The commandment “Thou shall not kill” is one of the most well-known instructions in the Bible. But what does it mean in broader terms, and are there any exceptions? Let’s explore what Scripture says about the sanctity of life and when taking a life is addressed in the Bible.
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What Does The Bible Say About Killing People
Exodus 20:13
“You shall not murder.”
This commandment from God clearly states that taking the life of another human being is forbidden. It speaks to the intrinsic value and sanctity of human life, emphasizing the importance of respecting and protecting it.
As Christians, we are called to uphold the commandment against murder and to promote peace and reconciliation instead of violence. This verse reminds us of the significance of valuing and cherishing every life, recognizing that each person is created in the image of God.
Genesis 9:6
“Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind.”
This verse highlights the severe consequence for taking someone’s life. It establishes the principle of capital punishment for the crime of murder, serving as a deterrent to protect society and uphold the sanctity of human life as a reflection of God’s image.
While the implementation of capital punishment may vary in different contexts today, this verse underscores the seriousness of the act of killing and draws attention to the inherent value of human life as divinely ordained.
Matthew 5:21-22
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.”
Jesus, in this passage, expands the understanding of murder beyond the physical act to include the internal disposition of anger and hatred towards others. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating love, forgiveness, and reconciliation rather than harboring harmful emotions.
This verse prompts us to examine the intentions and attitudes of our hearts, reminding us that taking another person’s life does not exclusively refer to the physical act alone but also includes the negative feelings and thoughts we entertain towards others.
Romans 12:19
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
This verse teaches us to refrain from seeking personal vengeance. Instead, we are called to trust in God’s justice and allow Him to right wrongs and settle accounts. It encourages forgiveness and the relinquishment of our desire to harm others.
As Christians, we are reminded to leave room for God’s judgment and to focus on being agents of reconciliation, extending grace and mercy towards those who have wronged us, rather than resorting to violence or seeking retribution.
Proverbs 6:16-17
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood.”
God’s Word clearly states His detestation for the shedding of innocent blood. This verse highlights the gravity of taking the life of an innocent person, separating it from any justifiable reason for violence or harm.
It serves as a reminder for us to align our hearts and actions with what God values and to actively promote and protect the sanctity of human life.
Matthew 26:52
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.”
In this verse, Jesus rebukes Peter for attempting to use violence to defend Him. Jesus emphasizes a non-violent approach, teaching that those who resort to the sword will often face its dire consequences.
As disciples of Christ, we are called to follow His example of non-violence, seeking peaceful resolutions and trusting in God’s protection and justice.
1 John 3:15
“Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.”
This verse vividly connects harboring hatred towards others with the sin of murder. It asserts that anyone who cultivates hate or animosity within their heart is spiritually aligning themselves with the destructive act of killing.
As followers of Christ, we are called to embody love, extending grace and forgiveness, and rejecting any form of hatred that may lead to harm or violence.
Galatians 5:19-21
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
In this passage, the apostle Paul lists various behaviors that are contrary to God’s will. Hatred and fits of rage are included among this list, indicating their opposition to the character of Christ and the Kingdom of God.
This verse reminds us of the importance of living in accordance with God’s commandments and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, striving to reflect Christ’s love and rejecting any form of violence or animosity.
1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
This verse challenges us to break the cycle of violence or revenge and instead respond to evil with kindness and blessings. It encourages a transformative response, seeking the greater good and pointing others to the redemptive power of Christ.
As believers, we have a divine calling to emulate Christ’s example of love and grace, even in the face of hostility or harm.
Matthew 22:39
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
In this verse, Jesus summarizes the second greatest commandment after loving God with all our hearts – to love our neighbors as ourselves. This all-encompassing love encompasses not only those who are close to us but also extends to all people, regardless of their background, beliefs, or actions.
By loving our neighbors as ourselves, we are actively promoting peace, understanding, and compassion, and deliberately rejecting any inclination towards violence or harm.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
These verses from the famous “love chapter” in Corinthians describe the attributes of love. It emphasizes that love is not marked by anger, revenge, or violence but rather by patience, kindness, humility, and forgiveness.
As followers of Christ, we are called to exhibit the love described in this passage, fostering an environment of peace and displaying Christ’s transformative love to the world.
Romans 12:17-18
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
In these verses, Paul urges believers to resist the temptation to seek revenge or harm in response to evil done against them. Instead, we are encouraged to live in a way that honors God and seeks peace with all people.
Striving for peace is an active pursuit, requiring us to prioritize reconciliation and forgiveness, even when it may be challenging or uncomfortable.
Matthew 5:43-44
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
In this passage, Jesus challenges the conventional wisdom of loving only those who are kind to us and commands His followers to extend love even to their enemies. This radical love includes praying for those who may seek to harm us.
By loving our enemies, we break the cycle of violence and foster a spirit of reconciliation and transformation, demonstrating the power of Christ’s redemptive love.
Ephesians 4:31-32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
These verses instruct believers to cast off negative and destructive attitudes such as bitterness, rage, and anger. Instead, we are called to cultivate kindness, compassion, and forgiveness towards one another.
By choosing forgiveness over vengeance, we reflect the transformative power of Christ’s forgiveness in our own lives and create an atmosphere of peace and healing.
Proverbs 24:29
“Do not say, ‘I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.'”
This verse warns against seeking personal retaliation and retribution. It cautions us against perpetuating a cycle of violence, instead encouraging us to trust in God’s justice and remain committed to living in a manner that honors Him.
As believers, we are called to break free from the temptation to respond in kind to those who have done us wrong, and instead focus on demonstrating love and forgiveness.
Romans 13:9-10
“The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not covet,’ and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.”
In this passage, the apostle Paul highlights that all of God’s commandments can be encapsulated in the call to love one’s neighbor. He asserts that genuine love does not cause harm to others.
By living out this commandment to love, we actively choose to reject violence and harm, seeking the well-being and welfare of those around us.
James 1:19-20
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
In these verses, James implores believers to exercise restraint in their communication and emotions. He stresses the importance of active listening, measured speech, and slower anger.
By cultivating these qualities and responding to conflict or disagreement with wisdom and understanding, we can help to diffuse potentially violent situations and promote understanding and reconciliation.
John 15:12
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
Jesus, speaking to His disciples, gives them a new commandment – to love one another just as He has loved them. His sacrificial and unconditional love becomes the standard for how His followers are to love others.
By embracing this commandment, we demonstrate Christ’s love to the world, actively promoting peace and rejecting any inclination towards violence or harm.
Psalm 11:5
“The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion.”
This verse expresses God’s intense distaste for those who enjoy and perpetrate violence. It conveys His desire for righteousness and His opposition to any form of harm inflicted on others.
As people of God, we are called to emulate His character, aligning ourselves with righteousness and actively shunning violence and harm.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect, dignity, and kindness. It warns against despising or devaluing our neighbors, instead encouraging us to be generous and compassionate, especially towards those in need.
By actively showing care and concern for others, we create an atmosphere of love and understanding that opposes violence and harm towards our fellow human beings.
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declares those who make peace to be blessed, referring to those who actively work towards reconciliation and the resolution of conflicts.
This verse reminds us of the importance of actively pursuing peace, promoting dialogue, understanding, and forgiveness in our relationships, communities, and the world at large.
Luke 6:27-28
“But to you who are listening, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
In these verses, Jesus challenges His followers to love their enemies and respond to hatred and mistreatment with acts of kindness, blessing, and prayer. He calls His disciples to embody love, even towards those who are hostile towards them.
By choosing love over violence, we demonstrate the transformational power of Christ’s love and extend the opportunity for redemption and reconciliation to those who oppose us.