Deuteronomy 5:17 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

Thou shalt not kill.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

You must not murder.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

God is commanding His people not to take another person's life unlawfully.

📚 Historical Context

In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses is recounting the Ten Commandments to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, reinforcing God's laws for their new society. This command, "Thou shalt not kill," was originally given at Mount Sinai as part of the covenant between God and His people, underscoring the value of human life in a world where violence was commonplace. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, where tribal wars and personal vendettas often led to bloodshed, this law served to establish a foundation of justice and respect for life among God's chosen nation.

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Numbers 35:21

Or if someone hits another person with their hand out of hatred, and that person dies, then the one who struck the fatal blow must be put to death because he is a murderer. The family member seeking justice for the victim's blood may kill the murderer when he finds him.

Numbers 35:16

If someone strikes another person with an iron weapon and kills them, that person is a murderer. The murderer must be put to death.

1 John 3:15

Anyone who hates their brother or sister is basically a murderer in their heart. And you already know that murderers don't have eternal life living in them.

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