Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, murder is not merely the unlawful taking of a human life but is deeply rooted in the condition of the heart, specifically in hatred. The Bible presents murder as a grave sin, one that is condemned from the earliest chapters of Scripture. The act of murder is first introduced in Genesis 4 with the account of Cain and Abel, where Cain's jealousy and hatred towards his brother Abel culminate in the first murder. This narrative sets the stage for understanding murder as an outward manifestation of inner sin.The Sixth Commandment, "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13), underscores the sanctity of human life, which is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This commandment is reiterated in Deuteronomy 5:17, emphasizing its foundational role in the moral law given to Israel. The prohibition against murder is not limited to the physical act but extends to the attitudes and intentions of the heart. Jesus Christ, in His Sermon on the Mount, expands on the traditional understanding of murder by addressing the root cause—hatred. In Matthew 5:21-22 , He states, "You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder,’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment." Here, Jesus equates unjust anger and hatred with murder, highlighting that sin begins in the heart long before it manifests in action. The Apostle John further elaborates on this concept in his first epistle. In 1 John 3:15 , he writes, "Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer." This passage reinforces the idea that hatred is tantamount to murder in the eyes of God, as it reflects a heart that is not aligned with His love and righteousness. The biblical narrative consistently portrays hatred as a destructive force that leads to murder. In the account of Joseph and his brothers, their hatred and envy nearly result in Joseph's death (Genesis 37:18-20). Similarly, King Saul's jealousy and hatred towards David drive him to multiple attempts on David's life (1 Samuel 18:10-11; 19:1). The New Testament calls believers to a higher standard, one that transcends mere adherence to the law. Romans 13:9 encapsulates this by stating, "The commandments, 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not covet,' and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Love, therefore, is the antidote to hatred and the fulfillment of the law. In summary, the Bible presents murder as a sin that originates in the heart through hatred. It is not only the physical act that is condemned but also the underlying emotions and intentions that lead to such actions. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles call for a transformation of the heart, urging believers to replace hatred with love, thereby upholding the sanctity of life as ordained by God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 John 3:15Whoever hates his brother is a murderer: and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Whether Hatred of Our Neighbor is the Most Grievous Sin against ... Whether the Reason for Divorce was Hatred for the Wife? 1 John iii. 11, 12 All Need Baptism. Fulfilling of the Law in the Higher Sense. --Particular Examples ... How Joseph was Thus Sold by his Brethren into Egypt, by Reason of ... Whether Anger is the Most Grievous Sin? 1 John iii. 12-15 Whether Wife-Murder is an Impediment to Marriage? But this Commandment Seems Only to Speak of Murder? Resources Does God killing people make Him a murderer? | GotQuestions.orgWhy should I not have an abortion? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus warn against saying the word 'raca' in Matthew 5:22? | GotQuestions.org Murder: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Cannibalism: General Scriptures Concerning Murder is a Work for the Flesh Murder of Saints, Specially Avenged Murder: Characteristic of the Devil Murder: Connected With Idolatry Murder: Defiles The: Person and Garments Murder: Described As Killing by a Hand Weapon of Wood Murder: Described As Killing by an Instrument of Iron Murder: Described As Killing by Lying in Wait Murder: Described As Killing by the Blow of a Stone Murder: Described As Killing with Premeditation Murder: Described As Killing: from Hatred Murder: Forbidden by Mosaic Law Murder: God: Curses Those Guilty of Murder: God: Makes Inquisition For Murder: God: Rejects the Prayers of Those Guilty of Murder: God: Requires Blood For Murder: Herodias and Her Daughter Murder: Imputed to the Nearest City when the Murderer Was Unknown Murder: Killing a Thief in the Day, Counted As Murder: Mode of Clearing Those Suspected of Murder: Not Concealed from God Murder: Often Committed by Night Murder: Persons Guilty of Fearful and Cowardly Murder: Persons Guilty of Flee from God's Presence Murder: Persons Guilty of had No Protection from Altars Murder: Persons Guilty of not Protected in Refuge Cities Murder: Persons Guilty of not to be Pitied or Spared Murder: Persons Guilty of Wanderers and Vagabonds Murder: Punishment For: Forbidden Murder: Punishment For: Inflicted by the Nearest of Kin Murder: Punishment For: Not to be Commuted Murder: Punishment For: The Curse of God Murder: Punishment of, not Commuted Under the Law Murder: Represented As a Sin Crying to Heaven Murder: Saints: Deprecate the Guilt of Murder: Saints: should Warn Others Against Murder: Saints: Specially Warned Against Murder: The Jews often Guilty of Murder: The Law Made to Restrain Murder: The Wicked: Encourage Others to Commit Murder: The Wicked: Filled With Murder: The Wicked: Have Hands Full of Murder: The Wicked: Lie in Wait to Commit Murder: The Wicked: Perpetrate Murder: The Wicked: Swift to Commit Murder: To be Proved by Two Witnesses at Least Related Terms Commandments (181 Occurrences) |