Understanding Biblical Violence and Sacrifice

The Bible, a complex and ancient text, details a range of human experiences and divine interactions, including acts of violence and the practice of animal sacrifice. These elements, often puzzling to modern readers, are contextualized within the scriptures themselves and through a deeper understanding of ancient Near Eastern cultures.

The Distinction Between Killing and Murder

The commandment “Thou shalt not kill” found in Exodus 20:13 is a pivotal element in understanding the nature of biblical injunctions against taking life. The Hebrew word used in this commandment, rāṣaḥ, specifically translates to “murder” in English, indicating an unlawful or immoral killing. This distinction is critical because it clarifies that the commandment does not prohibit all forms of killing but specifically targets unjust killing. The very context of the Bible itself supports this distinction, as Exodus 21:12 prescribes capital punishment for murder, stating, “He who strikes a man so that he dies shall be put to death.”

Divine Commands for Capital Punishment

The directive for capital punishment can be traced back to Genesis 9:6, which states, “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed, for in the image of God He made man.” This verse establishes a foundational principle that human life is sacred because it is made in the image of God, Jehovah. Therefore, the penalty for taking life unlawfully is proportionately severe, emphasizing the value of human life and the seriousness of murder.

The Role of Warfare and Divine Justice

In instances where entire communities or tribes were commanded to be destroyed, such as the Amalekites or the inhabitants of Jericho, these directives came from Jehovah as specific, context-bound responses to extreme moral depravity. These communities were often guilty of egregious sins, including idolatry, incest, child sacrifice, and other practices that, if left unchecked, threatened the spiritual and moral integrity of the Israelites. The destruction of these peoples is portrayed not as an endorsement of violence but as a divine intervention to prevent the spread of greater evil, much like a surgeon excising a malignant tumor to preserve the health of a patient.

Theological Significance of Animal Sacrifice

The practice of animal sacrifice in the Old Testament also holds significant theological and symbolic importance. From the time of Adam, blood sacrifice was instituted as a means of atonement, symbolizing the severity of sin and the need for redemption through the shedding of blood. Hebrews 9:22 reinforces this concept, stating, “Without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” This sacrificial system was designed to point forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, who would fulfill and end all need for animal sacrifice through His death.

Thus, when the Bible discusses killing and sacrifice, these are not endorsements of violence but rather part of a broader divine narrative that addresses sin, justice, redemption, and restoration. The distinction between murder and lawful killing in the Bible underscores a consistent principle of valuing life and executing justice. Meanwhile, the practice of animal sacrifice serves as a profound illustration of the cost of sin and the necessity of divine intervention for humanity’s reconciliation with Jehovah. Understanding these aspects within their historical and theological context allows for a deeper appreciation of the complex moral and spiritual themes the Bible explores.

Clarifying “Thou Shalt Not Kill”

The command “Thou shalt not kill,” as commonly cited from Exodus 20:13 in historical translations like the King James Version, American Standard Version, and the Revised Standard Version, has often been a point of confusion and contention. This commandment, upon closer examination of the original Hebrew text, specifically uses the word “ratsach,” which is more accurately translated as “murder.” This distinction is crucial as it separates the act of murder from other forms of killing such as in warfare or legal executions, which are addressed differently in the Bible.

The Specificity of the Hebrew Term “Ratsach”

The Hebrew term “ratsach,” found in Exodus 20:13, carries with it the connotation of unlawful killing—what modern legal systems would define as murder. It is important to note that this term is distinct from other Hebrew words used to describe killing, such as “harag,” which refers to killing in a more general sense. The use of “ratsach” in the Sixth Commandment specifically targets and prohibits murder, an act of deliberate and unlawful killing. The Bible, through its various texts, clarifies that not all acts of taking life are regarded as murder.

Contextual Application of “Ratsach” in Biblical Law

In the biblical context, the term “ratsach” is further explored and defined through the legal mechanisms God established for Israel, such as the cities of refuge. These cities provided asylum for individuals who committed manslaughter—an unintentional killing. Numbers 35:11-34 outlines the function of these cities, distinguishing between accidental killing and premeditated murder, the latter of which required the death penalty.

This nuanced approach to different types of killing reflects a sophisticated legal understanding that values human life and seeks to administer justice appropriately. It underscores that the Sixth Commandment’s prohibition of murder does not extend to all forms of killing, allowing for instances where taking life is legally and morally justifiable.

Implications for Warfare and Capital Punishment

The Bible distinguishes between murder and killings that occur in the context of warfare or as part of judicial punishment. For instance, the wars Israel fought under divine command were not considered acts of murder. These wars were directed by God, who acted as the supreme lawgiver and judge, ensuring that the wars fought were just and necessary for the fulfillment of divine justice.

Similarly, capital punishment for crimes such as murder was explicitly endorsed and commanded in certain situations, as seen in Genesis 9:6. This directive demonstrates that the execution of a murderer is seen as a just recompense for the crime committed, reflecting the divine principle that human life is sacred and created in the image of God, Jehovah.

King Ahab’s Misuse of Power

An illustrative case of the distinction between lawful killing and murder in the Bible is the story of King Ahab and Naboth’s vineyard (1 Kings 21:1-10). King Ahab, coveting Naboth’s land, manipulated legal proceedings to have Naboth unjustly executed. This act of killing was deemed murder, violating the Sixth Commandment, as it was driven by greed and deception rather than any legal or moral necessity.

The biblical command “Thou shalt not kill,” when understood in its original language and context, clearly prohibits murder but does not categorically forbid all forms of killing. This understanding allows for a nuanced interpretation that accommodates just warfare and capital punishment within a framework that values and upholds the sanctity of life. This approach helps reconcile what may appear as contradictions within the biblical text, offering clarity to modern readers seeking to align their lives with biblical teachings.

The Role of War and Divine Command

When it comes to warfare, the biblical narrative makes a clear distinction between murder and killing authorized in a war setting. This is underscored by the fact that the term “ratsach” (murder) is never used to describe the acts of war that Israel engaged in at God’s command. These conflicts were authorized by God, who, as the Supreme Lawgiver, set forth specific conditions and objectives for these wars. They were not for economic gain or territorial expansion but were executed as divine judgments against nations whose practices were abhorrent to the moral and holy standards established by God.

The Morality of Divine Judgments

God’s commands for Israel to engage in battles, such as those against the Canaanites, were rooted in divine justice. These nations were deeply involved in morally reprehensible acts that, if left unchecked, would corrupt the Israelites. By directing these wars, God was acting as a righteous judge, using Israel as an instrument of His judgment to stop pervasive evil and idolatry that could undermine His plan for humanity. This divine strategy is evident in passages like Deuteronomy 12:31 and Joshua 10:40, where God’s judicial purposes are explicitly articulated.

Application to Christians and Modern Implications

For Christians, the understanding that “You shall not murder” continues to hold significant moral weight. This command underscores the sanctity of life and the serious consequences of murder. Revelation 21:8 warns that murderers, among others who commit grave sins and do not repent, will face eternal separation from God. Furthermore, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles reiterate the importance of love, peace, and the sanctity of life, aligning with the prophetic vision where people will “beat their swords into plowshares” (Isaiah 2:4), symbolizing an end to war and violence.

The Heart of the Matter: Issues of the Heart

In Matthew 5:21-26, Jesus expands on the commandment by addressing the heart’s condition, indicating that anger and hatred are akin to the spirit of murder. Christians are called to resolve conflicts peacefully and maintain a heart free from hatred. The apostle John echoes this in 1 John 3:15, noting that anyone who hates another person is morally comparable to a murderer. These teachings emphasize that the commitment to not killing extends beyond the physical act to include the intentions and emotions that lead to such acts.

Understanding the Full Scope of “Thou Shalt Not Kill”

In summary, the command “Thou shalt not kill,” more accurately translated as “You shall not murder,” reflects a deep and nuanced understanding of the value of life. It differentiates between unlawful murder and other forms of killing that, within the biblical context, are seen as necessary for maintaining divine justice and moral order. This understanding is crucial for both interpreting the biblical narrative accurately and applying its principles in a contemporary Christian context.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is the CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored more than 220 books and is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).