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The Hebrew original does not say, ‘Do not kill.’ It says…

“The Hebrew original does not say, ‘Do not kill.’ It says, ‘Do not murder.’ Both Hebrew and English have two words for taking a life — one is ‘kill’ (harag, in Hebrew) and the other is ‘murder’ (ratzach in Hebrew).” quote by Dennis Prager
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““The Hebrew original does not say, ‘Do not kill.’ It says, ‘Do not murder.’ Both Hebrew and English have two words for taking a life — one is ‘kill’ (harag, in Hebrew) and the other is ‘murder’ (ratzach in Hebrew).””

Dennis Prager

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Distinguishes moral prohibition of unlawful killing from broader prohibition of taking life, emphasizing precise language in ethics.

In simple terms: Murder is a moral crime, not all killing.

Key Takeaway

Use precise terms when discussing ethics.

Themes

ethics language law

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

explanatory educational

When to use this quote

  • legal debates
  • theological discussions
  • education
  • policy making

Key Concepts

moral philosophy semantics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does word choice affect moral judgments?
  • When should we differentiate killing from murder?
A Different Perspective

Legal contexts may still treat all killing similarly, blurring nuance.

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