BibleProject 6th Commandment: Do Not Kill
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May 18, 2026 They unpack the Hebrew behind the sixth commandment and why 'kill' may be a better translation than 'murder'. The conversation traces how ancient laws, Genesis origins, and stories like Cain and Abel shape a biblical concern for protecting life. They wrestle with accountability, capital punishment, and how the law moves toward preserving human flourishing.
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Ratzach Means Broad Prohibition On Ending Life
- The Hebrew verb ratzach in the sixth command covers both intentional and unintentional taking of human life, so translating it as "kill" captures its breadth.
- Tim Mackie notes ratzach appears in cases from premeditated murder to accidental manslaughter and cities of refuge law, forcing a broad meditation on ending life.
The Command Is A Rhetorical Wake Up Call
- The command’s blunt phrasing functions as wisdom literature: a shocking baseline that pushes readers to meditate on the value of life.
- Tim Mackie compares it to Jesus' "do not judge"—the prohibition invites later qualifications in case law.
Image Of God Grounds Human Value
- Genesis grounds human value: God is the originator of life and delegates care to humans by making them in his image.
- Tim Mackie ties image-of-God status to stewardship, explaining why human life has special worth.
