Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 69 of 107
What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?
A.The sixth commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbor unjustly, or whatsoever tendeth thereunto.
Which Bible passages support this answer?
The Westminster Assembly attached these Scripture proofs to answer 69. Read them together and ask what each one shows about the answer.
What does this answer mean?
The sixth commandment forbids taking away our own life, or our neighbor's life unjustly, and whatever tends toward it. The words 'whatsoever tendeth thereunto' reach to the things that lead toward harm, such as hatred, cruelty and hurting others. Parents can explain the parts of this answer at a level that suits each child.
What can we ask our children?
- What does 'whatsoever tendeth thereunto' mean?
- What attitudes can lead toward hurting someone?
- Why does God care about our anger as well as our actions?
Can I print this question?
Yes. Every printable here is free for home, church and co-op use. Press Print on any of these pages for a clean sheet.
- Memory card for question 69 (fold-over card, question on the front)
- Copywork page for question 69 (trace, then copy)
- Memory cards for questions 61 to 70
- Copywork for questions 61 to 70
- All Westminster Shorter Catechism printables
Text: The Shorter Catechism, constitutional text of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Public domain (1647). Proof references: Scripture proofs added by the Westminster Assembly, as transcribed by The Westminster Standard. Scripture quotations are from the NET Bible; see permissions.
Checked against a second edition on November 15, 2026. Explanation and questions by Household Theology Press. Last updated November 15, 2026.