Deuteronomy 5:17
Deuteronomy 5:17 in Multiple Translations
You shall not murder.
Thou shalt not kill.
Thou shalt not kill.
Do not put anyone to death without cause.
You must not kill people.
Thou shalt not kill.
'Thou dost not murder.
“You shall not murder.
Thou shalt not kill.
Thou shalt not kill.
Do not murder anyone.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 5:17
BAB
Word Study
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Deuteronomy 5:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹ֖א
תִּרְצָֽח
לֹ֖א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִּרְצָֽח
râtsach
H7523
to murder
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 5:17
לֹ֖א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִּרְצָֽח
râtsach
H7523
"to murder"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to murder or kill someone, like Cain killing Abel in Genesis. It emphasizes the intentional act of taking a human life. This word is about premeditated killing.
Definition: 1) to murder, slay, kill 1a)(Qal) to murder, slay 1a1) premeditated 1a2) accidental 1a3) as avenger 1a4) slayer (intentional) (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be slain 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to murder, assassinate 1c2) murderer, assassin (participle) (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be killed
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: put to death, kill, (man-) slay(-er), murder(-er). See also: Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 22:26; Psalms 62:4.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 5:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 5:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 5:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 5:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 5:17
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 5:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 5:17
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 5:17
Context — The Ten Commandments
15Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. That is why the LORD your God has commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.
16Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
17You shall not murder.
18You shall not commit adultery. 19You shall not steal.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 20:13 | You shall not murder. |
| 2 | Romans 13:9 | The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” |
| 3 | Matthew 5:21–22 | You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell. |
| 4 | Genesis 9:6 | Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind. |
| 5 | James 2:11 | For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. |
| 6 | Matthew 19:18 | “Which ones?” the man asked. Jesus answered, “‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, |
Deuteronomy 5:17 Summary
[Deuteronomy 5:17 tells us that we should not murder, which means we should not intentionally take someone's life. This command is about respecting and valuing the life of every person, because each one is made in God's image (Genesis 1:26-27). It reminds us that life is precious and should be treated with care and dignity, as seen in the way God values life in Scripture, such as in Psalm 139:13-16. By following this command, we show love and respect for God and for the people around us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between killing and murder in the Bible?
In the Bible, killing and murder are not the same thing, as seen in Exodus 21:12-14, where God provides laws regarding accidental killing versus premeditated murder, emphasizing the importance of intent and circumstances.
Is capital punishment allowed according to Deuteronomy 5:17?
While Deuteronomy 5:17 says 'You shall not murder,' other passages like Romans 13:1-4 and Genesis 9:6 suggest that capital punishment can be a legitimate function of human government, emphasizing the complexity of applying biblical principles to modern society.
How does this commandment apply to self-defense or war?
The Bible teaches that there are circumstances where taking a life might be justified, such as in self-defense (Exodus 22:2-3) or in a just war, but these actions must be carefully considered in light of God's commands and the principles of justice and mercy found throughout Scripture, like in Deuteronomy 20:1-20.
What is the spiritual significance of this commandment?
The command not to murder is rooted in the value God places on human life, made in His image (Genesis 1:26-27), and reflects His desire for humanity to respect and preserve life, highlighting the intrinsic worth of every human being.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I show respect for human life, as commanded in Deuteronomy 5:17, in my daily interactions and decisions?
- How does the command not to murder challenge my attitudes towards anger, conflict resolution, and forgiveness, especially in light of Matthew 5:21-22?
- What does this verse teach about God's view of human life, and how should this perspective shape my own values and actions towards others?
- In what ways can I uphold the value of human life in a society where it may often be devalued or disregarded, standing as a witness to God's love and respect for every person?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 5:17
Ver. 17-20. Thou shalt not kill,.... The following commands begin with the copulative "and", different from the manner in which they are expressed, Exodus 20:17 which joins these together, and them
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 5:17
Thou shalt not kill. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 5:17
(17-20) The wording of these four commandments is the same with that of Exodus 20.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 5:17
17–20. The Sixth to the Ninth Commandments, as in Exodus 20:13-16, except that for the simple not used there, we have here and not = neither, to introduce the Seventh, Eighth and Ninth Commandments; and that in the Ninth instead of sheḳ ?er = false of Exo 20:16 there is the wider term shav’ = vain, groundless, as in the Third Commandment. For this term see on Exodus 20:7; and cp. Exodus 23:1 (E), where it is applied to a report or rumour.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 5:17
OF THE TEN , Deuteronomy 5:6-21.Here, on the plains of Moab, in sight of the Land of Promise, thirty-eight years after the first announcement of the law on Sinai, Moses repeats the code which Jehovah
Sermons on Deuteronomy 5:17
| Sermon | Description | |
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Preaching Prohibition by Billy Sunday | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of truth and the consequences of lying. They emphasize that the United States seems to have lost sight of this, with corruption |
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How to Bring Your Children to Christ by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the speaker shares personal experiences and observations about the transformative power of God's word. He emphasizes the importance of having a fear of God and reco |
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(Basics) 14. Maximum or Minimum for the Lord by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the difference between a servant and a son in terms of their mindset and approach to fulfilling their duties. He explains that the old covenan |
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Walking in the Light by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not making excuses for the blood of Jesus and instead accepting the truth of forgiveness through Him. The speaker encourage |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.1:8-2:35 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of obeying God's commandments, even the seemingly minor ones. He references four passages of scripture that forbid certain act |
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The Ultimate Statistic by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about running a club for kids and distributing candy. He notices the greed and unfairness in the line and decides to give the ca |
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A "Very Good" Marriage by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our needs and having faith in God's ability to meet them. He references the creation story in Genesis, highli |