# Is “Thou shalt not kill” in the Bible?

> Yes. “Thou shalt not kill” is in the Bible, at Exodus 20:13.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/thou-shalt-not-kill
By Andrew Kittridge · November 9, 2026

God says it at Mount Sinai. It is one of the Ten Commandments.

## The verse

> Do not murder.
>
> — [Exodus 20:13](https://www.lumin.faith/read/exodus/20#13) (Lumin Translation)

These exact words are in the King James Bible. The Lumin Translation, a modern English Bible, is quoted here, and it words the verse differently.

## What it means there

The Hebrew word is about unlawful killing, so most modern translations say “do not murder.” Jesus takes it further, to anger and insults (Matthew 5:21-22).

## Also in the Bible

> Do not murder.
>
> — [Deuteronomy 5:17](https://www.lumin.faith/read/deuteronomy/5#17) (Lumin Translation)

> You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will face judgment.’
>
> — [Matthew 5:21](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/5#21) (Lumin Translation)

## Common questions

### Is “Thou shalt not kill” in the Bible?

Yes. “Thou shalt not kill” is in the Bible, at Exodus 20:13. These exact words are in the King James Bible. The Lumin Translation, a modern English Bible, is quoted here, and it words the verse differently. God says it at Mount Sinai. It is one of the Ten Commandments.

### Where in the Bible is “Thou shalt not kill”?

In Exodus 20:13, and also Deuteronomy 5:17 and Matthew 5:21. In the Lumin Translation, Exodus 20:13 reads: “Do not murder.”

### Who said “Thou shalt not kill”?

God says it at Mount Sinai. It is one of the Ten Commandments.

### What does “Thou shalt not kill” mean in the Bible?

The Hebrew word is about unlawful killing, so most modern translations say “do not murder.” Jesus takes it further, to anger and insults (Matthew 5:21-22).

## More

- [Is “Wash your hands of it” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/wash-your-hands-of-it.md)
- [Where is “Be still and know that I am God” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/be-still-and-know-that-i-am-god.md)
- [Where is “God has not given us a spirit of fear” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/god-has-not-given-us-a-spirit-of-fear.md)
- [Where is “No temptation has overtaken you” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/no-temptation-has-overtaken-you.md)
- [Where is “Perfect love casts out fear” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/perfect-love-casts-out-fear.md)
- [Where is “Delight yourself in the Lord” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/delight-yourself-in-the-lord.md)
- [Where is “God is our refuge and strength” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/god-is-our-refuge-and-strength.md)
- [Where is “Children are a heritage from the Lord” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/children-are-a-heritage-from-the-lord.md)
- [Check any word or a whole song](https://www.lumin.faith/bible-verse-checker)