Amanda Bynes -- I Was Joking About Murdering My Dad

Amanda Bynes says she does NOT want to kill her family -- claiming the audio TMZ posted of her saying she wanted to murder her dad and slit her mom's wrists ... was just a joke.

Bynes says, "i was obviously joking about hurting my family - i straight up don't believe in harming a soul."

In a tweet Saturday, she added ... "I said what I said in jest & if you don't understand that then know I'm in therapy to talk about my dad issues and that will solve my concerns with ppl invading my private life. I am one of the most thoughtful girls you'll ever meet so don't read into what I joke about."

As we previously reported ... members of Amanda's family said they wanted us to post the audio -- which could be a wake-up call for medical professionals to intervene and get her help.

Bynes also said she didn't really want Drake to murder her vagina ... adding, "So take what I say lightly because I am the nicest girl."