From the dawn of civilization, the sanctity of human life has been a central concern for legal, moral, and religious systems. Among the most enduring ethical frameworks in the Western world are the Ten Commandments—decalogue laws believed to have been divinely revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai, as recounted in the Hebrew Bible (Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5). These commandments have influenced not only Jewish religious practice but also Christian morality and Western legal traditions. Of the Ten Commandments, several directly or indirectly serve to protect human life. This article explores these commandments, contextualizing them within ancient history and examining their broader impact.
I. “You Shall Not Murder” — The Sixth Commandment
Biblical Reference:
Meaning and Interpretation:
The most explicit protection of human life in the Decalogue is the Sixth Commandment: “You shall not murder.” The Hebrew word "רצח" (ratzach) is crucial here; it denotes unlawful killing or murder, rather than the more general "להרוג" (leharog) which can mean “to kill” in broader contexts (e.g., in warfare or capital punishment). Thus, this commandment condemns deliberate, premeditated killing of innocent persons.
Ancient Historical Context:
This law reflects similar prohibitions in other ancient Near Eastern legal codes. For example:
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Code of Hammurabi (c. 1754 BCE, Babylon): Law #14 states that if a man commits murder, he is to be put to death. However, Babylonian law allowed for compensation in some cases, showing that not all killings were treated equally.
- Hittite Laws (c. 1650–1100 BCE): Made distinctions between intentional and accidental killing, indicating a sophisticated understanding of legal culpability.
What sets the biblical commandment apart is its theological foundation: human life is sacred because man is made “in the image of God” (Imago Dei — Genesis 1:27). Thus, murder is not just a crime against society, but a sin against God Himself.
Impact on Later Law and Morality:
Christian teachings reinforced the Sixth Commandment. Jesus expands its interpretation in the Sermon on the Mount, saying that even anger or insult can be subject to judgment (Matthew 5:21–22). This elevated the principle from an external legal requirement to an internal ethical ideal.
II. “Honor Your Father and Your Mother” — The Fifth Commandment
Biblical Reference:
Implications for the Protection of Life:
At first glance, this commandment seems more concerned with family structure and respect than with life itself. However, in ancient societies where survival depended heavily on familial cohesion and intergenerational support, honoring one’s parents was intrinsically tied to the preservation of life. Disrespect or neglect of the elderly often led to societal breakdowns.
In the biblical legal system, defying one’s parents could carry severe consequences:
- Deuteronomy 21:18–21 discusses the punishment for a persistently rebellious son, highlighting the importance of maintaining order within the household for communal stability.
By promoting respect and care for parents, this commandment indirectly safeguards human life, especially the lives of the vulnerable—elderly and dependent individuals.
III. “You Shall Not Bear False Witness Against Your Neighbor” — The Ninth Commandment
Biblical Reference:
Life-Saving Dimensions:
In ancient Israelite law, testimony played a critical role in capital cases. False testimony could result in the execution of an innocent person. Hence, the Ninth Commandment, while addressing truthfulness, also protected human life.
Deuteronomy 19:16–21 warns that a false witness in a capital case should receive the punishment intended for the accused, thereby deterring false testimony and protecting the accused from wrongful death.
Historically, other ancient codes—like the Assyrian and Babylonian laws—also imposed harsh penalties for perjury, demonstrating a widespread recognition of the deadly consequences of legal dishonesty.
IV. “You Shall Not Steal” — The Eighth Commandment
Biblical Reference:
Protection of Livelihood and Survival:
While theft itself may not always be a direct attack on life, in subsistence economies, stealing someone’s livestock, grain, or tools could endanger their ability to survive. In agrarian ancient Israel, stealing could lead to destitution, starvation, or even violent retaliation.
Moreover, in some interpretations, especially rabbinic ones, this commandment extends beyond physical property to include kidnapping—a direct threat to life. Exodus 21:16 explicitly states: “Anyone who kidnaps another and either sells him or still has him when he is caught must be put to death.”
V. Broader Biblical Ethic of Life
Beyond the commandments, the Torah promotes life through numerous legal and moral instructions:
- Leviticus 19:16: “Do not stand idly by while your neighbor’s blood is shed.”
- Deuteronomy 22:8: Requires building a parapet (fence) on one’s roof to prevent accidental deaths—a legal duty of care.
- Deuteronomy 30:19: “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”
VI. Historical and Theological Legacy
The principles derived from these commandments influenced later Jewish halakhic law, early Christian moral teachings, Islamic Sharia (which shares Abrahamic origins), and Western secular legal systems. For instance:
- English Common Law integrated biblical principles, including the prohibition of murder and perjury.
- The U.S. Declaration of Independence enshrines the “right to life,” echoing the Judeo-Christian moral inheritance.
The Ten Commandments are more than ancient moral injunctions; they are enduring statements of ethical priorities, with several directly aimed at preserving human life. The Sixth Commandment prohibits murder; the Fifth promotes familial support and generational survival; the Ninth guards against wrongful execution; and the Eighth, through broader interpretation, prevents actions that threaten basic survival or lead to enslavement.
Together, these commandments formed a moral architecture that not only governed ancient Israelite society but laid the groundwork for universal human rights concepts and the legal systems we still rely on today. In a world still grappling with violence, injustice, and indifference to life, their message remains profoundly relevant.
References
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The Bible, Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5; Leviticus 19; Genesis 1:27; Deuteronomy 30:19
- The Code of Hammurabi, Trans. L. W. King (c. 1754 BCE)
- The Hittite Laws, c. 1650–1100 BCE
- Milgrom, Jacob. Leviticus: A Book of Ritual and Ethics (Fortress Press, 2004)
- Sarna, Nahum M. Exploring Exodus (Schocken Books, 1986)
- Wright, Christopher J.H. Old Testament Ethics for the People of God (IVP, 2004)
