Which Hebrew Words Denote Killing, and What Does the Sixth Commandment Mean?

The Sixth Commandment of God's Law carries a specific legal and moral definition, rather than merely a blanket prohibition against taking life. In the ancient Hebrew language, there is a whole range of words describing various aspects of taking life; however, in Exodus 20:13, the verb rāṣaḥ is used, indicating unauthorized, unlawful killing or intentional murder. Understanding this distinction helps reveal the depth of God's holiness, righteous justice, and love for life.

“You shall not murder.” Ex 20:13

1. Rāṣaḥ (רצח): premeditated murder or criminal taking of life

This word is used in the Ten Commandments. It denotes committing murder or unlawfully taking a life. The root rāṣaḥ applies exclusively to human beings and designates unlawful, hostile, or reckless shedding of blood, including manslaughter due to negligence. As a rule, it is not applied to the ritual sacrifice of animals, legitimate warfare, or judicial executions ordained by God to protect the community.

2. Hārag (הרג): the general concept of “to kill” or “to slay”

This is a broader term that describes the act of violent death. This verb is frequently used to describe death in battle, during judicial execution, or in the tragedy of Cain and Abel:

“Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.” Gen 4:8

3. Mût / Hēmît (מות / המית): to cause death or put to death

The basic root means “to die,” and in the causative hiphil stem, it becomes the act of putting to death. This is the standard legal formula for carrying out a judicial sentence when a person was executed for a capital crime according to the Law of Moses.

4. Nākāh / Hikkāh (נכה / הכה): to strike, smite, or kill with a blow

The root fundamentally means “to strike” or “to hit.” In many instances, it refers to defeat in war or a mortal wound sustained in conflict. If the blow resulted in death, this word captured the physical act of striking down an opponent.

5. Shāḥaṭ (שחט): to ritually slaughter or slay a sacrifice

This term belongs to the realm of the sanctuary. It describes slitting the throat of a sacrificial animal to obtain blood, which was used for cleansing and making atonement for the sins of the people before God.

6. Zāḇaḥ (זבח): to sacrifice or offer

While the previous word highlights the physical act of slaughter, zāḇaḥ emphasizes the religious significance of the process. It is worship offered to the Lord at the altar of sacrifice, where the death of the animal pointed forward to the future sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary.

7. Ṭāḇaḥ (טבח): to slaughter in mass or butcher for a feast

It is used both for the everyday butchering of livestock to prepare food for a feast and figuratively to describe a brutal massacre or the widespread destruction of enemies in war.

8. Kārat (כרт): to cut off or exterminate

In a theological context, this root denotes complete excommunication from the covenant community or divine extermination. When a person willfully disregarded the covenant, they were liable to be “cut off,” that is, severed from the society of the living.

The Deeper Spiritual Meaning of the Commandment in the New Testament

In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord Jesus Christ elevated the understanding of the commandment “You shall not murder” to an absolute moral standard. He demonstrated that the sin of murder does not originate at the moment of physical violence, but much earlier—in the feelings of the heart:

“Whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.” Matt 5:22

Seventh-day Adventists emphasize that God’s law is the transcript of His character. Ellen White highlights that the commandments guard the sanctity of human life, because every person is created in the image of God and redeemed by the priceless blood of the Savior. From a biblical perspective, any hatred, contempt, gossip, or desire for revenge is already the inception of the crime.

Practical Application for the Believer’s Life

Understanding these linguistic nuances calls us to take a responsible attitude toward our own lives and the lives of those around us. The commandment requires an active posture of love. We are called to care for our health, abandon harmful habits that slowly destroy the body, and put away anger, unforgiveness, and hurtful words that wound the souls of others. True obedience to God is expressed in protecting the vulnerable and pursuing peace each and every day.