Is killing what the sixth commandment prohibits? Or does it prohibit murder?
This question generates great interest, probably because of its ethical implications. Answering the question is not as difficult as dealing with the ethical significance. Allow me to discuss the meaning of the terminology used in the commandment and make some general remarks concerning its significance. 1. Premeditated Killing: The Hebrew verb translated killing/murder in Exodus 20:13 (ratsach) designates the premeditated and intentional taking of a human life. In the Old Testament the verb is used in cases in which a person intentionally strikes another with an instrument of iron, stone, or wood, causing the death of the individual (Num. 35:16-18). There is always an evil motivation, like enmity (verse 21) or ego gratification (1 Kings 21:2, 3, 19). It is usually performed by the morally corrupt or by those in power (Jer. 7:9; Hosea 6:9). Whenever it takes place it is a case of culpable homicide, murder. Jesus explicitly reaffirmed the commandment and traced murder back to human anger
