Meaning of Exodus 20:13

The commandment "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13) is a fundamental ethical and legal principle within the Abrahamic traditions, forming part of the Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai. This prohibition extends beyond the mere act of taking a life; it encompasses the sanctity of human life as a creation of God. In its original context, it served as a cornerstone for establishing order and justice within the nascent Israelite community, distinguishing them from the surrounding cultures where violence and arbitrary killing might have been more prevalent. The commandment establishes a clear boundary, underscoring that life is a divine gift, not to be extinguished by human caprice or malice.

Context and Background

This commandment is the sixth in the Decalogue, presented within the narrative of the Israelites' liberation from Egyptian bondage and their journey towards the Promised Land. It follows prohibitions against idolatry, blasphemy, and the desecration of the Sabbath, indicating its foundational importance in shaping a just and holy society. The Mosaic Law, of which this commandment is a part, provided a legal framework for Israel, and the prohibition against murder was a critical element in maintaining social cohesion and upholding divine standards. The severity of this prohibition is underscored by the consequences for its violation within the Old Testament legal system, which often prescribed the death penalty for premeditated murder (e.g., Numbers 35:16-21).

Key Themes and Messages

At its core, this commandment emphasizes the sanctity of human life. Life is a precious gift from God, and therefore, only God has the ultimate authority to give and take it. The prohibition against murder is a recognition of this divine prerogative and a mandate to protect and preserve life. It also speaks to the value of human dignity, as every person is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). To murder is to deface that image and to commit an offense against God himself. Furthermore, the commandment promotes social order and justice. Unchecked violence leads to chaos and the breakdown of community. By forbidding murder, God establishes a foundational rule for peaceful coexistence and the administration of justice.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this commandment calls believers to a profound respect for life, both their own and that of others. It extends beyond the physical act of killing to encompass attitudes and intentions that lead to destruction. Jesus himself broadened the scope of this commandment in the Sermon on the Mount, stating that anger towards a brother is akin to murder (Matthew 5:21-22). This highlights that the spiritual dimension of the commandment involves cultivating inner peace, forgiveness, and love, rather than harboring malice that could lead to destructive actions. It calls for a proactive stance in protecting life, promoting well-being, and seeking reconciliation.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The prohibition against murder is deeply woven into the fabric of the biblical narrative from its earliest stages. The first instance of murder in human history occurs with Cain's killing of Abel (Genesis 4:8), which elicits God's strong condemnation and marks a profound disruption of the created order. God's subsequent covenant with Noah after the flood explicitly reiterates the prohibition against shedding blood, stating, "Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for God made mankind in his own image" (Genesis 9:6). This establishes the principle of accountability for taking a life and reinforces the inherent value of human beings. The entire Old Testament legal and prophetic corpus can be seen as an unfolding of how to live in accordance with God's will, which inherently includes respecting and protecting life.

Analogies

One analogy for understanding this commandment is to consider a sacred trust. Imagine a priceless artifact entrusted to your care; you would be bound by the utmost responsibility to protect it from any harm. Similarly, human life is a sacred trust given by God, and to take it unjustly is to violate that trust. Another analogy is that of a divine blueprint. God designed humanity with a specific purpose and inherent value. Murder is like deliberately tearing pages out of that blueprint or smashing a divinely crafted vessel, destroying what is meant to be preserved and honored.

Relation to Other Verses

This commandment is foundational and resonates throughout scripture. As mentioned, Jesus expands its meaning in Matthew 5:21-22, linking anger and hateful speech to the spirit of murder. The Apostle John echoes this sentiment when he writes, "Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no one who is a murderer has eternal life remaining in him" (1 John 3:15). The New Testament emphasis on love as the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:8-10) inherently includes the preservation and cherishing of life. The commandment also finds its ultimate expression in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave his life to redeem humanity, demonstrating the ultimate value God places on life and offering a path to reconciliation and eternal life.