BG 1.39

...why should we, who clearly see the evil in killing our own clan, not turn away from committing this crime?

कथं न ज्ञेयमस्माभिः पापादस्मान्निवर्तितुम्
कुलक्षयकृतं दोषं प्रपश्यद्भिर्जनार्दन

kathaṁ — why
na — not
jñeyam — should be known
asmābhiḥ — we
pāpād — from sin
asmān — these
nivartitum — to turn away
kula-kṣhaya-kṛitaṁ — committing the killing of the family
- kula — community, family, tribe
- kṣhaya — destruction, killing
- kṛitaṁ — doing, accomplishment
doṣhaṁ — crime
prapaśhyadbhir — who can see
janārdana — Krishna

Those for whose sake we desire this kingdom, stand here in battle, ready to give up their lives and wealth.

[33]

These are our teachers, fathers, grandfathers, sons, uncles, in-laws, and kinsmen.

[34]

I would not slay them for dominion over the three worlds, let alone for the sake of one kingdom on Earth.

[35]

What pleasure will there be in killing the sons of Dhritarashtra? We would only incur sin by killing these aggressors.

[36]

How can we be happy after killing our own family and friends?

[37]

Even though their minds are so overpowered by greed that they see no problem in killing their relatives and friends,

[38]

why should we, who clearly see the evil in killing our own clan, not turn away from committing this crime?

[39]

Summary