" You shall not kill" is not the same as "The government shall not kill"
2007-11-14 12:30:00 · 26 answers · asked by Gone 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Num 35:16 And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.
Num 35:17 And if he smite him with throwing a stone, wherewith he may die, and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.
Num 35:18 Or if he smite him with an hand weapon of wood, wherewith he may die, and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.
Num 35:19 The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him.
2007-11-14 12:43:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Capnarlo and some of the others have it right: nowhere does the Bible say capital punishment is murder. If you start with Noah and his family, after the Flood, you'll see that God has established capital punishment. Because we are sinners and have the sin-nature inside, we have to have some kind of restraint--period.
As for the Hebrew words for "kill" and "murder", there are at least 10 Hebrew words for kill, per Young's Analytical Concordance; and 3 for murder. Some of these overlap, but that doesn't mean there is no distinction. There absoutely is!
Finally, remember that most of this discussion seems to be centered on the 10 Commandments, or at least the Old Testament. After the life and ministry of Jesus was finished, the apostles wrote to the believers to be submissive to the local and other forms of government. See Romans chapter 13, where St. Paul tells us to do this and live right. He also in that chapter mentions those who "bear the sword", which meant not only did the government protect people, but also would punish evildoers. For the moment, let's not get into a "yeah-but-what-about" other countries and other laws, and simply live good lives so that people will come to know the Lord Jesus Christ!
2007-11-14 20:54:12 · answer #2 · answered by Brother Jonathan 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It doesn't. In fact, the opposite is true.
The Hebrew word that is translated "kill" in the Ten Commandments is the word "ratsach." (Pronounced raw-tsakh') It is Strong's Reference # 7523. And it is a primitive root; meaning properly, to dash in pieces, i.e. kill (a human being), especially to murder.
It does not include killing in battle, capital punishment, or for food.
To inflict capital punishment is the Hebrew word "muwth," (Pronounced mooth) and is Strong's Reference # 4191. It is also a primitive root: to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill. This is allowed by the Bible.
In battle, the Hebrew is often "harag," (Pronounced haw-rag') and is Strong's Reference # 2026. It is also a primitive root, meaning "to smite with deadly intent." This is also allowed in the Bible.
Another similar word is "shachat," (Pronounced shaw-khat') and is Strong's Reference # 7819. It is another primitive root, meaning "to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)." This is usually in the context of an animal sacrifice; also permitted in the Bible.
These differ from the commandment against "murder."
2007-11-14 20:41:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
In the original Hebrew language, there were several different words for our one word "kill". One meant to kill in self-defense, one meant to kill an enemy during a time of war, one meant to kill accidentally, one meant pre-meditated murder. The word used in "thou shall not kill" is the one for premeditated murder.
2007-11-14 20:37:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Sorry, but yes it is the same. Only GOD has the right to give or TAKE life.It doesn't matter if it's a single person or a large group of people. But as for WAR, however this is a different story-- War is not murder, according to the Bible-- it is self-defense.
2007-11-14 20:40:04 · answer #5 · answered by Lover of GOD 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
The government is made up of 'you's.
If it's a sin for one person to kill, surely it's also a sin for a whole group of people acting under the dehumanizing moniker of 'government' in order to deflect personal responsibility to kill someone.
2007-11-14 20:35:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
Killing is killing, right? This means "Man/humans shall not kill period".
I'm glad you're realizing that many killers whether they are in government or not are going to experience punishment by God at Armageddon because "just because they are in the government" they think God's laws don't apply to them.
I'm glad you've got your thinking cap on and realize that God will not be mocked.
Good job, kiddo.
Blah..
2007-11-14 20:39:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
The Hebrew language does not distinguish between 'murder' and 'kill' and neither does the Bible.
2007-11-14 20:36:22 · answer #8 · answered by Shawn B 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Hello,
It does not say capital punishment is murder.
It is inferred by some. For example to theologians, Thou shalt not commit adultery does not just mean sleeping with a married person. It also inferred living together, sex outside of a relationship etc.
Cheers,
Michael Kelly
2007-11-14 20:40:43 · answer #9 · answered by Michael Kelly 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Capital punishment is murder. Jesus said "Let he who is without sin throw the first stone" in response to whether the prostitute should be executed by stoning for her crimes.
Let me ask you this.
WHY DO PEOPLE KILL PEOPLE TO PROVE THAT KILLING PEOPLE IS WRONG
2007-11-14 20:37:08 · answer #10 · answered by scruff 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋