Exodus 20:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 20:13
13 Thou shalt not kill.
Chapter Context
Exodus 20 is a legal covenant chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of hope, prayer, fellowship. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-26: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it presents the Decalogue (Ten Commandments) as the cornerstone of biblical law. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 20:13
13 Thou shalt not kill.
Analysis
Thou shalt not kill.
The Hebrew 'lo tirtzach' (לֹא תִרְצָח) specifically prohibits 'murder' (unlawful killing), not all killing—war, capital punishment, and self-defense aren't banned. The verb 'ratzach' denotes criminal homicide, taking innocent life. Since humans bear God's image (Genesis 9:6), murder assaults divine likeness. Jesus expands this to include hatred and contempt—'whoever is angry with his brother' violates this command (Matthew 5:21-22). The heart's murderous rage is moral equivalent of the hand's deadly blow. John says 'whoever hates his brother is a murderer' (1 John 3:15). The command protects life's sanctity from conception to natural death—abortion, euthanasia, and assisted suicide violate God's image-bearing creatures.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern law codes (Hammurabi, Hittite) prohibited murder but with qualifications. Israel's absolute prohibition, grounded in God's image, elevates human life above property or pragmatism.
Reflection
- How does Jesus' expansion of 'do not murder' to include anger and contempt apply to your relationships?
- What does the image of God in all humans teach about issues like abortion, capital punishment, and euthanasia?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Exodus 21:14, 21:20, Leviticus 24:21, Deuteronomy 5:17, Isaiah 26:21, Matthew 19:18