The Pauline interpretation of “thou shalt not murder” of Ex 20,13 from Rm 13,8-10

Abstract

The Decalogue, presented in the book of Exodus (20,1-17) with a corresponding text in the book of Deuteronomy (Dt 5,6-21), forms the foundation of Judeo-Christian religious ethics. Among these commandments, “thou shalt not murder” (Ex 20,13) is often cited as a fundamental moral principle. However, the interpretation and application of this commandment have varied over time and among different religious traditions. In the context of the New Testament, Paul of Tarsus, in his Epistle to the Romans, offers a remarkable reinterpretation of this commandment, emphasizing the primacy of “love for one’s neighbor,” revisiting the text of Lv 19,18, also cited in Gal 5,14 and by the author of the Letter of James (Jas 2,8). This article seeks to explore Paul's exegesis of “thou shalt not kill” in light of Rom 13,8-10, which, using the OT from the version of the LXX, uses “thou shalt not kill” (Rom 13,9), investigating how this interpretation reflects a broader ethical understanding and its relevance to contemporary Christian ethics. To achieve this purpose, the present article is structured around the following steps, Paul’s interpretation of “thou shalt not kill” and its relevance; the Old Testament basis of Rom 13,8-10 in Ex 20,13; an analysis of Rom 13,8-10; a presentation of Rom 13,8-10, according to the steps of the Semitic Biblical Rhetorical Analysis method and possible implications for contemporary Christian ethics.