Deuteronomy 5:17 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 5:17 mean?

Deuteronomy 5:17 is a direct command that prohibits killing: "Thou shalt not kill." This statement is brief and absolute, making it clear that taking another person's life is forbidden.

In Deuteronomy, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, repeating the Ten Commandments given earlier at Mount Sinai. This commandment is part of a larger set of laws meant to guide the community's life together and protect the value of human life.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 5:17

• The Hebrew word used here is רָצַח (ratsach), which often means "to murder" or "to slay unlawfully." This word is typically used for acts of violence that are intentional and unjustified, rather than for killing in war or accidental death. The choice of this word helps clarify that the commandment is specifically against murder, not every form of killing.

Why Deuteronomy 5:17 matters

• This verse is sometimes misunderstood as a blanket prohibition against all killing, but the specific Hebrew word points more narrowly to murder or unlawful killing.
• The commandment highlights the seriousness with which the community is to regard human life, setting a foundation for justice and respect among people.
• By placing this command within the Ten Commandments, the text shows that protecting life is a core value in the covenant between God and Israel.