Murder
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Exod. 20:13)—the unlawful and intentional taking of human life, forbidden by the commandment, “Thou shalt not kill,” more precisely, “You shall not murder.” The biblical verb does not classify every taking of life as murder. Scripture distinguishes intentional homicide from accidental killing and requires careful judgment concerning intent, negligence, and due precautions (Exod. 21:12–14; Num. 35:9–34; Deut. 19:1–13). The source’s categorical treatment of capital punishment and war reflects traditional catechetical reasoning and does not settle every moral, legal, or pastoral question.