Exegesis of the Sixth Commandment in Exodus 20:13
Exegesis of the Sixth Commandment in Exodus 20:13
The Sixth Commandment, "Non occides" or "You shall not murder" [1], is a foundational moral principle in the biblical tradition. Exodus 20:13 states, "You shall not murder" (NRSV), although the Hebrew term used here, "lo tirtzach," is more accurately translated as "You shall not commit murder" [6].
Literary Context
The Sixth Commandment is part of the Decalogue, a list of ten fundamental laws given to the Israelites. The commandments are divided into two sections: the first four concern duties to God, while the last six, including the Sixth Commandment, address duties to other people [4]. The surrounding verses in Exodus 20 provide a framework for understanding the commandment within the context of Israel's covenant with God.
Historical Setting
The historical setting of Exodus 20 is the Sinai wilderness, where the Israelites received the law from God through Moses. The commandments were given to establish a distinct identity for the Israelites and to guide their behavior in relation to God and to each other [2].
Key Terms and Exegetical Decisions
The Hebrew term "lo tirtzach" (לֹא תִרְצָח) is crucial to understanding the Sixth Commandment. The term specifically refers to the intentional and unlawful killing of another person, distinguishing it from other forms of killing, such as in self-defense or as a punishment carried out by the state [6]. This distinction is significant because it highlights that the commandment is not prohibiting all forms of killing but rather the unjust and intentional taking of human life.
Range of Interpretations
Interpretations of the Sixth Commandment vary across traditions. In the Jewish tradition, Abraham Ibn Ezra emphasizes the role of divine strength in guiding human actions [5]. Christian interpreters, such as those in the Protestant and Methodist/Wesleyan traditions, understand the commandment as a prohibition against murder and cruelty, with Jesus expanding its application to include the governance of the heart [3, 6]. For example, Jesus teaches that anger and insult can be considered forms of murder (Matthew 5:21-26) [6].
Function in Tradition
The Sixth Commandment has played a significant role in shaping moral and legal codes in societies influenced by biblical traditions. It has been invoked in discussions about the sanctity of human life, the morality of capital punishment, and the ethics of warfare. The commandment's emphasis on the value of human life has contributed to the development of laws and social norms protecting human dignity.
The Sixth Commandment remains a cornerstone of moral teaching, emphasizing the importance of respecting and preserving human life. Its interpretation continues to influence ethical discussions and legal frameworks in contemporary society.
Sources
- Exodus “Non occides. -- Exodus 20:13”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ezekiel 20:6 cross-references: Genesis 15:13, Exodus 3:8, Exodus 3:17, Exodus 13:5, Exodus 14:1, Exodus 33:3, Leviticus 20:24, Numbers 13:27, Numbers 14:8, Deuteronomy 3:25, Deuteronomy 6:3, Deuteronomy 8:7, Deuteronomy 11:9, Deuteronomy 11:11, Deuteronomy 26:9, Deuteronomy 26:15, Deuteronomy 27:3, Deuteronomy 31:20, Deuteronomy 32:8, Deuteronomy 32:13, Joshua 5:6, Nehemiah 9:9, Nehemiah 9:12, Psalms 47:5, Psalms 48:2, Jeremiah 3:19, Jeremiah 11:5, Jeremiah 32:22, Ezekiel 20:5, Ezekiel 20:15, Ezekiel 20:23, Ezekiel 20:42, Daniel 8:9, Daniel 11:16, Daniel 11:41, Zechariah 7:14”
- Exodus (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Exodus 20 (introduction): The preface to the ten commandments, Exo 20:1, Exo 20:2. The First commandment, against mental or theoretic idolatry, Exo 20:3. The Second, against making and worshipping images, or practical idolatry, Exo 20:4-6. The Third, against false swearing, blasphemy, and irreverent use of the name of God, Exo 20:7. The Fourth, against profanation of the Sabbath, and idleness on the other days of the week, Exo 20:8-11. The Fifth, against disrespect and disobedience to parents, Exo 20:12. The Sixth, against murder and cruelty, Exo 20:13. The Seventh, against adul”
- Exodus (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Exodus 20:8: Remember the sabbath day--implying it was already known, and recognized as a season of sacred rest. The first four commandments [Exo 20:3-11] comprise our duties to God--the other six [Exo 20:12-17] our duties to our fellow men; and as interpreted by Christ, they reach to the government of the heart as well as the lip (Mat 5:17). "If a man do them he shall live in them" [Lev 18:5; Neh 9:29]. But, ah! what an if for frail and fallen man. Whoever rests his hope upon the law stands debtor to it all; and in this view every one would be without hope were no”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rationalist)) “Abraham Ibn Ezra on Exodus 15:13: IN THY STRENGTH. Not by their strength.”
- Exodus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Exodus 20:13: 20:13 murder: This is the correct rendering of the Hebrew word. There is another word that connotes mere killing. Taking human life is not prohibited, per se, but the intentional killing of another for personal reasons is prohibited. This principle tells us that God values our individual, physical lives. Jesus expanded on this command in Matt 5:21-26.”