Catechism Question 61
What is the sixth commandment, and what does it teach us?
The sixth commandment is “You shall not murder.” It teaches us that we must not murder or do any harm to others in thought, word, or deed, but must pray and work for their good.
Focus and Purpose of this Question
This question focuses on the sixth commandment. In this commandment, we are told that we must not murder. The remainder of the commands will go in decreasing order of the potential harm to another – from murder, to adultery, to stealing possessions, to lying, to coveting. Murder is obviously the greatest harm we could do to another person. But it is more than that – it is direct disobedience to God and a violation of God’s image. When we murder someone we are destroying the very image of God.
However, as with all of the other commands, murder is simply the most extreme example of what is being forbidden. Any type of evil we might do to harm the other person is ultimately in view. In fact, Jesus taught us that it is not just murder in view in this command, but even hatred. According to Jesus, to hate my fellow human is to break this command.
Furthermore, as we have already noted, not only are we being prohibited from doing evil to others, but rather the opposite is also implied. We must pray and work for the good of others. It is not enough to avoid harming them; we must work to bless and help them whenever possible.
Additional Questions:
What is the sixth commandment? What does it teach us?
What is the sixth commandment? What does it forbid us from doing? What does it teach us to do?
Scripture References:
Exodus 20:13
You shall not murder.
Deuteronomy 5:17
You shall not murder.
Genesis 9:6
Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man.
Matthew 5:21–22
You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
Romans 13:8–10
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Romans 12:17–21
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Matthew 5:43–48
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
James 4:17
Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.
Proverbs 3:27
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.
Questions for Further Discussion:
What does the sixth commandment teach us? What does it forbid? What does it command us to do?
Why is murder wrong? Is it simply because it harms another person, or are there other reasons that make murder a supreme form of evil?
Why does Jesus say that this command means that even hating my neighbor is wrong? Why must I guard my heart and mind against even evil thoughts and desires towards another person? What happens if I do not stop evil thoughts about another person?
Does this command prohibit all killing? What about soldiers in a war? What about capital punishment? Is it ever allowable to put a human being to death? When can this be done? By whom?
Does Jesus say that this command is limited to avoiding doing evil to others? Or does it require something more? What does it teach that I must try to do to others – even to my enemies?
Why does God expect believers to pray and work for the good of others, even if they are unkind or hateful towards us? How does this relate to the goal of sanctification – becoming more like Jesus?
Additional Information:
This question is based on questions 105-107 of the Heidelberg Catechism, questions 67-69 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, and question 11 of the New City Catechism. Any resources you find on the Heidelberg, Westminster Shorter, or New City Catechisms will have a good discussion on this question.
For additional information, see the teachings “The Covenant of Preservation – Noah” (February 9, 2020), and “The Sanctity of Human Life” (January 22, 2017).
Suggested Worship Song:
These Things Are True of You (Tommy Walker)
(This song reminds us of the goal of sanctification and all of the commands in the moral law – to be like God. For this question, especially notice the last verse which speaks of God’s love and compassion – even for those who do not deserve it.)
Unshakable, immovable, faithful and true
Full of wisdom, strength and beauty
These things are true, of You
Fearless, courageous
Righteousness shines through in all You do
Yet You’re so humble, You laid down Your life
These things, are true, of You
~Chorus~
And as I, turn my face to You
Oh Lord I ask, and pray
By the power of, Your love and grace
Make these things true of, me too
Make these things true of, me too
Patient, compassionate
Love flows through You
You never give up, on the hopeless ones
These things, are true, of You
Your holy, and blameless
You stand up for justice and truth
Yet You love mercy, and forgiveness
These things, are true, of You
~Chorus~