Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'Thou shalt not murder' mean in Jewish law?
A: The prohibition 'Thou shalt not murder' (לֹא תִּרְצָח) is one of the Ten Commandments and is understood in Jewish law as a strict prohibition against taking an innocent human life. According to the Talmud (Sanhedrin 57a), this applies to all people, not just Jews. The Rambam (Hilchot Rotzeach) elaborates that this includes any form of unjust killing, and the Torah prescribes severe consequences for violating this commandment.
Q: Why is 'Thou shalt not commit adultery' important in Judaism?
A: The commandment 'Thou shalt not commit adultery' (וְלֹא תִּנְאָף) is fundamental to maintaining the sanctity of marriage and family life in Judaism. The Talmud (Sotah 2a) teaches that adultery undermines trust and damages the fabric of society. Rashi explains that this prohibition includes all forbidden relationships as defined by the Torah, emphasizing the importance of moral purity and fidelity.
Q: What does 'Thou shalt not steal' include according to Jewish tradition?
A: The commandment 'Thou shalt not steal' (וְלֹא תִּגְנֹב) is broadly interpreted in Jewish law to include not only physical theft but also deception, fraud, and any form of dishonest gain. The Talmud (Bava Kamma 79b) distinguishes between different types of theft, and the Rambam (Hilchot Geneiva) details the laws of restitution. Even stealing small amounts is considered a serious violation of this mitzvah.
Q: What does 'bearing false witness' mean in the Torah?
A: The prohibition 'Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour' (וְלֹא־תַעֲנֶה בְרֵעֲךָ עֵד שָׁוְא) forbids lying in court or spreading harmful lies about others. The Talmud (Shevuot 31a) explains that false testimony can lead to grave injustices, and the Torah requires witnesses to be truthful. Rashi emphasizes that this includes any form of slander or harmful speech (lashon hara), which is considered a severe sin in Jewish law.
Q: How do these commandments apply in daily life today?
A: These commandments from Deuteronomy 5:17 remain central to Jewish ethical and legal practice. They guide interpersonal relationships, business dealings, and community integrity. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 38) teaches that these laws cultivate a just and moral society. Observing them helps maintain trust, respect for others' rights, and the sanctity of life—principles that are timeless and essential for a righteous life according to Torah values.
לֹא תִּרְצָח (Thou Shalt Not Murder)
Rashi (Shemot 20:13) explains that this prohibition includes any form of unlawful killing, whether by one's own hand or through indirect means. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 57a) further clarifies that this commandment applies universally to all humanity, as it is one of the Seven Noahide Laws. Rambam (Hilchot Rotzeach 1:1) emphasizes the severity of murder, stating that one who kills intentionally has no atonement except through capital punishment, as the verse states, "And surely your blood of your lives will I require" (Bereishit 9:5).
וְלֹא תִּנְאָף (Neither Shalt Thou Commit Adultery)
Rashi (Shemot 20:13) defines adultery as relations with a married woman, which is a capital offense. The Talmud (Kiddushin 68a) expands on this, stating that the prohibition applies only to a married woman, whereas relations with an unmarried woman fall under different categories of prohibition. Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 1:1) categorizes adultery as one of the most severe transgressions, as it undermines the sanctity of marriage and family structure.
וְלֹא תִּגְנֹב (Neither Shalt Thou Steal)
Rashi (Shemot 20:13) notes that this verse refers specifically to kidnapping (stealing a person), as opposed to theft of property, which is addressed elsewhere (Vayikra 19:11). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 86a) derives this distinction from the juxtaposition of this commandment with "Thou shalt not murder" and "Thou shalt not commit adultery," which are capital offenses. Rambam (Hilchot Geneivah 1:1) explains that kidnapping is punishable by death because it is akin to murder, as the victim's life is effectively taken from them.
וְלֹא־תַעֲנֶה בְרֵעֲךָ עֵד שָׁוְא (Neither Shalt Thou Bear False Witness Against Thy Neighbour)
Rashi (Shemot 20:13) explains that this prohibition includes any form of false testimony in court, which can lead to grave injustices. The Talmud (Shevuot 31a) elaborates that this commandment also encompasses spreading harmful rumors or slander (lashon hara), even if not in a formal court setting. Rambam (Hilchot Edut 17:1) emphasizes the severity of false testimony, as it can lead to wrongful convictions or the perversion of justice, which undermines the entire legal system.
Common Themes and Insights