The Ten Commandments, Killing, and Murder: A Detailed Commentary

It is an event that forever changed the course of all human history: the Sinai Revelation. (Exodus 18:1-20:23). Soon after their liberation from Egyptian slavery, the Jewish People encamp at Mt. Sinai where G-d speaks to the entire nation and gives the Ten Commandments.

But one of those ten is among the most commonly mis-translated verses of all of Hebrew Scripture -- and its mis-translation has resulted in deadly mis-interpretation.

Says the Torah (Exodus 20:13): Lo tirtzach!The Hebrew word used has a clear and unequivocal meaning: “Do not murder.”

Unfortunately, this verse is generally mistranslated as “Do not kill.” But the Hebrew could not be more clear, and there is a world of difference between killing and murder.

This is the Sixth Commandment. How many times have you heard “Thou shalt not kill”? This mistranslation is etched upon the hearts and minds of both Jewish and Christian children and adults with pernicious results. Can we possibly estimate the numbers of lives that have been lost by foolish pacifism rather than righteous defense in the face of evil?

Here’s a bit of detail on the “mechanics” of this translation error. If you are ever challenged regarding your corrected understanding, JPFO, once again, gives you the “intellectual ammunition” to hold your ground.

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