The Meaning of the Sixth Commandment

Document Type

Popular Press

Publication Date

4-1-2020

Abstract

The Hebrew word ratsakh has a wide range of meanings. It is used in both versions of the Ten Command­ments, and is not used only for specific unauthorized killing because such a narrow view cannot be substan­tiated by the biblical data. Thus, the word murder is not an appropriate translation of the sixth command­ment, even though it includes murder. Our study leads to the recognition that all killing or taking of human life is prohibited in principle. This commandment is about respect for life, about life’s sacredness, and thus about respect for the Creator God who created humans in His image. So the translation of the sixth commandment should be in broad terms, “‘You shall not kill,’” because it is obvious that the meaning of the word ratsakh is not limited to murder.

Journal Title

Perspective Digest

Volume

25

Issue

2

First Department

Old Testament

Acknowledgements

FAR Report 2020

Link to Full Text

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