Is it right to take another person's life?

Definition and Biblical Context

Scripture consistently emphasizes the sacredness of human life. In Genesis 1:27, humanity is described as made “in the image of God,” an assertion foundational to understanding why each human life is of inestimable worth. The command in Exodus 20:13 states, “You shall not murder.” The Hebrew term used (רָצַח, ratzach) uniquely points to unlawful killing or murder, distinguishing it from other contexts in which a life might be taken (such as judicial action or warfare under certain Old Testament theocratic mandates).

This emphasis on preserving life resonated throughout ancient Israel’s moral, civil, and ceremonial laws. In ancient manuscripts like the Dead Sea Scrolls, consistent transmission of these commandments highlights the weight of this prohibition across centuries, affirming that the original text and its moral directives were carefully preserved.

The Value of Life and God’s Image

From the earliest chapters of Genesis, the Bible teaches that human life bears God’s imprint. Genesis 9:6 declares, “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind.” Scripture therefore ties the wrongful taking of life to a direct offense against God’s creative authority.

Outside scriptural references, philosophical and behavioral science perspectives on moral law can be brought to bear. Many who investigate the origins of moral values note that cultures worldwide demonstrate an intrinsic awareness that life should be preserved, indicating a moral law which, from a theological viewpoint, reflects God’s universal moral standards written on the heart (Romans 2:14–15).

Old Testament Illustrations and Judicial Context

In certain Old Testament settings, the taking of a life associated with capital offenses or warfare was permitted under God’s specific directives to Israel (e.g., Deuteronomy 20). These directives occurred within a theocracy, where God Himself was the direct ruler of the nation. Concrete examples include the judicial instructions in Numbers 35 and Deuteronomy 19:11–13, outlining capital punishment for premeditated murder. The aim was to uphold justice and prevent further bloodshed.

Archaeological findings, such as those in Tel Dan or the ancient cities associated with biblical narratives, corroborate historical contexts in which Israel operated under a distinct legal system. These findings help illustrate that legal procedures for taking life were bound by explicit divine commands, were never left to personal vengeance, and included careful legal checks.

Christ’s Teaching and the Sermon on the Mount

Moving into the New Testament, Jesus intensifies the commandment. He states, “You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder,’ and ‘Whoever murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment” (Matthew 5:21–22). This passage draws attention to the heart’s intention, showing that hatred or anger itself is morally destructive.

The teaching of Jesus consistently avoids personal retaliation and calls for love, forgiveness, and reconciliation (Matthew 5:38–48). Rather than expanding permission to kill, Christ urges believers to go beyond mere legalistic compliance and look to the deeper heart issues.

Civil Authority and Capital Punishment

Passages like Romans 13:1–4 teach that governing authorities bear the “sword” (a biblical metaphor for the power to administer justice) and may, in a fallen world, be agents of lawful punishment to maintain order. This can include capital punishment when justified through due legal process. Historically, Christian theologians have debated the extent to which this confers moral permission.

From a behavioral science viewpoint, societies that do not hold individuals accountable for grave offenses often experience greater cycles of violence. While Scripture allows for government to exercise lawful penalty, it does not grant personal or vigilante permission to take life.

Self-Defense and Just War

Scripture includes nuances regarding defense of life. In Exodus 22:2–3, legislation addresses a thief breaking in at night, allowing lethal force if one’s life is genuinely threatened. The principle revolves around protection rather than seeking to kill.

Elsewhere, the concept of a “just war” has been discussed by early Christian thinkers (Augustine and later Aquinas), focusing on maintaining peace, punishing wrongdoing, and defending the innocent. However, each of those positions turns on whether a conflict meets biblical and moral criteria.

New Testament Emphasis on Mercy and Preservation of Life

Although there is no shortage of historical or legal precedent for the taking of life under certain Old Testament directives, the later revelation in Christ brings a strong emphasis on mercy, forgiveness, and going beyond retribution. Jesus’ example of sacrifice, including His willing substitutionary death and subsequent resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3–4), underscores a message championing spiritual transformation rather than vengeance.

Ancient papyrus fragments and other manuscript evidence (such as Papyrus 66) demonstrate that Jesus’ teachings on mercy and peace were not later additions but part of the earliest Christian instruction. This continuity bolsters the claim that the consistent biblical tradition regards life as precious and never trivializes the ending of it.

Practical Considerations in Modern Application

Modern ethical discussions still wrestle with capital punishment, euthanasia, war, and self-defense. A thorough biblical approach will:

1) Affirm the innate value of human life.

2) Balance the rightful role of government in administering justice with caution against vengeance or injustice.

3) Encourage mercy and transformation in line with the message of reconciliation.

Behavioral research on empathy and compassion resonates with the scriptural call to love neighbor and protect the vulnerable. These overlapping spheres of biblical mandate and scientific understanding together sustain a societal ethos that values life.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, the sanctity of life is paramount. The reiteration not to murder (Exodus 20:13) reflects an underlying moral fabric that finds its source in God’s creative authority. In specialized circumstances such as organized and divinely sanctioned judicial processes or defense against unjust aggression, the taking of human life appears permissible. Yet, the overarching scriptural narrative consistently reaffirms that preserving, honoring, and valuing human life is the central thrust of God’s command.

No matter the context—whether Old Testament directives or current ethical debates—Scripture points to a Creator who alone holds absolute sovereignty over life and death. The command “You shall not murder” stands as a moral compass, directing believers and society as a whole to protect human lives, administer justice prudently, and walk in love consistent with the revealed heart of God.