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Exodus 20:13
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Summary
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- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou shalt not kill - This commandment, which is general, prohibits murder of every kind. 1. All actions by which the lives of our fellow creatures may be abridged. 2. All wars for extending empire, commerce, etc. 3. All sanguinary laws, by the operation of which the lives of men may be taken away for offenses of comparatively trifling demerit. 4. All bad dispositions which lead men to wish evil to, or meditate mischief against, one another; for, says the Scripture, He that hateth his brother in his heart is a murderer. 5. All want of charity to the helpless and distressed; for he who has it in his power to save the life of another by a timely application of succor, food, raiment, etc., and does not do it, and the life of the person either falls or is abridged on this account, is in the sight of God a murderer. He who neglects to save life is, according to an incontrovertible maxim in law, the same as he who takes it away. 6. All riot and excess, all drunkenness and gluttony, all inactivity and slothfulness, and all superstitious mortifications and self-denials, by which life may be destroyed or shortened; all these are point-blank sins against the sixth commandment.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The other Five Words or commandments, which determine the duties to one's neighbour, are summed up in Lev 19:18 in the one word, "Love thy neighbour as thyself." The order in which they follow one another is the following: they first of all secure life, marriage, and property against active invasion or attack, and then, proceeding from deed to word and thought, they forbid false witness and coveting. (Note: Luther has pointed out this mirum et aptum ordinem, and expounds it thus: Incipit prohibitio a majori usque ad minimum, nam maximum damnum est occisio hominis, deinde proximum violatio conjugis, tertium ablatio facultatis. Quod qui in iis nocere non possunt, saltem lingua nocent, ideo quartum est laesio famae. Quodsi in iis non praevalent omnibus, saltem corde laedunt proximum, cupiendo quae ejus sunt, in quo et invidia proprie consistit.) If, therefore, the first three commandments in this table refer primarily to deeds; the subsequent advance to the prohibition of desire is a proof that the deed is not to be separated from the disposition, and that "the fulfilment of the law is only complete when the heart itself is sanctified" (Oehler). Accordingly, in the command, "Thou shalt not kill," not only is the accomplished fact of murder condemned, whether it proceed from open violence or stratagem (Exo 21:12, Exo 21:14, Exo 21:18), but every act that endangers human life, whether it arise from carelessness (Deu 22:8) or wantonness (Lev 19:14), or from hatred, anger, and revenge (Lev 19:17-18). Life is placed at the head of these commandments, not as being the highest earthly possession, but because it is the basis of human existence, and in the life the personality is attacked, and in that the image of God (Gen 9:6). The omission of the object still remains to be noticed, as showing that the prohibition includes not only the killing of a fellow-man, but the destruction of one's own life, or suicide. - The two following commandments are couched in equally general terms. Adultery, נאף, which is used in Lev 20:10 of both man and woman, signifies (as distinguished from זנה to commit fornication) the sexual intercourse of a husband with the wife of another, or of a wife with the husband of another. This prohibition is not only directed against any assault upon the husband's dearest possession, for the tenth commandment guards against that, but upholds the sacredness of marriage as the divine appointment for the propagation and multiplication of the human race; and although addressed primarily to the man, like all the commandments that were given to the whole nation, applies quite as much to the woman as to the man, just as we find in Lev 20:10 that adultery was to be punished with death in the case of both the man and the woman. - Property was to be equally inviolable. The command, "Thou shalt not steal," prohibited not only the secret or open removal of another person's property, but injury done to it, or fraudulent retention of it, through carelessness or indifference (Exo 21:33; Exo 22:13; Exo 23:4-5; Deu 22:1-4). - But lest these commandments should be understood as relating merely to the outward act as such, as they were by the Pharisees, in opposition to whom Christ set forth their true fulfilment (Mat 5:21.), God added the further prohibition, "Thou shalt not answer as a false witness against thy neighbour," i.e., give false testimony against him. ענה and בּ: to answer or give evidence against a person (Gen 30:33). עד is not evidence, but a witness. Instead of שׁקר עד, a witness of a lie, who consciously gives utterance to falsehood, we find שׁוא עד in Deuteronomy, one who says what is vain, worthless, unfounded (שׁוא שׁמע, Exo 23:1; on שׁוא see Exo 23:7). From this it is evident, that not only is lying prohibited, but false and unfounded evidence in general; and not only evidence before a judge, but false evidence of every kind, by which (according to the context) the life, married relation, or property of a neighbour might be endangered (cf. Exo 23:1; Num 35:30; Deu 17:6; Deu 19:15; Deu 22:13.). - The last or tenth commandment is directed against desiring (coveting), as the root from which every sin against a neighbour springs, whether it be in word or deed. The חמד, ἐπιθυμεῖν (lxx), coveting, proceeds from the heart (Pro 6:25), and brings forth sin, which "is finished" in the act (Jam 1:14-15). The repetition of the words, "Thou shalt not covet," does not prove that there are two different commandments, any more than the substitution of תּתאוּה in Deu 5:18 for the second תּחמד. חמד and התאוּה are synonyms, - the only difference between them being, that "the former denotes the desire as founded upon the perception of beauty, and therefore excited from without, the latter, desire originating at the very outset in the person himself, and arising from his own want or inclination" (Schultz). The repetition merely serves to strengthen and give the great emphasis to that which constitutes the very kernel of the command, and is just as much in harmony with the simple and appropriate language of the law, as the employment of a synonym in the place of the repetition of the same word is with the rhetorical character of Deuteronomy. Moreover, the objects of desire do not point to two different commandments. This is evident at once from the transposition of the house and wife in Deuteronomy. בּית (the house) is not merely the dwelling, but the entire household (as in Gen 15:2; Job 8:15), either including the wife, or exclusive of her. In the text before us she is included; in Deuteronomy she is not, but is placed first as the crown of the man, and a possession more costly than pearls (Pro 12:4; Pro 31:10). In this case, the idea of the "house" is restricted to the other property belonging to the domestic economy, which is classified in Deuteronomy as fields, servants, cattle, and whatever else a man may have; whereas in Exodus the "house" is divided into wife, servants, cattle, and the rest of the possessions.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou shalt not kill. Not meaning any sort of creatures, for there are some to be killed for the food and nourishment of men, and others for their safety and preservation; but rational creatures, men, women, and children, any of the human species, of every age, sex, condition, or nation; no man has a right to take away his own life, or the life of another; by this law is forbidden suicide, or self-murder, parricide or murder of parents, homicide or the murder of man; yet killing of men in lawful war, or in defence of a man's self, when his own life is in danger, or the execution of malefactors by the hands or order of the civil magistrate, and killing a man at unawares, without any design, are not to be reckoned breaches of this law; but taking away the life of another through private malice and revenge, and even stabbing of a man's character, and so all things tending to or designed for the taking away of life, and all plots, conspiracies, and contrivances for that purpose, even all sinful anger, undue wrath and envy, rancour of all mind, all malice in thought, word, or deed, are contrary to this precept, see Mat 5:21 and which, on the other hand, requires that men should do all they can for the ease, peace, and preservation of the lives of men: this is the sixth command, but, in the Septuagint, the strict order in which this and the two following precepts lie is not observed, rehearsing them thus, "thou shall not commit adultery, thou shall not steal, thou shall not kill"; and so in Mar 10:19 the order is inverted. the order is inverted. Exodus 20:14 exo 20:14 exo 20:14 exo 20:14Thou shall not commit adultery, Which, strictly speaking, is only that sin which is committed with another man's wife, as Jarchi observes; but Aben Ezra thinks the word here used signifies the same as another more commonly used for whoredom and fornication; and no doubt but fornication is here included, which, though it was not reckoned a crime among some Heathens, is within the reach of this law, and forbidden by it, it being an impure action, and against a man's body, as the apostle says, Co1 6:18 as well as sins of a more enormous kind, as unnatural lusts and copulations, such as incest, sodomy, bestiality, &c. and even all unchaste thoughts, desires, and affections, obscene words, and impure motions and gestures of the body, and whatever is in itself unclean or tends to uncleanness; as it also requires that we should, as much as in us lies, do all we can to preserve our chastity, and the chastity of others, pure and inviolate, see Mat 5:28, this is the seventh commandment.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:13 murder: This is the correct rendering of the Hebrew word. There is another word that connotes mere killing. Taking human life is not prohibited, per se, but the intentional killing of another for personal reasons is prohibited. This principle tells us that God values our individual, physical lives. Jesus expanded on this command in Matt 5:21-26.
Exodus 20:13
The Ten Commandments
12Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. 13You shall not murder.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Preaching Prohibition
By Billy Sunday9.2K02:05EXO 20:13EXO 20:15MAT 6:33ROM 13:11TI 2:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of truth and the consequences of lying. They emphasize that the United States seems to have lost sight of this, with corruption and dishonesty prevalent. The speaker also mentions the Ten Commandments and how people often break them, leading to the deterioration of society. They urge listeners to uphold the truth and live according to God's commandments. The sermon concludes with a call to be proud of one's faith and to strive for a government that upholds democratic values.
(Basics) 14. Maximum or Minimum for the Lord
By Zac Poonen4.9K13:01EXO 20:13MAT 5:21In this sermon, the speaker discusses the difference between a servant and a son in terms of their mindset and approach to fulfilling their duties. He explains that the old covenant focused on the minimum requirements, while the new covenant encourages believers to go above and beyond to please God. Using examples from Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, the speaker emphasizes that the maximum requirement is to understand the spirit behind the commandments, rather than just following the letter of the law. He also highlights the importance of having a deep, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, comparing it to a marriage rather than a religious practice.
Walking in the Light
By Corrie Ten Boom3.7K59:53Walking With GodEXO 20:131SA 16:13MAT 5:13MAT 28:19JHN 1:1ACT 1:8ACT 9:1GAL 5:22EPH 5:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not making excuses for the blood of Jesus and instead accepting the truth of forgiveness through Him. The speaker encourages listeners to surrender their hearts and lives to God and be filled with the Holy Spirit. They highlight that the fruit of the Spirit is love, peace, kindness, goodness, and self-control. The speaker uses an illustration of a flashlight with only one battery and dirty rags to explain that having any sin or barrier between oneself and God can prevent one from shining as a light in the world.
The Ultimate Statistic
By Ray Comfort2.6K36:04EvangelismEXO 20:13EXO 20:17MAT 5:21MRK 16:15ACT 17:281CO 1:261CO 3:19In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about running a club for kids and distributing candy. He notices the greed and unfairness in the line and decides to give the candy to the meek and sickly ones instead. The speaker then uses the analogy of a man trying to fly and suffering the consequences of transgressing the law of gravity to explain that God's law is the law of sin and death. He emphasizes that the soul that sins shall die because we have all transgressed God's law. The speaker also compares God's law to a mirror that reflects our true selves and asks the audience if they have ever lied or sinned. He encourages them to open their hearts to the Gospel and highlights that they have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Romans 5 and 6
By F.J. Huegel2.2K57:13EXO 20:13MAT 22:37ROM 3:23ROM 5:8ROM 6:23ROM 8:1ROM 10:9In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a young boy who experienced a life-changing encounter with God. The boy had been struggling with sin and disobedience, but through the sacrifice and discipline of his grandmother, he was transformed. The preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on God's word for victory and not seeking it from any other source. He also highlights the problem of sin and the need for redemption, explaining that God's law demands the death of the sinner but also desires forgiveness and reconciliation. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the power of sacrifice and the transformative impact it can have on our lives.
Judgement Is Mine
By Keith Daniel2.1K1:06:57God's JudgementEXO 20:13ISA 53:5MAT 6:33ROM 3:10HEB 9:22REV 12:11In this sermon, the preacher recounts two separate incidents involving individuals who committed heinous crimes but were able to walk away without facing punishment. The first incident involves a man who killed his wife and children and was awaiting trial. The preacher visits him and shares the message of God's love, mercy, and forgiveness, despite the man's actions. The second incident involves a young boy who was brutally attacked and killed, but his killer was able to escape punishment due to a skilled defense lawyer. The preacher expresses shock and disbelief at the injustice of these situations. Throughout the sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God's forgiveness and the need for justice to be served.
(Youth Bible School 2007) a Holy Nation
By Dean Taylor1.6K1:03:39Bible SchoolEXO 20:132KI 1:10LUK 9:541CO 12:25In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a personal realization about the changing nature of relationships and the breaking down of walls. He draws a parallel to the Scripture in Ephesians that talks about breaking down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles. The speaker believes that God has already brought down these walls and scattered His people throughout the world. He encourages the audience to go out and preach the gospel, being salt and light to all people. The sermon also touches on the story of Peter and the swords, emphasizing the importance of understanding how to use the tools given to us by God. The speaker highlights a profound change in perspective, quoting Jesus' words about turning the other cheek and going the extra mile.
(Demonology) Warring Against the Evangelicals - Part 2
By Willie Mullan1.6K26:26DemonologyEXO 12:3EXO 20:13LEV 23:6JHN 21:4In this sermon, the preacher discusses the issue of killing animals for food in relation to the commandment "Thou shalt not kill." He points out the story of Cain and Abel, where Abel offered the firstborn of his flock as an offering to the Lord. The preacher argues that Abel did not necessarily kill the animals, but rather presented them as an offering. He then challenges the idea that things changed after the crucifixion of Jesus by referring to a passage in John's Gospel where Jesus stands on the shore of Galilee after his resurrection. The preacher also briefly mentions a young Indian boy who is believed to be a guru and claims to be the new son of God. The sermon ends with a mention of continuing the discussion on the topic in the next week's sermon.
God Directs His Children [Part 1]
By Bertha Smith1.5K47:21GuidanceEXO 20:3EXO 20:13EXO 20:15EPH 6:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of making people feel at home and part of the church family. He discusses the commandment from God to work six days a week and explains that this was necessary to prevent people from sinning too much. The preacher also criticizes the idea of church being solely for entertainment and suggests that more emphasis should be placed on memorizing Bible verses. He concludes by urging the congregation to remember the commandments of God, including the importance of working and resting.
(Revelation) the Church at Smyrna
By Willie Mullan1.5K1:05:07SmyrnaEXO 20:13MAT 5:9REV 1:1REV 2:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the joy, peace, and hope that believers have in their relationship with God. He describes this joy as being almost tangible and full of glory. He also highlights the richness of being a follower of Christ, even if one may not have material wealth. The preacher then transitions to discussing the book of Revelation, specifically focusing on chapters 2 and 3. He reminds the audience that the book is a revelation of Jesus Christ given by God and delivered through the Spirit to John. The preacher encourages the listeners to pay attention to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.
Blood Guild - Sanctity Life Sunday
By Erlo Stegen1.3K50:05SanctificationGEN 9:6EXO 20:13PSA 139:13ISA 53:3MAT 6:33ROM 12:11CO 6:19In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the impact of a young girl's life and the significance of her clothing in reflecting her faith. He also shares the tragic story of an 11-year-old boy who was killed in a vehicle accident, emphasizing that even young children can be called by the Lord. The preacher discusses the importance of preaching courageously and boldly, while also emphasizing the need to finish one's message efficiently. He challenges the congregation to consider their own efforts in winning others to the Lord and warns against actions that may push people away from Christianity. The sermon also includes a personal story of a woman who had previously aborted two babies but now cherishes her third child as a gift from God.
Matters of the Heart [Part 2] (Bilingual Teaching)
By Pat Kenney1.2K1:03:14HeartEXO 20:13MAT 5:20MAT 5:25MAT 5:27MAT 5:43MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of the condition of one's heart in relation to following God's commandments. He emphasizes that while the law teaches not to murder, Jesus reveals that anger towards others is the root of murder. The speaker advises listeners to quickly reconcile with their adversaries and settle differences, as unresolved issues can escalate and hinder one's relationship with God. Additionally, the sermon highlights the Pharisees' strict adherence to religious laws and the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation over religious duties.
Thou Shalt Not Kill - Part 1
By Joshua Daniel1.1K09:53EXO 20:13PRO 6:16MAT 5:21JHN 10:10ROM 12:19This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of following God's commandments, particularly focusing on the commandment 'Thou shalt not kill.' He highlights the prevalence of violence, moral decay, and societal breakdown in the modern world, stressing the need for a return to God's principles to restore peace and righteousness. Through real-life examples and biblical references, Joshua Daniel challenges listeners to consider the consequences of disregarding God's commandments and the impact it has on individuals and society as a whole.
Babies Are Murdered Here (Documentary Trailer)
By Jon Speed1.0K01:53EXO 20:13PSA 94:21PRO 6:16PRO 24:11ISA 5:20This sermon addresses the issue of abortion as a curse and judgment on the nation, questioning the silence and inaction of the church in the face of innocent lives being taken. It challenges the church to stand up against the shedding of innocent blood and to actively engage in pro-life efforts, even in uncomfortable and unpopular situations like protesting outside abortion clinics. The sermon emphasizes the need to expose the truth about abortion clinics and the shedding of innocent blood happening within them.
The Story of Desmond Doss
By Steve Zehr1.0K44:18StoryEXO 20:13PSA 102:11PSA 103:1PSA 103:20In this sermon, the speaker tells the story of Desmond Doss, a man who exemplified unwavering faith and commitment to God. Desmond grew up with a strong belief in the commandment "Thou shalt not kill" and was deeply affected by the violence he witnessed during World War II. Despite facing ridicule and opposition, Desmond refused to carry a weapon and became a medic instead. He displayed incredible bravery and selflessness, saving the lives of many soldiers on the battlefield. The speaker encourages the audience to learn from Desmond's example and remain steadfast in their own faith, even in the face of peer pressure.
10 Commandments - Part 3
By Shane Idleman70844:10EXO 20:13This sermon delves into the importance of honoring parents as outlined in the fifth commandment, emphasizing the weight and respect that should be given to parents. It also discusses the gravity of the sixth commandment, 'You shall not murder,' highlighting the sanctity of life and the biblical principles surrounding self-defense, capital punishment, military service, and the refugee crisis. Additionally, it addresses the seventh commandment, 'You shall not commit adultery,' focusing on the significance of marital fidelity and the consequences of adultery, while emphasizing the need for repentance and seeking forgiveness. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace God's love, surrender fully to Him, and engage in heartfelt worship to experience a transformative relationship with Him.
Coming Free From the Darkness of Anger
By Stewart Ruch61133:26AngerEXO 20:13MAT 5:21MAT 6:33EPH 4:26JAS 1:19JAS 1:26In this sermon, the speaker delves into the topic of sinful anger and its profound impact on our lives. He emphasizes that understanding the cruelty and depth of sinful anger is crucial for those who want to follow Jesus and live in the life of God. The speaker acknowledges his own struggles with sinful anger and how it affects his relationships with his wife and children. He highlights that anger is often the door through which other sins enter, and that receiving a deeper work from the Lord is necessary to address and overcome anger. The sermon also references the teaching of James on receiving the implanted word, which has the power to save our souls.
Which Basket Are You In?
By Erlo Stegen58447:38EXO 20:13ISA 1:19JER 24:2MAT 11:28MAT 16:26MRK 8:36LUK 9:23ROM 12:1GAL 2:20JAS 4:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering all aspects of our lives to the Lord, drawing parallels from the story of two baskets of figs in Jeremiah's vision. It highlights the consequences of not fully surrendering to God, using powerful testimonies to illustrate the transformative power of complete surrender and the dangers of holding back from God.
The Greatest Secret in the World
By Jim Cymbala36626:18Christian LifeGEN 1:1EXO 20:13MAT 6:33ROM 8:28EPH 6:121PE 5:8REV 21:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the greatest secret in the world, which was the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. The speaker explains that the war began when Germany invaded Poland, leading to a chain of events that eventually drew the United States into the conflict after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The speaker highlights the secrecy surrounding the development of the atomic bomb, with President Roosevelt being aware of the project and its potential to change the course of the war. The sermon emphasizes the significance of this secret and its impact on history.
The Sixth Commandment
By A.W. Pink0MurderAnger ManagementGEN 9:6EXO 20:13DEU 19:21PRO 13:10LUK 3:14LUK 7:8JHN 8:44JHN 18:36EPH 4:261JN 3:12A.W. Pink expounds on the Sixth Commandment, 'Thou shalt not kill,' emphasizing that it not only forbids murder but also the underlying emotions such as anger and hatred that can lead to it. He illustrates how the commandment serves to protect the sanctity of life and the well-being of individuals, warning against the dangers of envy and rash anger. Pink highlights that lawful actions, such as capital punishment and just wars, do not violate this commandment, while also addressing the grave sin of suicide as self-murder. He concludes with practical advice on managing anger and cultivating a humble spirit to prevent the escalation of harmful emotions. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding of the commandment's implications for personal conduct and community relations.
Sixth River -- Murder
By Martin Knapp0EXO 20:13EZK 3:18JHN 6:37ROM 6:231JN 3:15Martin Knapp delivers a powerful sermon on the commandment 'Thou shalt do no murder,' emphasizing God's intense love and the severe consequences of taking a life. He highlights various ways people fall into the stream of murder, including hatred in the heart, soul-murder through neglecting to warn the wicked, and secret sins that can lead to spiritual death. Knapp shares a poignant story of a prisoner awaiting execution who found redemption through genuine repentance and faith in Jesus, showcasing that even murderers can be saved by God's grace and mercy.
John the Baptist Is Martyred Mark 6:14-29
By David Servant0EXO 20:13MAT 14:1JHN 14:6ACT 3:191JN 3:15David Servant delves into the tragic story of Herod Antipas, the son of a murderer, who ordered the execution of John the Baptist due to a foolish oath and pressure from his wicked wife, Herodias. Despite his conscience convicting him, Herod succumbed to his promise and had John beheaded. The sermon also addresses the possibility of murderers entering heaven through repentance and faith, emphasizing the grave sin of murder and the need for forgiveness through Jesus. The audience is urged to reflect on their upbringing and the blessing of being raised in a family that follows Christ's teachings.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou shalt not kill - This commandment, which is general, prohibits murder of every kind. 1. All actions by which the lives of our fellow creatures may be abridged. 2. All wars for extending empire, commerce, etc. 3. All sanguinary laws, by the operation of which the lives of men may be taken away for offenses of comparatively trifling demerit. 4. All bad dispositions which lead men to wish evil to, or meditate mischief against, one another; for, says the Scripture, He that hateth his brother in his heart is a murderer. 5. All want of charity to the helpless and distressed; for he who has it in his power to save the life of another by a timely application of succor, food, raiment, etc., and does not do it, and the life of the person either falls or is abridged on this account, is in the sight of God a murderer. He who neglects to save life is, according to an incontrovertible maxim in law, the same as he who takes it away. 6. All riot and excess, all drunkenness and gluttony, all inactivity and slothfulness, and all superstitious mortifications and self-denials, by which life may be destroyed or shortened; all these are point-blank sins against the sixth commandment.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The other Five Words or commandments, which determine the duties to one's neighbour, are summed up in Lev 19:18 in the one word, "Love thy neighbour as thyself." The order in which they follow one another is the following: they first of all secure life, marriage, and property against active invasion or attack, and then, proceeding from deed to word and thought, they forbid false witness and coveting. (Note: Luther has pointed out this mirum et aptum ordinem, and expounds it thus: Incipit prohibitio a majori usque ad minimum, nam maximum damnum est occisio hominis, deinde proximum violatio conjugis, tertium ablatio facultatis. Quod qui in iis nocere non possunt, saltem lingua nocent, ideo quartum est laesio famae. Quodsi in iis non praevalent omnibus, saltem corde laedunt proximum, cupiendo quae ejus sunt, in quo et invidia proprie consistit.) If, therefore, the first three commandments in this table refer primarily to deeds; the subsequent advance to the prohibition of desire is a proof that the deed is not to be separated from the disposition, and that "the fulfilment of the law is only complete when the heart itself is sanctified" (Oehler). Accordingly, in the command, "Thou shalt not kill," not only is the accomplished fact of murder condemned, whether it proceed from open violence or stratagem (Exo 21:12, Exo 21:14, Exo 21:18), but every act that endangers human life, whether it arise from carelessness (Deu 22:8) or wantonness (Lev 19:14), or from hatred, anger, and revenge (Lev 19:17-18). Life is placed at the head of these commandments, not as being the highest earthly possession, but because it is the basis of human existence, and in the life the personality is attacked, and in that the image of God (Gen 9:6). The omission of the object still remains to be noticed, as showing that the prohibition includes not only the killing of a fellow-man, but the destruction of one's own life, or suicide. - The two following commandments are couched in equally general terms. Adultery, נאף, which is used in Lev 20:10 of both man and woman, signifies (as distinguished from זנה to commit fornication) the sexual intercourse of a husband with the wife of another, or of a wife with the husband of another. This prohibition is not only directed against any assault upon the husband's dearest possession, for the tenth commandment guards against that, but upholds the sacredness of marriage as the divine appointment for the propagation and multiplication of the human race; and although addressed primarily to the man, like all the commandments that were given to the whole nation, applies quite as much to the woman as to the man, just as we find in Lev 20:10 that adultery was to be punished with death in the case of both the man and the woman. - Property was to be equally inviolable. The command, "Thou shalt not steal," prohibited not only the secret or open removal of another person's property, but injury done to it, or fraudulent retention of it, through carelessness or indifference (Exo 21:33; Exo 22:13; Exo 23:4-5; Deu 22:1-4). - But lest these commandments should be understood as relating merely to the outward act as such, as they were by the Pharisees, in opposition to whom Christ set forth their true fulfilment (Mat 5:21.), God added the further prohibition, "Thou shalt not answer as a false witness against thy neighbour," i.e., give false testimony against him. ענה and בּ: to answer or give evidence against a person (Gen 30:33). עד is not evidence, but a witness. Instead of שׁקר עד, a witness of a lie, who consciously gives utterance to falsehood, we find שׁוא עד in Deuteronomy, one who says what is vain, worthless, unfounded (שׁוא שׁמע, Exo 23:1; on שׁוא see Exo 23:7). From this it is evident, that not only is lying prohibited, but false and unfounded evidence in general; and not only evidence before a judge, but false evidence of every kind, by which (according to the context) the life, married relation, or property of a neighbour might be endangered (cf. Exo 23:1; Num 35:30; Deu 17:6; Deu 19:15; Deu 22:13.). - The last or tenth commandment is directed against desiring (coveting), as the root from which every sin against a neighbour springs, whether it be in word or deed. The חמד, ἐπιθυμεῖν (lxx), coveting, proceeds from the heart (Pro 6:25), and brings forth sin, which "is finished" in the act (Jam 1:14-15). The repetition of the words, "Thou shalt not covet," does not prove that there are two different commandments, any more than the substitution of תּתאוּה in Deu 5:18 for the second תּחמד. חמד and התאוּה are synonyms, - the only difference between them being, that "the former denotes the desire as founded upon the perception of beauty, and therefore excited from without, the latter, desire originating at the very outset in the person himself, and arising from his own want or inclination" (Schultz). The repetition merely serves to strengthen and give the great emphasis to that which constitutes the very kernel of the command, and is just as much in harmony with the simple and appropriate language of the law, as the employment of a synonym in the place of the repetition of the same word is with the rhetorical character of Deuteronomy. Moreover, the objects of desire do not point to two different commandments. This is evident at once from the transposition of the house and wife in Deuteronomy. בּית (the house) is not merely the dwelling, but the entire household (as in Gen 15:2; Job 8:15), either including the wife, or exclusive of her. In the text before us she is included; in Deuteronomy she is not, but is placed first as the crown of the man, and a possession more costly than pearls (Pro 12:4; Pro 31:10). In this case, the idea of the "house" is restricted to the other property belonging to the domestic economy, which is classified in Deuteronomy as fields, servants, cattle, and whatever else a man may have; whereas in Exodus the "house" is divided into wife, servants, cattle, and the rest of the possessions.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou shalt not kill. Not meaning any sort of creatures, for there are some to be killed for the food and nourishment of men, and others for their safety and preservation; but rational creatures, men, women, and children, any of the human species, of every age, sex, condition, or nation; no man has a right to take away his own life, or the life of another; by this law is forbidden suicide, or self-murder, parricide or murder of parents, homicide or the murder of man; yet killing of men in lawful war, or in defence of a man's self, when his own life is in danger, or the execution of malefactors by the hands or order of the civil magistrate, and killing a man at unawares, without any design, are not to be reckoned breaches of this law; but taking away the life of another through private malice and revenge, and even stabbing of a man's character, and so all things tending to or designed for the taking away of life, and all plots, conspiracies, and contrivances for that purpose, even all sinful anger, undue wrath and envy, rancour of all mind, all malice in thought, word, or deed, are contrary to this precept, see Mat 5:21 and which, on the other hand, requires that men should do all they can for the ease, peace, and preservation of the lives of men: this is the sixth command, but, in the Septuagint, the strict order in which this and the two following precepts lie is not observed, rehearsing them thus, "thou shall not commit adultery, thou shall not steal, thou shall not kill"; and so in Mar 10:19 the order is inverted. the order is inverted. Exodus 20:14 exo 20:14 exo 20:14 exo 20:14Thou shall not commit adultery, Which, strictly speaking, is only that sin which is committed with another man's wife, as Jarchi observes; but Aben Ezra thinks the word here used signifies the same as another more commonly used for whoredom and fornication; and no doubt but fornication is here included, which, though it was not reckoned a crime among some Heathens, is within the reach of this law, and forbidden by it, it being an impure action, and against a man's body, as the apostle says, Co1 6:18 as well as sins of a more enormous kind, as unnatural lusts and copulations, such as incest, sodomy, bestiality, &c. and even all unchaste thoughts, desires, and affections, obscene words, and impure motions and gestures of the body, and whatever is in itself unclean or tends to uncleanness; as it also requires that we should, as much as in us lies, do all we can to preserve our chastity, and the chastity of others, pure and inviolate, see Mat 5:28, this is the seventh commandment.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:13 murder: This is the correct rendering of the Hebrew word. There is another word that connotes mere killing. Taking human life is not prohibited, per se, but the intentional killing of another for personal reasons is prohibited. This principle tells us that God values our individual, physical lives. Jesus expanded on this command in Matt 5:21-26.