Killing in Self-Defense

Question

I know you people have a commandment not to commit murder. And you are not supposed to violate it even to save a life. Then what permits killing in self defense?

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    Jewish Law makes a very clear differentiation between murder and taking a life. Murder is always forbidden, and in Jewish Law it is often defined as a premeditated act. Actually, in order for it to be considered murder according to the Torah’s definition, there are many details that must be fulfilled.

    On the other hand, there are many scenarios where taking another person’s life is not considered to be murder at all. One of the examples is the one that you cite, that of self-defense. When a person is faced with being physically attacked by another person, it is permitted to defend themselves, and, if needs be, to kill the attacker if there is no other alternative. It is not considered murder, and according to Jewish Law, there are no legal repercussions.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team