Exodus 20:13:1Exod.20.13.W1TAB
לֹ֥א
lo
“do not”
- Transliteration
- LO
- Extended
- LOH
- IPA
- /ˈloː/
Meaning by language
- English
- do not
Alphabet Analysis
| Lamed | l as in law | |
| Holem | long 'oh' as in go | |
| Aleph | silent — a glottal stop; holds vowel points |
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The word
Word in context
- word
LO
- sentence
LO tir-TSAKH
Exegesis
The verse employs an apodictic prohibition marked by the negation particle lo {לֹ֥֖א | lōʾ} immediately preceding the Qal imperfect verb tirtsach {תִּֿרְצָ֖͏ֽח | tir-ṣāḥ} ‘you shall murder’. This word order signals a categorical, timeless ban distinct from jussive constructions. The imperfect form underscores ongoing applicability, while tirtsach specifically denotes premeditated, unlawful killing, setting it apart from other Hebrew verbs for fatal acts in combat or ritual contexts. The terse, paratactic structure reflects standard Hebrew legal style, conveying a universal ethical norm.
Root and etymology
Rootlamed-aleph-kaph
“to do work”
In context — Exodus 20:13
You shall not murder .
About this coordinate
Exodus 20:13:1 is a BCV:P reference — Book · Chapter · Verse · Word Position. It addresses word 1 of Exodus 20:13, so the Hebrew word לֹ֥א (lo) can be cited, linked and studied at exactly this position rather than somewhere in the verse. In the Biblical Knowledge Coordinate System the same position is written Exod.20.13.W1, which extends further down to each syllable (Exod.20.13.W1.S1) and character.