Deuteronomy 5:17 Meaning and Explanation
“Thou shalt not kill.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The sixth commandment forbids unlawful killing and protects human life.
The Context of Deuteronomy 5:17
The sixth commandment forbids unlawful killing.
What Does Deuteronomy 5:17 Mean?
This prohibition protects the sanctity of human life as made in God's image. It forbids unjustified killing of human beings, recognizing that God alone is sovereign over life and death. The law did permit capital punishment and just war, but it prevented private violence, revenge, and murder. The commandment establishes that human life has intrinsic value that must be respected.
The brevity of this commandment carries weight precisely because it is fundamental. Protecting life is so central to covenant justice that it needs no elaboration—the principle is self-evident and absolute.
Deuteronomy 5:17 in the Original Language
ratzach (רָצַח), 'kill' — to murder or commit unlawful killing, distinguished from other Hebrew words for killing in lawful contexts like warfare or capital justice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 5:17
What does Deuteronomy 5:17 mean?
The sixth commandment forbids unlawful killing and protects human life.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 5:17?
The sixth commandment forbids unlawful killing.