Exodus 20:13 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

This is the sixth of the Ten Commandments that God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai for the Israelites. The Hebrew word used here specifically refers to unlawful killing or murder, not killing in war or self-defense. This commandment was given to establish moral boundaries for God's covenant people as they formed a new society.

Explore Similar Verses

Matthew 5:21

You've heard the old rule that was taught for generations: 'Don't murder anyone' — and if you do, you'll face serious judgment.

Matthew 19:18

The guy was like, 'Which ones?' So Jesus told him: 'Don't kill anyone, don't cheat on your partner, don't steal, and don't lie about people.'

Mark 7:21

Because all the messed up stuff — the dark thoughts, cheating, hookups that hurt people, violence — it all starts from inside us, from what's really in our hearts.

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📚 Historical Context

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