Thou Shalt Not Kill or Murder? Why the Difference Matters
Updated: 3 days ago
In Part 1, I examined the conversation that inspired this series and some of the biblical passages that challenge the claim that self-defense is always murder.
One of the pastor's primary arguments was much simpler:
"Thou shalt not kill."
While I could at least understand how someone might arrive at his conclusions regarding Peter's actions, this argument presents a different problem. It depends entirely on treating kill and murder as interchangeable words.
They are not.
In fact, much of the discussion surrounding self-defense, warfare, accidental death, and justice in Scripture comes down to understanding the language being used.
Before we go any further, consider this observation by Andrew Holt:
"All murder involves killing, but not all killings are considered murders."
That simple statement captures the heart of the issue.
I also recommend reading the article "Torah makes distinction between murder, killing" by Rabbi Yerachmiel D. Fried, which discusses the distinction between killing and murder from a Jewish linguistic perspective. While I do not necessarily agree with every conclusion presented, it is a valuable resource because it examines these words within the cultural and language context from which they originated.
As English speakers, it is easy to read our own assumptions into the text. However, the Bible was not written in English, and sometimes important distinctions can become blurred when translated across languages and cultures.
While many older translations used the word kill in Exodus 20:13, newer translations have generally done a better job of reflecting the distinction between the Hebrew words involved.
The Hebrew word found in Exodus 20:13 is:
תִּֿרְצָֽח׃ (trə·ṣāḥ / ratsach)
The word is commonly defined as:
"To murder, slay, or kill unlawfully."
This is not the Hebrew word harag.
This matters greatly.
Ratsach
BibleHub.com defines ratsach as:
"The Hebrew verb 'ratsach' primarily refers to the act of murder or unlawful killing. It is used in the context of intentional, premeditated killing, as well as manslaughter. The term is often associated with the violation of the sanctity of life, which is a fundamental principle in biblical law."
Harag
BibleHub.com defines harag as:
"The Hebrew verb 'harag' primarily means to kill or slay. It is used in the context of taking life, whether in warfare, murder, or execution. The term can imply both intentional and unintentional acts of killing."
In other words, Scripture possesses language capable of making distinctions, and understanding the difference between kill and murder in the Bible is essential when discussing Exodus 20:13.
The writers of the Bible were not limited to a single word for every situation involving death. Different words were available and were used for different circumstances. This is one reason the commandment is more accurately understood as:
"You shall not murder."
The distinction is significant because Scripture itself repeatedly recognizes situations that do not fall into the category of murder. Much of the modern discussion surrounding kill vs murder in the Bible exists because those distinctions are often overlooked. Warfare, lawful execution, accidental death, and self-defense are all discussed elsewhere in the biblical text.
That does not mean every act of violence is justified. It does mean that the Bible does not treat every instance of taking a life as though it belongs in the same category.
Ultimately, even if someone wanted to build an argument based solely on language, they would still have to address the broader testimony of Scripture. The Bible contains laws regarding self-defense, provisions such as the Cities of Refuge, accounts of warfare, and examples of people defending themselves against attack.
The language and the larger biblical context point in the same direction.
Some Final Reflections
One of the benefits of living in this era is that we have access to more linguistic resources than ever before. Scholars continue to study Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic manuscripts, and our understanding of these languages has improved significantly over time.
That does not mean every translation decision is perfect. Nor does it mean every debate has been settled. However, it does mean we have opportunities to study more deeply than previous generations could have imagined.
Because of that, I believe Christians should be willing to examine difficult questions more carefully. Read broadly, study the context and learn about the culture in which Scripture was written.
Explore the words were used by the original authors and audiences and most importantly, be willing to follow the evidence wherever it leads rather than settling for a position simply because it is familiar.
The issue that prompted this series was never merely about self-defense. It was about how we approach Scripture itself, about how the pastor approached it and rejected it. When we isolate a single phrase while ignoring language, context, and the rest of the biblical narrative, we risk arriving at conclusions the text does not actually support.
The distinction between kill and murder is not a minor technical detail. It is a distinction recognized throughout Scripture, and understanding that distinction helps us read the Bible with greater accuracy.
Christians do not need to fear careful study. If anything, careful study should strengthen our confidence in God's Word rather than weaken it.
© Jane Isley
This article focused on the language behind Exodus 20:13. For the conversation that inspired this study and a closer look at self-defense in Scripture, read Does the Bible Allow Self-Defense? Why I Rejected One Pastor's Teaching.
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