the act.

7. Translation Variations Across Manuscripts and Versions

Older English Bibles, like the King James Version (1611), say “kill” in Exodus 20:13. At that time, “kill” could be understood in a narrower sense to indicate murder. Modern scholarship and more recent translations, including the Berean Standard Bible, generally use “murder” to convey the precise meaning of willful, wrongful homicide.

Ancient manuscripts, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, confirm that the Hebrew word in the Ten Commandments is ratsach. Textual critics (drawing on manuscripts like the Masoretic Text) note the overall consistency in these passages, reflecting a unified biblical teaching that condemns deliberate, immoral taking of life.

8. Wider Implications for Ethical and Moral Teachings

1. Capital Punishment: The Bible acknowledges civil authority to judge and punish wrongdoing (Romans 13:3–4). This stands apart from the command against murder because it’s a divinely permitted judgment against grave offenses.

2. Defense and War: Certain passages reveal God allowing defensive battles (e.g., Joshua’s conquests) under specific circumstances. While the Bible records warfare, it consistently condemns murder committed out of hatred or personal vendetta.

3. Attitude of the Heart: Murder, as defined by Scripture, implicates malicious intent. Jesus’ commands in the Gospels draw believers toward a heart free of anger, bitterness, and hatred—attitudes that can lead to murder (Matthew 15:19).

9. Conclusion

The Bible’s original command in Exodus 20:13 is most accurately translated as “You shall not murder.” The Hebrew word ratsach and the broader biblical context differentiate between murder (willful, unjust killing) and other kinds of taking life (such as accidental death or justifiable capital punishment).

Modern Bible versions that say “murder” help readers understand the original intent, reflecting the moral principle that God prohibits the wrongful taking of innocent life. Whether Old Testament, New Testament, or modern study of the ancient manuscripts, the consistency of Scripture underscores this clear directive: intentional, unjust violence against another person transgresses God’s holiness and design for humanity.