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Begin wherever your curiosity leads. The studies will be here when you’re ready. When I shared my first Matthew study on Facebook today, I mentioned that I planned to post daily, though I might not share every post on Facebook. As I continue setting up this blog, I’ve realized that what matters most to me is making my past studies available for anyone who wants to explore them. For now, I’ll be adding posts to my heart’s content as I work through those studies. Some days that may mean one post; other days it may mean several. I’ll continue reading through and preparing each one before sharing it. There is no need to keep up with everything as it appears. This blog is becoming a place you can browse at your own pace—begin with a book, a question, or a study that interests you, and follow from there. The Bible Books page gathers studies by book, while Study Threads helps connect topics that travel through more than one book. The labels on individual posts also bring related material to...
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70. Ten Commandments: You Shall Not Murder—Beginning the Study

God’s Image Study • Commandment 6: You Shall Not Murder

“You shall not murder.”

— Exodus 20:13, LSB

The sixth commandment is brief, but its examination requires careful attention. What does the wording mean? How does Scripture distinguish the circumstances in which a life is taken? How do Jesus and the apostles connect this commandment with what develops within the heart?

We begin with the passage and follow those questions through Scripture.

Begin with the Wording

Before building conclusions, we will examine the Hebrew word translated murder and how it appears in other passages. Context will help us understand the action being prohibited and the distinctions Scripture makes concerning intent and responsibility.

We will also keep the commandment within the instruction given by YHWH (יהוה). It belongs to a connected account of allegiance, holiness, and our treatment of others. Read Exodus 20.

Jesus Directs Attention to the Heart

In Matthew 5:21, Jesus recalls the commandment:

“YOU SHALL NOT MURDER”

— Matthew 5:21, LSB, excerpt

The capitalized words refer back to Exodus 20:13 and Deuteronomy 5:17.

Jesus then addresses anger, insulting speech, and reconciliation. His teaching requires us to examine what happens before an outward act: how we regard another person, how we speak, and whether we seek to repair a broken relationship. Read Matthew 5:21–24.

The commandment therefore calls for more than asking whether we have physically taken a life. We must also examine what we allow to grow within us.

Hatred, Death, and Life

First John 3 brings Cain’s treatment of his brother into a discussion of love and hatred. John connects hatred of a brother with murder and places that warning alongside the distinction between death and life. Read 1 John 3:11–15.

He then turns toward Christ’s example of laying down his life and the responsibility to care for a brother in need. Love becomes visible through action and truth. Read 1 John 3:16–18.

We will follow that progression carefully: the heart’s disposition, the treatment of another, and the fruit of love or hatred.

Keep Love Before Us

Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 22:37–40 remains connected to our examination of every commandment: love God and love our neighbor. Read Matthew 22:37–40.

As this study begins, we can ask: Do my thoughts, words, and actions express that love? When anger arises, what do I do with it? When another person needs help, how do I respond?

These questions will accompany our examination of the wording, its context, and its wider connections.

Threads to Follow

  • The Hebrew wording: Examine the word translated murder and its use throughout Scripture.

  • Intent and responsibility: Follow the distinctions made when a life is taken.

  • The heart and its fruit: Keep Cain, Jesus’ teaching, and John’s words about hatred and love together.

The books were opened…

🌿 By Maria Emilia

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