The sixth commandment says, “You shall not murder.” Murder is wrong because people matter to God. Every human being is made in his image, so taking a life is an attack on God’s creation. But Jesus taught that this commandment goes deeper than violent acts. It includes the anger and contempt in our hearts. That shows us our sin problem is bigger than we think, and it points us to Jesus.
People Matter to God
After the flood, God explained why human life is so valuable.
Genesis 9:6 Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind.
Human beings are a special part of God’s creation. We bear his image (Genesis 1:27). That’s why murder isn’t just a crime against a person. It’s an offense against God himself. The sixth commandment protects the dignity of every human life.
Every Life Is Valuable
God’s care for human life starts before birth. David described how God carefully formed him in the womb.
Psalm 139:13-14 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Every person, regardless of age, ability, background, or status, is fearfully and wonderfully made. That includes the unborn, the elderly, the disabled, and the people we find hardest to love. This truth shapes how Christians think about issues of life and death, and how we treat the people around us every day.
Jesus Raises the Bar
Most of us assume we’ve kept this commandment. But in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave it a much broader meaning.
Matthew 5:21-22 You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
Jesus said that unrighteous anger and contempt are murder at the heart level. Calling someone a fool, holding a grudge, or wishing harm on someone all come from the same root. By that standard, none of us is innocent. Jesus went on to say that reconciliation is so important that we should leave our offering at the altar and first go make things right with our brother or sister (Matthew 5:23-24).
Our Hope Is in Jesus
The Ten Commandments show that our sin problem goes deeper than our actions. It’s a heart problem. John made the connection between hatred and murder, and then pointed to the solution.
1 John 3:15-16 Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him. This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.
Jesus was murdered to pay for our sins. He took the penalty we deserved so we could be forgiven and changed. And his love becomes the pattern for ours. Instead of hating, we can lay down our lives for others. If you want to receive that forgiveness, check out How can I become a Christian?
The Takeaway
What is the sixth commandment all about? Murder is wrong because every person is made in God’s image. Jesus taught that the commandment includes the anger and contempt in our hearts, which shows our need for a Savior. Jesus died for our sins and teaches us to love instead of hate.
