13 You shall not kill. (Exodus 20:13)
The Fifth Commandment forbids all unlawful killing of human beings. Killing is lawful under certain circumstances, such as self-defense, the prosecution of a just war, and the application of the death penalty by lawful authority in response to a very grave crime. Murder—the taking of innocent human life—is never lawful, and neither is suicide, the taking of one’s own life.
Like the Fourth Commandment, the reach of the Fifth Commandment is broader than it might appear at first. Causing deliberate harm to others, either in a body or in a soul, is forbidden, even if such harm does not result in physical death or the destruction of the life of the soul by leading it into mortal sin. Harboring anger or hatred against others is likewise a violation of the Fifth Commandment.
The Sacredness of Human Life: Understanding the 5th Commandment (6:00)
Life Is Sacred | The 5th Commandment (8:33)
Here are the Catholic Ten Commandments:
- I am the LORD your God. You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.
- You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
- Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.
- Honor your father and your mother.
- You shall not kill.
- You shall not commit adultery.
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
- You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.
- You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.
