ESV Reformation Study Bible – Ex 20:13
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Ex 20:13

20:13 murder. The law distinguishes between manslaughter and premeditated murder. The verb here is never applied to Israel at war, and capital punishment was already authorized (Gen. 9:6; cf. Lev. 24:17; Num. 35:30–34). Human life is sacred because man bears God’s image (Gen. 9:5, 6 and notes).