You Shall Not Murder — Exodus 20:13
“You shall not murder”
— Exodus 20:13, NIV
This short commandment teaches that every human life is precious to God, and that no one has the right to take an innocent life.
Many people know this verse in its older wording: “Thou shalt not kill.” It is one of the Ten Commandments, and in English it is just four words long. There is no list of exceptions for anger, revenge or convenience.
Why does God guard human life so firmly? From the beginning, Scripture says that God created mankind in His own image (Genesis 1:27). Every person carries something of God’s likeness, young or old, strong or weak, born or unborn. That is why each of us can say we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Jesus took this commandment deeper. He taught that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment (Matthew 5:21–22). Murder begins as a seed in the heart: resentment, contempt, a grudge we feed. Jesus calls us to deal with the seed before it grows.
This does not mean that every flash of anger makes us murderers. He is warning about anger we hold on to and nurse. Few of us are ever tempted to take a life, but we can still wound with contempt, with cruel words online, or by wishing harm on someone. A calm reply often ends a quarrel before it grows, because a gentle answer turns away wrath.
This commandment also calls us to protect life, not only to avoid taking it. We honor life when we care for the sick, defend the vulnerable and treat every person, even an enemy, with dignity.
If you carry guilt for harm you have done, there is hope. God’s forgiveness is greater than our worst failures, and no one is beyond His mercy.
Today, think of one person you resent. Pray for them by name, and ask God to soften your heart toward them.
Lord, You made every person in Your image. Help me treat every life as precious, and remove any hatred from my heart before it takes root. Amen.
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