The Ten Commandments and the Teachings of Jesus: A Theological, Cultural, and Political Exposition
1. Introduction
The sixth commandment is one of the most universally recognised moral imperatives: “You shall not murder.” At face value, it appears straightforward. Yet in the hands of Jesus, this commandment becomes a piercing examination of the heart. Rather than merely prohibiting physical acts of violence, Jesus exposes the roots of murder—anger, contempt, and hatred—as equally culpable before God. This entry explores the biblical scope of the commandment, its cultural and theological foundations, and its radical deepening in the teachings of Christ.
2. Text and Translation
“You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13, cf. Deuteronomy 5:17
Hebrew: לֹא תִרְצָח (lō’ tirṣāḥ) – “You shall not unlawfully kill”
Key linguistic clarification:
- The verb רָצַח (ratsach) refers specifically to premeditated, unjust killing, i.e. murder.
- It does not include:
- Capital punishment under legal authority (e.g. Gen. 9:6; Num. 35)
- Killing in just warfare (cf. Deut. 20)
- Accidental manslaughter (which had separate laws and protections)
Thus, this commandment targets personal, unauthorised, immoral killing—a direct assault on the image of God in humanity (Gen. 1:27; 9:6).
3. Historical and Cultural Background
In ancient Israel, life was considered sacred because it was God-given. Unlike many surrounding cultures, biblical law:
- Did not treat human life as cheap or expendable
- Prohibited revenge killings outside legal process (Deut. 19:1–13)
- Required justice, not vendetta
Ancient Near Eastern codes (e.g. the Code of Hammurabi) assigned different penalties based on social class. By contrast, Israel’s law established equal value for every person made in God’s image.
The prohibition of murder was part of the broader system of covenantal justice and social harmony.
4. Theological Significance
The sixth commandment protects:
- The sanctity of human life – rooted in divine image (Gen. 9:6)
- The peace of community – murder tears the social fabric
- God’s authority over life and death – humans are not ultimate arbiters
Murder is not only an offence against another person—it is a sin against God Himself, whose image the victim bears.
5. Jesus’ Teaching: From Act to Intention
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus penetrates beneath external obedience:
“You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment… and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire.”
— Matthew 5:21–22
a. Anger and Contempt
Jesus equates unresolved anger and verbal abuse (e.g. raka, “empty head”; moros, “fool”) with murder. He shows that violence begins in the heart—and that God judges not only actions, but intentions and attitudes (cf. 1 Sam. 16:7; Matt. 12:34).
b. Urgency of Reconciliation
“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and remember that your brother has something against you… first be reconciled to your brother.”
— Matthew 5:23–24
True worship is interrupted if relational brokenness remains unresolved. Jesus insists that peacemaking is urgent and inseparable from spiritual life (cf. Rom. 12:18; Heb. 12:14).
6. Political and Legal Implications
In Jesus’ time, murder was viewed primarily through legal consequences (cf. Matt. 26:66; John 18:31). Jesus expands the issue from legality to morality and from courts to conscience.
- Zealots sought to justify violence against Rome, but Jesus rejects this path (Matt. 26:52)
- Religious leaders condemned murder legally but plotted it themselves (Mark 14:1)
- Jesus condemns hypocrisy and insists on internal righteousness
He demonstrates this most powerfully by refusing to retaliate during His own unjust trial and crucifixion (Luke 23:34; 1 Pet. 2:23).
7. Contemporary Application
In today’s world, the sixth commandment remains deeply relevant:
a. Direct violations include:
- Premeditated homicide
- Abortion (depending on theological conviction)
- Euthanasia and assisted suicide
- Domestic violence and abuse
b. Indirect violations include:
- Hatred, racism, and dehumanisation (1 John 3:15)
- Vengeful speech and gossip (Prov. 18:21)
- Unforgiveness and bitterness (Eph. 4:31)
c. Constructive fulfilment involves:
- Promoting peace and justice (Matt. 5:9)
- Practising forgiveness (Matt. 6:14)
- Valuing every human life, including the vulnerable and voiceless (Ps. 82:3–4)
8. Conclusion
The sixth commandment teaches that life is sacred, and that God sees hatred and contempt as seeds of murder. Jesus calls His disciples not merely to avoid violence, but to be agents of reconciliation and love. In a world steeped in aggression, division, and rage, obedience to this commandment manifests in forgiveness, peacemaking, and reverence for human life.