Murder and Assassination: Understanding the Difference in Light of the Bible
Human life is sacred in Scripture, rooted in the truth that every person is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Because of this, the Bible places strict prohibitions on taking life unlawfully, declaring, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). Yet throughout history, not all killings have been described with the same word. Two terms—murder and assassination—carry distinct meanings. Murder refers broadly to the unlawful killing of another human being, while assassination specifies the murder of a public or political figure, often for political motives.
This distinction matters not only for historical accuracy but also for theological reflection. By comparing the definitions of murder and assassination, and by examining biblical teaching, Christians can better understand the weight of these terms and why both are condemned by the God who values human life.
1. Defining Murder in Biblical and Legal Terms
The Bible’s definition of murder is clear: the unlawful taking of human life.
Sacredness of life: Because human beings bear the image of God, to murder is to assault God’s design and authority (Genesis 9:6).
The Law’s prohibition: Exodus 20:13 and Deuteronomy 5:17 command against murder, establishing it as one of the Ten Commandments.
Legal discernment: Numbers 35 carefully distinguishes murder from accidental killing, showing that intent is a key factor in determining guilt.
Jesus’ teaching: In Matthew 5:21–22, Jesus expands the commandment beyond physical action, teaching that hatred, contempt, and anger themselves carry the seeds of murder.
Thus, murder is not only the physical act of killing but also a violation of love and respect toward one’s neighbor. It is always a usurpation of God’s authority over life and death.
2. Defining Assassination in Historical and Political Terms
Assassination is murder of a specific kind, focused on public figures and political purposes.
Basic definition: Assassination is the deliberate killing of a prominent figure—such as a ruler, leader, judge, or religious figure—usually to advance political, ideological, or revolutionary goals.
Historical roots: The word derives from the Arabic Hashshashin, a sect in the 11th–13th centuries known for political killings.
Examples in history:
Julius Caesar (44 BC), slain by senators claiming to save the republic.
Abraham Lincoln (1865), killed by John Wilkes Booth in retaliation for the Civil War.
Martin Luther King, Jr. (1968), targeted for his leadership in civil rights.
Motives: Assassinations are often intended to disrupt governments, retaliate against perceived injustices, or spark revolutions.
While assassination is a form of murder, its political dimension sets it apart. It is not only an attack on an individual but also on the community, system, or nation that person represents.
3. Murder and Assassination Compared
Murder and assassination overlap, yet the differences are significant.
Murder:
Applies to any unlawful killing of another person.
Defined by intent to kill without legal justification.
Violates God’s command to preserve human life.
Assassination:
A specific type of murder targeting public or political figures.
Motivated by political, ideological, or revolutionary reasons.
Attacks not only an individual but also the social order and authority structures.
Summary in list form:
All assassinations are murders.
Not all murders are assassinations.
Assassination amplifies the crime by its political and social impact.
4. Scriptural Teaching on Violence and Authority
Though the Bible does not use the word “assassination,” it directly addresses violence against leaders and underscores the sacredness of human life.
Respect for authority: Romans 13:1–4 commands Christians to honor governing authorities as servants of God. To attack rulers is to oppose God’s order.
Examples of kings: David refuses to kill Saul, though he has opportunity, declaring, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD’s anointed” (1 Samuel 24:6).
Prophetic critique vs. violent revolt: Scripture makes space for prophets to confront rulers with God’s Word but never justifies assassination as a means of reform.
Jesus’ example: In Gethsemane, when Peter raises the sword, Jesus rebukes him, saying, “All who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52).
Biblically, whether murder or assassination, taking life unlawfully violates both God’s image in humanity and God’s sovereignty over rulers and times.
5. The Gospel and the Sanctity of Life
Ultimately, the Gospel reframes the entire discussion.
Root of murder: As 1 John 3:15 declares, hatred itself is murder in seed form. The real battle is fought in the heart, where contempt and anger grow.
Christ’s response: Jesus does not retaliate when threatened by earthly rulers but entrusts himself to God’s plan. He dies at the hands of political and religious authorities, turning the greatest injustice into the means of salvation.
Christian calling: Believers are called not to repay evil for evil, but to pray for leaders (1 Timothy 2:1–2), seek peace, and protect life.
This means that both murder and assassination stand opposed to the Gospel of life. Christians are called not only to avoid unlawful killing but to actively promote human dignity, flourishing, and reconciliation.
Conclusion
The difference between murder and assassination is more than a matter of vocabulary. Murder is the unlawful taking of any human life, an affront to the image of God in humanity. Assassination is a form of murder that targets leaders or public figures for political motives, striking at both person and community. Scripture condemns both, calling God’s people to respect life, honor authority, and trust the Lord’s sovereign rule.
In the Gospel, we find the greater way: Christ, who absorbed violence without returning it, and who offers eternal life where hatred once ruled. For Christians, the distinction between murder and assassination highlights the depth of human sin—but also the greater grace of God who values every life.
Bible Verses on Murder, Authority, and Life
“You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13)
“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.” (Genesis 9:6)
“If anyone strikes down a person with an iron object, he is a murderer.” (Numbers 35:16)
“You have heard that it was said… ‘You shall not murder.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.” (Matthew 5:21–22)
“Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” (1 John 3:15)
“The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD’s anointed.” (1 Samuel 24:6)
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.” (Romans 13:1)
“First of all… pray for kings and all who are in high positions.” (1 Timothy 2:1–2)
“All who take the sword will perish by the sword.” (Matthew 26:52)
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God.” (Romans 12:19)
