THOU SHALT NOT MURDER
The
Sixth Commandment
By
Nick Bibile
Exodus 20:13 — “Thou shalt not kill.”
God is the giver of life, but sin brings death. When man turns away from God, not only is his relationship with God broken, but his relationships with others also begin to collapse. What should be bonds of love often become scenes of tragedy. We hear of husbands killing wives, parents harming children, and friends becoming enemies. These are not merely social problems—they are the bitter fruit of sin.
The issue is not lack of education or civilization. The real problem is sin—something many today refuse to confront, even in churches.
The Hebrew word ratsach means to murder—the unlawful, intentional taking of life. Scripture clearly distinguishes between premeditated murder and accidental killing.
Premeditated
murder
was
punishable by death:
Numbers
35:16–21
Accidental
killing
allowed
refuge:
Deuteronomy
19:4–5
God establishes the principle in:
Genesis 9:6 — “Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.”
Human life is sacred because man is made in the image of God. Therefore, no one has the right to take life without divine authority.
God has given governing authorities the responsibility to uphold justice:
Romans 13:4 — The ruler “beareth not the sword in vain.”
This includes the rightful punishment of evildoers. Likewise, Scripture does not condemn lawful defense or service in just warfare:
John the Baptist did not command soldiers to leave their profession (Luke 3:14)
Jesus commended the faith of a centurion (Matthew 8:10)
Cornelius, a soldier, was accepted by God (Acts 10)
Murder is not only an outward act—it begins within. The Bible exposes the roots:
Envy — Proverbs 14:30 (“rottenness of the bones”)
Anger — Matthew 5:21–22
Hatred — 1 John 3:15
Jesus taught that sinful anger and hatred are forms of murder in the heart. A person may never lift a weapon, yet still be guilty before God.
You can destroy a life:
with your tongue (false accusations),
with your pen (as David arranged Uriah’s death),
or through scheming (as Jezebel did to Naboth).
Cain and Abel — jealousy led to murder (Genesis 4)
David and Uriah — planned death through the sword (2 Samuel 11)
Saul and David — indirect attempts to destroy (1 Samuel 18)
Jezebel and Naboth — plotted injustice (1 Kings 21)
Herod and Jesus — deceitful intent to kill (Matthew 2)
Judas Iscariot — betrayal leading to death
At the root of all these acts were envy, hatred, pride, greed, and revenge.
Sin grows. What begins as envy becomes hatred, then anger, and finally destruction. Scripture warns:
Galatians 5:21 — those who live in such sins “shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
A heart ruled by the flesh produces death. But a life led by the Spirit puts sin to death through repentance, prayer, and obedience.
Life is a gift from God:
Psalm 127:3 — children are a heritage from the Lord
Psalm 139 — God forms life in the womb
Jeremiah 1:5 — known by God before birth
God alone determines life’s beginning and end. Therefore, the taking of innocent life is a serious offense before Him.
One of the greatest and the fastest growing murders today is killing unborn infants. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are about 73 million induced abortions worldwide every year. That is roughly 200,000 abortions per day.
Unborn child is a living person, helpless to defend life.
Luke 1:41
“…the baby leaped in her womb…”
The unborn child is treated as a living person.
Not all murder is physical. There is also spiritual destruction.
False teachers who:
neglect the truth,
avoid preaching sin,
and distort the gospel
…are guilty of harming souls. When the Law is not preached, people do not see their sin. When the Gospel is diluted, they do not see their need for Christ.
The true gospel includes:
Bad news — sin, guilt, and judgment
Good news — salvation through Christ, His righteousness given to the believer
Revelation 21:8 declares that unrepentant sinners, including murderers, will face eternal judgment.
Love your neighbor — Romans 13:10
Forgive one another — Colossians 3:13
Pursue peace — Ephesians 4:3
Walk in humility and meekness — Colossians 3:12
Do not harbor anger. Reconcile quickly. Pride prolongs conflict; humility restores peace.
Even a murderer is not beyond grace.
The thief on the cross deserved death, yet he turned to Christ and was saved:
“Lord,
remember me…”
And Jesus replied, “Today you will be with
Me in paradise.”
We have all broken God’s law in heart and deed. We deserve judgment. But Jesus Christ, the righteous One, came to save sinners. He bore sin, shed His blood, and offers forgiveness.
No matter how deep your sin—there is cleansing in Christ.
Repent, turn to God, and live.