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The City of God · Chapter

Of the cases in which we may put men to death without incurring the guilt of murder explained

Augustine discusses the exceptions to the commandment 'Thou shalt not kill,' arguing that killing is justified either by a general law (e.g., waging war in obedience to divine command or representing public justice) or by a special commissi

What happens

Augustine discusses the exceptions to the commandment 'Thou shalt not kill,' arguing that killing is justified either by a general law (e.g., waging war in obedience to divine command or representing public justice) or by a special commission from God. He cites Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac, Jephthah's vow, and Samson's self-destruction as examples of divinely authorized acts, emphasizing that without such authority, killing constitutes murder.

Themes in this chapter

  • Morality and Virtue vs. Pagan Corruption

    Augustine distinguishes between murder and divinely authorized killing, emphasizing obedience to God's law as the basis of virtue.

  • Sin, Grace, and Redemption

    The chapter explores the guilt of murder and the exceptions that avoid sin through divine authority.

Characters to notice

  • Augustine

    Author of the chapter, expounding on the moral and divine justifications for killing.

  • Abraham

    Cited as an example of piety for his willingness to slay his son in obedience to God.

  • Samson

    Mentioned as justified in destroying himself and his foes by secret divine instructions.

Key passages

  • “Abraham indeed was not merely deemed guiltless of cruelty, but was even applauded for his piety, because he was ready to slay his son in obedience to God, not to his own passion.”

    Abraham was praised for his piety, not condemned for cruelty, because his willingness to kill his son came from obedience to God, not personal desire.

    Augustine uses Abraham as a model of justified killing under divine command.

  • “With the exception, then, of these two classes of cases, which are justified either by a just law that applies generally, or by a special intimation from God Himself, the fountain of all justice, whoever kills a man, either himself or another, is implicated in the guilt of murder.”

    Except for cases justified by a general just law or a direct command from God, anyone who kills another person is guilty of murder.

    Augustine summarizes the two exceptions to the prohibition against killing.

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The City of God — Of the cases in which we may put men to death without incurring the guilt of murder Explained