I was only just discussing this very subject last week in depth with someone..
Short, Clear Answer
The commandment says, “You shall not murder” — not “You shall not kill.” In Hebrew, the word is “רָצַח (ratsach),” which specifically refers to unlawful, intentional killing — what we call murder.
Killing in self-defence, just war, or judgment is never classed as murder in Scripture. In fact, God Himself commanded such actions in certain circumstances. Scriptures to Support This
✅ 1. The Ten Commandments Prohibit Murder, Not All Killing
Exodus 20:13 (TLV):
“Do not murder.”
The word used here (ratsach) refers to premeditated, unjust killing — not killing in battle or self-defence. ✅ 2. God Commands Israel to Go to War Against Evil Nations
1 Samuel 15:3 (TLV):
“Now go and strike down Amalek, and put all he has under ban of destruction...”
YHWH commanded war against the Amalekites due to their wickedness. This wasn’t murder — it was divine judgment through war. ✅ 3. Self-Defence is Not Murder
Exodus 22:2 (TLV):
“If the thief is caught breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there is no bloodguilt.”
This clearly shows that defending your home — even to the point of killing an intruder — is not considered murder. God makes a distinction between defense and intentional murder. ✅ 4. Capital Punishment was Instituted by God
Genesis 9:6 (TLV):
“Whoever sheds human blood, by man will his blood be shed. For in God’s image He made humanity.” Romans 13:4 (TLV):
“...But if you do what is evil, be afraid—for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s servant, an avenger who inflicts punishment on the evildoer.”
God allows governments to wield the sword (execute judgment) when punishing evildoers. This is not murder — it's justice. ️ Conclusion
Murder is condemned (Exodus 20:13).
But killing in self-defence, righteous war, or divine judgment is not classified as murder in Scripture.
God not only permits but sometimes commands such actions.
So the commandment is not a blanket ban on killing — it’s a clear line against unjust bloodshed.
Whats your thoughts? As you know I'm purely a scripture man, so I think my understanding on what scripture presents here is on point.
