If you’ve read different translations of the Bible, you might have noticed that some say “You shall not kill” in the Ten Commandments, while others say “You shall not murder.” Although these words may seem interchangeable, the difference actually holds profound meaning. In this post, we’ll explore why modern Bible translations prefer the term “murder” and what it reveals about the Bible’s view on taking life.
1. Understanding the Original Hebrew Word “Ratsach”
The Ten Commandments were originally written in Hebrew, and in the Sixth Commandment (Exodus 20:13), the word used is “ratsach.” Unlike the English words “kill” and “murder,” the Hebrew language often has distinct words for different types of killing, depending on the context and intent.
• Specific to Murder: The word “ratsach” in Hebrew refers specifically to the unlawful, intentional killing of a person—what we would call murder today.
• Exclusions: This word does not apply to all forms of killing, such as accidental killing, self-defense, or actions in wartime.
By using “ratsach” in the original Hebrew text, the Bible isn’t condemning every act that results in the loss of life; rather, it is focused on prohibiting murder, an act of premeditated and unlawful killing.
2. Hebrew Has Different Words for Different Types of Killing
In addition to “ratsach,” Hebrew has other words for more general killing. One example is “harag,” a term that refers broadly to killing without necessarily carrying the connotation of being unlawful or intentional.
• Why This Matters: The specific use of “ratsach” in Exodus 20:13 clarifies that the commandment is addressing murder—an act of intentional, unlawful killing.
• Broad vs. Specific: The word “harag” could be used for any act of killing, even those considered lawful or accidental. The choice to use “ratsach” in this commandment, therefore, emphasizes the importance of intent and legality.
3. The Bible’s Context on War, Justice, and Killing
The broader biblical context provides further insight into the use of “murder” rather than “kill.” In other parts of the Old Testament, specific situations like war, self-defense, and even judicial executions are discussed. These scenarios occasionally involve the taking of life, but they don’t fall under the prohibition in the Sixth Commandment.
• Biblical Laws on War and Justice: For example, Deuteronomy and Joshua discuss warfare, and the Law of Moses outlines specific punishments for certain crimes. In these contexts, taking life was sometimes permitted.
• Distinguishing Murder: This shows that the commandment’s focus is on prohibiting murder specifically, rather than all forms of killing. The Bible differentiates between unlawful killing (murder) and situations where taking life may be permitted.
4. Ancient Translations Support “Murder” Over “Kill”
When the Old Testament was translated into Greek around the 3rd century BC (in a version known as the Septuagint), the Hebrew word “ratsach” was translated to a Greek word meaning “murder.” This ancient translation further supports the interpretation of the commandment as prohibiting murder rather than all types of killing.
• New Testament Confirmation: The New Testament continues this tradition. When Jesus and the apostles refer to this commandment, they use Greek words that mean “murder,” aligning with the understanding passed down from the Hebrew text.
This continuity in translation shows that from early times, scholars and theologians understood the Sixth Commandment to be about murder specifically, not a blanket prohibition against all killing.
5. Modern Language Clarity
In older English, the word “kill” was often used to mean what we now call “murder.” Language, however, has evolved, and “kill” now refers broadly to any form of taking life.
• A Shift in Word Meanings: Over time, “kill” in English has come to include actions like hunting, self-defense, or accidental deaths—activities not intended by the commandment.
• Modern Translations Choose “Murder”: To reflect the original meaning accurately, most modern translations of the Bible use the word “murder” instead of “kill” in the Sixth Commandment. This helps clarify that the commandment specifically prohibits unlawful, intentional killing, or what we now define as murder.
By translating the Sixth Commandment as “You shall not murder,” modern Bibles give us a more accurate understanding of the original Hebrew. This wording emphasizes the Bible’s intention to prohibit the intentional, unlawful taking of a human life, rather than addressing all instances of killing.
This commandment highlights the sanctity of human life and calls believers to uphold justice, respect, and love for others. Understanding this distinction helps us appreciate the depth of biblical teachings on morality, justice, and the sacred value of life.
Interested in more biblical insights? Follow along for more articles exploring key teachings of the Bible and their relevance today.
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