PhrasesHub

Thou shalt not kill

    Definitions

      • religious commandment
        To emphasize the prohibition against taking someone's life, often used to emphasize the value of human life and the importance of not committing murder

      • moral principle
        To emphasize the importance of non-violence and peaceful coexistence, often used to advocate for peaceful solutions to conflicts

    Examples of Thou shalt not kill

    • "The government has strict laws against capital punishment. Thou shalt not kill, except in cases of self-defense or as a legal punishment for heinous crimes."

      This idiomatic expression, "Thou shalt not kill," is often referred to as the Biblical commandment against murder. It emphasizes the importance of protecting human life and avoiding intentional and unjustified taking of life. This example illustrates how this idiom is applied in a legal context, highlighting the exceptions to this commandment that are recognized by society through its laws.

    • "In a warzone, Kill or be killed. But, that's not how the world works outside warzone. Thou shalt not kill, except in cases of self-defense."

      This example demonstrates the contrast between the harsh reality of war and the peaceful principles of our society outside the battlefield. The idiom is used to differentiate between situations where taking life is a necessity for survival and those where it is a criminal offense.

    • "The pharmaceutical company's stance is crystal clear: Thou shalt not kill. They pledge to never test their products on human beings."

      This idiomatic expression, in this context, is used in non-medical situations to raise an issue of moral dilemma. The company's stance against human testing is deeply rooted in their principles, which illustrates the importance of human life and the value of avoiding its unjustified loss.

    • "The animal rights activists, who protested against the cosmetics brand's decision to test on animals, reminded them that Thou shalt not kill, except in cases where it's absolutely necessary."

      This idiom is used in activism and advocacy to challenge the practices that run counter to societal values and principles. The activists were reminding the brand that they should avoid animal testing, except in rare instances where it's required by law or for medical research purposes.

    • Tom knew that breaking the law was against society's rules, much like how "thou shalt not kill" is a fundamental moral principle that holds true in all religions and cultures.

      The idiom "thou shalt not kill" is a direct reference to the commandment in the Bible, which forbids taking a human life. It's a metaphorical expression that represents the principle of respecting innocent lives and avoiding violence as much as possible. In the example, it's used to emphasize the universality and importance of this moral principle, despite its religious origin.

    • Emily refused to participate in the organized protest against the death penalty, as she believed that "thou shalt not kill" applies to all parties, including the state.

      The phrase "thou shalt not kill" is not just a religious commandment but a foundational principle that should guide the actions of all individuals and institutions. Emily's argument here is that capital punishment falls contradictory to this principle, as it directly involves authorized killing by the state. Her opposing belief is an example of how the idiom continues to be relevant in broader secular contexts.

    • The group of friends promised each other that they wouldn't let any harm come to their pet hamster, no matter what. They vowed "thou shalt not kill" in order to protect the innocent creature.

      The idiom "thou shalt not kill" has evolved from its religious context to refer to the value of preserving all life, regardless of its size or species. In this example, it's used humorously to illustrate the group's commitment to taking care of the hamster and avoiding any fatal accidents. It shows how the idiom can be applied beyond just humans and extend to other living beings as well.

    • The detective tried to uncover the identity of the person responsible for the home invasion and subsequent murder, determined to bring them to justice for breaking "thou shalt not kill."

      The phrase "thou shalt not kill" has become a symbol for universal morality, and has been integrated into legal and justice systems around the world. Here, it's used in the context of criminal law, portraying the detective's strong sense of justice and his commitment to protecting innocent lives. This example underscores the role of religious and moral principles in criminal justice systems, which continue to be influenced by biblical teachings.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "Thou shalt not kill" is a direct quote from the Bible, specifically from the Ten Commandments in the book of Exodus. It is often used to emphasize the religious and moral principle of not committing murder and valuing human life. It can be used to discourage violence and promote peaceful resolutions to conflicts.

    Origin of "Thou shalt not kill"

    The idiom "Thou shalt not kill" comes from the King James Version of the Bible, which was first published in 1611. The phrase is part of the sixth commandment, which is a foundational moral and ethical principle in Christianity and Judaism. The commandment prohibits the act of murder and emphasizes the sanctity of human life. The idiom has been widely used in literature, speeches, and everyday conversation to convey the importance of non-violence and the immorality of taking someone's life. For example, it has been invoked in discussions about capital punishment and war to advocate for peaceful and non-lethal solutions. Overall, the idiom "Thou shalt not kill" has deep religious and moral origins and continues to be a powerful expression of the value of human life and the prohibition against violence.