The topic of killing is a complex and often controversial subject in the Bible. From the commandments to historical battles, the scripture offers a multifaceted view.
Today we will understand the biblical perspective on killing, examining the moral, ethical, and spiritual dimensions that the Bible presents on this profound topic. We’ll also look into the context, the teachings, and the wisdom the Bible shares about the value of life and the gravity of taking it.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Flying
Bible Verses About Killing
Exodus 20:13
You shall not murder.
This verse from the Ten Commandments clearly states that killing another human being is forbidden. God values the sanctity of human life and commands His people to respect and protect it.
Genesis 9:6
Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind.
After the flood, God establishes the principle of retribution for the taking of human life. This verse emphasizes the value placed on human life as being made in the image of God.
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. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
Jesus teaches that not only the act of physically killing but also harboring anger or contempt towards others is equally sinful and deserving of judgment. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a heart of love and forgiveness.
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 urges believers to refrain from seeking revenge for any wrongdoing committed against them. God alone is the ultimate judge and avenger, and He promises to repay and deal with injustice in His perfect timing.
Proverbs 24:17
Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice.
Instead of rejoicing over the defeat or harm of an enemy, this verse encourages us to show compassion and empathy. It reminds us to cultivate a heart that seeks reconciliation and desires the well-being of others, even those who may oppose us.
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.
John links the emotion of hatred towards others with the sin of murder. Hating someone goes against God’s command to love one another. This verse highlights the need for forgiveness and reconciliation in order to experience eternal life.
James 2:10
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.
James teaches that breaking even one commandment is enough to make a person guilty of breaking the entire law. Thus, the commandment against murder holds equal weight and importance as any other commandment given by God.
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.”
When Peter attempted to defend Jesus by using a sword, Jesus rebuked him and demonstrated a non-violent approach. This verse teaches us that violence begets violence, and those who resort to violence will eventually face its consequences.
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 detests the shedding of innocent blood. This verse reminds us that taking the life of an innocent person is detestable in the eyes of the Lord, and it is essential for us to align our values and actions with His righteous standards.
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.
Peter encourages believers to respond to evil and insult with blessings instead of seeking revenge. By doing so, we reflect the character of Christ and demonstrate the transformative power of love and forgiveness.
Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Jesus challenges His followers to love even their enemies and pray for those who mistreat or oppose them. This goes against the natural inclination to harm or seek retribution and requires a supernatural ability to forgive.
Proverbs 24:18
Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways.
We are warned against envying or imitating those who resort to violence. Choosing to engage in violence contradicts the teachings of Scripture and places us outside of God’s will.
James 4:2
You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.
James identifies the root cause of killing and violence as selfish desires and covetousness. Instead of resorting to violence, we are encouraged to seek God and bring our desires and needs before Him in prayer.
Ephesians 4:26
“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.
Paul advises believers to handle their anger without sinning. Unresolved anger can lead to a buildup of resentment and potentially dangerous situations. We are encouraged to address and resolve conflicts in a timely and righteous manner.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.
These verses highlight the fruit of the Spirit, which includes self-control. Through the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives, we can exercise self-control, preventing us from giving in to violence or harmful actions.
Proverbs 16:32
Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
Controlling our anger and channeling it appropriately requires more strength and wisdom than exercising physical power. This verse emphasizes the value of self-control and its ability to bring about peace and harmony.
Psalm 11:5
The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion.
God’s character is one of righteousness and justice. He hates those who love violence, demonstrating His desire for His people to follow after righteousness instead of resorting to harmful actions.
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Jesus declares that those who actively pursue and promote peace are blessed and considered as children of God. As followers of Christ, we are called to be instruments of peace, seeking reconciliation and harmony.
Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
God calls His people to stand up for justice, protect the vulnerable, and advocate for those who are oppressed. Taking up the cause of the marginalized does not involve violence but rather speaking up for their rights and well-being.
Proverbs 10:11
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
The words we speak can either bring life and healing or perpetuate violence and harm. This verse highlights the importance of using our words wisely and speaking life-giving words that promote peace and unity.
Colossians 3:8
But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
Paul challenges believers to rid themselves of harmful traits and actions like anger, malice, and slander. Instead, we are called to cultivate and display the character of Christ, which is characterized by love, forgiveness, and peace.
Psalm 34:14
Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
This verse encourages us to actively turn away from evil and instead pursue peace. Seeking peace involves intentional actions, such as resolving conflicts, promoting understanding, and fostering harmonious relationships.
Matthew 5:38-39
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.
Jesus challenges the common understanding of retribution by teaching a non-violent response to aggression. Turning the other cheek does not imply weakness but rather a refusal to retaliate with violence. It displays humility and a willingness to forgive.
Proverbs 17:14
Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
In order to avoid violence and maintain peace, this verse advises us to refrain from starting quarrels or engaging in unnecessary disputes. It emphasizes the importance of seeking reconciliation and preventing conflicts from escalating.
Matthew 5:21
“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.’
In this verse, Jesus affirms the commandment against murder and recognizes the divine judgment that awaits those who commit such acts. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of the crime, further reinforcing the value God places on human life.
These verses about killing convey a consistent message throughout the Bible: that taking the life of another human being is against God’s commandments and His desire for His people. They emphasize the importance of valuing and respecting human life, promoting reconciliation, and seeking peace instead of resorting to violence or retaliation.
The teachings of Jesus challenge us to go beyond the physical act of murder and examine the condition of our hearts, addressing issues such as anger, hatred, and unforgiveness. Instead of seeking revenge, we are called to forgive and love even our enemies, reflecting the transformative power of the gospel. Ultimately, these verses remind us of the value God places on each individual and the significance of pursuing justice and peace in our relationships and society.
What Does the Bible Say About Killing?
The Bible contains various passages that address the topic of killing. The sixth commandment in Exodus 20:13 clearly states, “You shall not murder.” This commandment reflects God’s view on the sanctity of human life and expresses His desire for us to value and protect the lives of others.
Additionally, in Matthew 5:21-22, Jesus emphasizes the seriousness of harboring anger and hatred towards others, equating it to murder in the heart. This passage teaches us that not only physical acts of killing are sinful, but also the intentions and attitudes behind them.
Furthermore, Romans 12:19 instructs us not to take revenge, but to leave justice in the hands of God. This indicates that we are not to take matters of judgment and punishment into our own hands, which aligns with the principle of respecting the sanctity of life.
The Bible does, however, acknowledge situations where killing may be justified, such as in self-defense or during times of war. These cases are addressed in passages like Exodus 22:2-3 and Ecclesiastes 3:3. Nevertheless, these instances are to be approached with great solemnity and a recognition of the gravity of taking a life.
As followers of Christ, we are called to uphold the value of human life, to love our enemies, and to seek peace and reconciliation. While the Bible acknowledges the existence of killing, it consistently portrays God’s desire for us to choose life, love, and forgiveness in all circumstances.