What Does the Bible Say Counts as Murder?

The Sixth Commandment and the Meaning of Murder

In Exodus 20 13 the sixth commandment is you shall not murder. We all know this one right. If you were to ask someone can you name one of the ten commandments? This is likely the one they'll give you.

Even unbelievers know thou shalt not murder. So what is murder. It seems like a simple question with a simple answer do not kill anyone for any reason ever. But just before God said do not kill he had Israel fight the Amalekites.

After giving them the law again He sent Israel into the promised land to kill the Canaanites. There are occasions when death is just if a man kills an intruder to defend life or property if a soldier or police officer has To put someone down if the state executes a criminal for crimes deserving of the death penalty.

These are examples of justice according to the Bible. There is no blood guilt on those who do justice. Therefore not all killing is murder. So what is being forbidden by the sixth commandment. The sixth commandment absolutely forbids the taking of life whether your own or your neighbors.

Suicide, Abortion, and Legitimate Uses of Force

Unjustly in God's eyes killing your neighbor is murder. Suicide is murder. Abortion is murder. But capital punishment is not inherently murder nor is self-defense. How do you keep the sixth commandment by not killing anyone right.

Jesus' Teaching on Murder and the Law of Love

Well Jesus said if you hate your brother You've committed murder in your heart. You keep the sixth commandment by loving one another for love is the fulfilling of the law. The righteous shall live by faith in Jesus Christ.

When we understand the text.