Word study
Kill
רָצַח
ratsach
rah-TSAKH
What does it mean?
The Hebrew word used in Exodus 20:13 is ratsach.
In the context of the commandment, it deals with murder or wrongful homicide rather than functioning as a broad word for every possible act of killing.
Why does it matter?
The older English wording “Thou shalt not kill” can sound to a modern reader like every taking of life is forbidden.
But the Torah itself distinguishes between intentional murder, accidental killing, and other circumstances.
That is why many modern translations use: “You shall not murder.”
Look closer
רָצַח — ratsach
Murder / wrongful homicide
הָרַג — harag
A broader word that can mean kill or slay
Context still matters.
Ratsach should not be reduced to “premeditated murder” in every occurrence. Numbers 35 also uses this root when discussing accidental homicide.
The short answer
Does “You shall not kill” mean every act of killing is forbidden?
No.
Exodus 20:13 prohibits murder or wrongful homicide rather than functioning as a blanket prohibition against every possible act of killing.
Scripture to explore
- Exodus 20:13
- Deuteronomy 5:17
- Numbers 35:9–34