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.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This chapter is the dramatic climax because it marks the irreversible psychological and spiritual turning poin…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes 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
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.
