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Originally posted by Faceman:
As I have stated in my Disclaimer in the previous topic I am not quite firm on that subject BUT
I understand that like many other misinterpreted religous texts the Bible is often taken too literally or badly translated.
In the case of "Thou shall not kill" I think (and many philologists and theologists agree) that it should in fact be "Thou shall not murder". This would exclude executions and killing in wars and makes perfect sense in the historical context.
Ordering "not to kill in any case" would be highly unrealistic in a time where wars were common and punishments were strict.
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Hey, I won't claim to be an expert either, but thats besides the point to an honest discussion of personal veiws IMHO. Just the fact that we have read the book and/or read other peoples writings about the book and think/thought about it qualifies the debate in my opinion. I'm sure someone will disagree but they are entitled to their own opinions.
Anyway my reply is...
But what is war but mass premediatated killing? What is an execution but a pre-meditated killing by government? The Commandment does not say "Thou shall not murder...except".
Here is a definition of the hebrew word for murder "Ratsach" I found
Here.
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1.to murder, slay, kill
a.(Qal) to murder, slay
1.premeditated
2.accidental
3.as avenger
4.slayer (intentional) (participle)
b.(Niphal) to be slain
c.(Piel)
1.to murder, assassinate
2.murderer, assassin (participle)(subst)
d.(Pual) to be killed
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