what is the 6th commandment
The 6th Commandment Explained The sixth commandment, from the Bible's Ten Commandments in Exodus 20, varies slightly by religious tradition but centers on protecting life and relationships.
Protestant & Jewish View
In the Protestant and Jewish numbering (commandments 1-10 from Exodus 20:2-17), the sixth is "You shall not murder."
- This prohibits unlawful, premeditated killing of innocents, not self-defense, war, or capital punishment under law.
- Jesus expands it in Matthew 5:21-22 to include anger, insults, and hatred as "heart murder."
- Biblical example: Cain's murder of Abel in Genesis 4 shows God's judgment on unjust taking of life.
Catholic & Lutheran View
Catholics and Lutherans count Exodus 20:14 as the sixth: "You shall not commit adultery."
- It forbids marital unfaithfulness, lustful thoughts (per Jesus in Matthew 5:28), and actions harming marriage's sanctity.
- Broader meaning: Promotes purity, respect for bodies as God's temples, and fidelity in relationships.
- For kids: Teaches honesty in friendships and viewing marriage as God's holy design.
Why the Difference?
Numbering stems from how traditions split the first and tenth commandments—e.g., Protestants combine coveting into one, shifting the order.
Tradition| 6th Commandment Text| Key Bible Verse| Core Protection
---|---|---|---
Protestant/Jewish| You shall not murder| Exodus 20:13| Human life 19
Catholic/Lutheran| You shall not commit adultery| Exodus 20:14| Marriage &
purity 45
Modern Applications & Discussions
Today, "You shall not murder" applies to abortion debates, gun violence, and road rage—sparking forum talks on self-control. Adultery discussions trend around infidelity scandals and purity culture critiques online. Anger management tools, like David Powlison's 8 questions (e.g., "What are my motives?"), help live it out.
"Whoever is angry with his brother without cause is in danger of judgment." (Matthew 5:22)
In 2026, trending sermons link it to mental health, urging "choose life" (Deuteronomy 30:19).
TL;DR: Protestant 6th = no murder (life); Catholic = no adultery (marriage). Both call for love over harm.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.