רָצַח (ra.tsach)
ra.tsach
to murder
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 39 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ra.tsach means to kill a human being, but its specific force lies in the distinction between intentional homicide and accidental death. While other words exist for general killing or battle casualties, this term is reserved for unlawful taking of life. It appears frequently in legal texts such as Numbers 35 and Deuteronomy 19, where the law carefully separates premeditated murder from unintentional manslaughter.
Its etymology suggests a violent action, literally "to dash in pieces," which underscores the finality and brutality of the act. The sources note that it covers both the deliberate killer and the one who is slain. This precision is vital for understanding commands like those in Exodus 20:13, where the prohibition targets malicious intent rather than all forms of death.
Translators often render this word as "murder" or "kill," depending on context. In narrative passages, it describes acts of violence with clear moral weight. The consistent use of this term in legal codes highlights the ancient Israelite concern for justice and the sanctity of human life, distinguishing between guilt and innocence in cases of death.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The command against murder in Exodus 20:13 uses a Hebrew word that carries significant weight. It does not simply mean to take a life, but to do so unlawfully and with malicious intent. This distinction matters because it protects the innocent from unjust violence while acknowledging that not all deaths are acts of sin. The law in Numbers 35 shows how ancient Israel cared deeply for justice, providing cities of refuge for those who killed accidentally.
For your faith today, this word reminds us that God values every human life. It calls you to examine your heart for anger or hatred, which Jesus later identified as the root of murder in the spirit. You are invited to pursue peace and protect the vulnerable, knowing that God sees the difference between a crime of passion and a tragic accident.
This precision in Scripture helps us understand that God is both just and merciful. He demands accountability for intentional evil but provides a way out for those who act without malice. This balance reflects His character, offering hope to those who seek righteousness and safety in a broken world.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 39 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ killer21×
- a killer4×
- [is] a killer4×
- you must murder2×
- they murder2×
- ¿/ have you murdered1×
- will you murder?1×
- the/ murderer1×
- someone will kill1×
- murderers1×
- killer1×
- he will kill1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הָ/רֹצֵ֔חַ6×
- רֹצֵ֣חַֽ4×
- הָ/רֹצֵ֑חַ4×
- הָ/רֹצֵֽחַ\׃3×
- רוֹצֵ֗חַ2×
- רֹצֵ֔חַ2×
- הָ/רֹצֵ֗חַ2×
- הָ/רֹצֵ֖חַ2×
- תִּֿרְצָֽח\׃\ \ס1×
- תִּֿרְצָֽ֖ח\׃\ \ס1×
- רוֹצֵ֔חַ1×
- רֹצֵֽחַ\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 20:13
“You shall not murder.
This verse establishes the foundational moral boundary against intentional homicide, using this specific term to define the sin.
-
Numbers 35:16
“‘But if he struck him with an instrument of iron, so that he died, he is a murderer. The murderer shall surely be put to death.
The text uses this word to identify a killer who used an iron instrument, proving that the method and intent confirm the charge of murder.
-
Numbers 35:12
The cities shall be for your refuge from the avenger, that the man slayer not die until he stands before the congregation for judgment.
Here the word distinguishes the murderer from the accidental slayer, showing that the legal system protected the innocent from vigilante justice.
-
Deuteronomy 4:42
that the man slayer might flee there, who kills his neighbor unintentionally and didn’t hate him in time past, and that fleeing to one of these cities he might live:
This occurrence highlights the mercy built into the law by allowing those who killed unintentionally to flee for safety.