The Bible’s command not to kill is clear, but it also addresses the deeper issues of anger and hatred. Today, we’ll uncover what Scripture teaches about valuing life and pursuing peace in all circumstances.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Being A Light
What Does The Bible Say About Killing Someone
Exodus 20:13
“You shall not murder.”
This verse from the Ten Commandments explicitly prohibits the act of intentionally taking someone’s life. It affirms the sanctity of human life and emphasizes the value God places on every individual.
As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors and uphold the dignity of all people. Therefore, this commandment serves as a reminder to respect and protect life, recognizing that only God has the authority to give and take it away.
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.”
In these verses, Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard by addressing the root cause of murder: anger and unresolved conflicts. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy relationships and reconciling with others, rather than allowing anger to escalate into violence.
As Christians, we are called to embrace forgiveness, grace, and mercy, even in the face of conflict. These verses remind us to prioritize reconciliation and seek peaceful resolutions, rather than harboring anger or allowing it to drive us to harm others.
Romans 12:19
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'”
This verse teaches us that vengeance belongs to God alone and that we should never take matters into our own hands. Instead of seeking revenge, we are called to trust in God’s justice and allow Him to handle any wrongs committed against us.
As followers of Christ, our role is to respond with love, forgiveness, and compassion. This verse reminds us to release our desire for revenge and trust that God will bring justice and righteousness in His own time and way.
1 John 3:15
“Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.”
In this verse, John highlights the destructive nature of hate and its connection to the act of murder. Hatred is akin to murder in that it harbors the same spirit of hostility and disregard for human life.
As believers, we are called to love one another and to earnestly pursue peace and reconciliation. This verse challenges us to examine our hearts and to strive for inner transformation, ensuring that love and compassion are the driving forces in our relationships.
Leviticus 24:17
“Whoever takes a human life shall surely be put to death.”
This verse from the Old Testament outlines the severity of taking someone’s life and the consequences it carries. It emphasizes the value placed on human life and underscores the importance of justice.
While the Old Testament law may seem harsh, it serves as a reminder that God sees the value of every human being and upholds justice for those who have been wronged. As followers of Christ, we are called to respect and cherish human life, seeking justice and advocating for the well-being of others.
Proverbs 6:17
“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood.”
This verse highlights the things that are detestable to the Lord, including hands that shed innocent blood. It exposes the wickedness and evil of taking the life of an innocent person.
As Christians, we are called to be agents of love, mercy, and justice. This verse reminds us of the importance of valuing human life and renouncing any form of violence or harm towards the innocent. It also challenges us to examine our own hearts and ensure that we are living in alignment with God’s desires.
Genesis 9:6
“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.”
In this verse, God establishes the principle of retribution for the shedding of human blood. It reflects the inherent value and dignity of human life, as we are created in the image of God.
While this verse primarily addresses the implementation of human justice systems, it also serves as a reminder to us as Christians that we should respect and honor the sacredness of every human life. It calls us to promote justice and ensure the protection of others from harm, as we are all created in the image of God.
Deuteronomy 5:17
“You shall not murder.”
This verse reiterates the commandment against murder given by God to His people. It is a simple and straightforward statement that underscores the importance of preserving human life.
As followers of Christ, we are called to love and value life, recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every individual. This verse serves as a reminder for us to uphold the sanctity of life, fostering a culture of compassion, empathy, and respect for others.
1 John 2:11
“But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.”
This verse exposes the destructive nature of hate and its role in leading individuals astray. Hate blinds our understanding, distorts our perceptions, and hinders our ability to navigate life with clarity and purpose.
As Christians, we are called to walk in the light of Christ, filled with love and compassion. This verse reminds us of the need to examine our hearts and root out any hatred or bitterness, seeking instead to embrace the transformative power of God’s love in our lives and relationships.
1 Timothy 1:9
“Understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers.”
These verses highlight the purpose of the law, which includes addressing the actions of those who commit murder. The law is designed to bring order, justice, and accountability to a world tainted by sin and wrongdoing.
As followers of Christ, we are called to live in obedience to God’s commands, respecting authority, and upholding the sanctity of life. These verses remind us of the significance of honoring and valuing human life and standing against any form of violence or harm.
James 4:2
“You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask.”
These verses reveal the destructive consequences of unchecked desires and conflicts. Murder is shown to stem from unresolved and unmet desires, as well as from a lack of communication and reliance on God’s provision.
As Christians, we are called to bring our desires and needs before God, trusting in His provision and submitting to His will. These verses serve as a reminder to actively seek God in all areas of our lives, avoiding the destructive path of coveting and quarreling that may lead to harm or violence.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”
These verses highlight the sanctity of our bodies as God’s temple, emphasizing the divine presence within us and the need to treat ourselves and others with respect and honor.
As believers, we are called to value and protect life, both physically and spiritually. This verse warns against the destructive nature of harming ourselves or others, reminding us to honor and preserve the sacredness of our bodies as dwelling places of God’s Spirit.
Galatians 5:19-21
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
In these verses, Paul presents a list of sinful behaviors that are contrary to the Kingdom of God. This includes acts of anger and violence, highlighting the destructive consequences they have on relationships and our spiritual well-being.
As Christians, we are called to live by the Spirit rather than by the desires of the flesh. These verses serve as a reminder to reject violence and seek the fruit of the Spirit, such as love, peace, and self-control, in our interactions with others.
Ephesians 4:26
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.”
These verses acknowledge the reality of anger as an emotion but emphasize the importance of handling it in a healthy and righteous way. Christians are encouraged to address and resolve their anger promptly, without letting it escalate into sinful actions or prolonged resentment.
As believers, we are called to respond with grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation, even in moments of anger. These verses remind us to deal with our emotions responsibly, promoting healthy relationships and preventing the potential harm or violence that may result from uncontrolled anger.
Matthew 5:21-26
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.”
In this passage, Jesus delves deeper into the issue of anger, highlighting its potential to lead to judgment and even eternal consequences. He urges His followers to prioritize reconciliation and resolution, even above religious acts of worship.
As Christians, we are called to promote harmonious relationships, resolving conflicts in a peaceful and timely manner. These verses challenge us to address any unresolved anger or conflict promptly, seeking reconciliation and demonstrating the transformative power of God’s love in our lives.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse highlights the importance of valuing and treating our neighbors with kindness and generosity. It exposes the sinful nature of despising others and promotes a mindset of compassion and care.
As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, extending grace and compassion to those in need. This verse serves as a reminder to promote life-giving actions rather than destructive ones, seeking to bless and uplift others, especially the poor and marginalized.
Proverbs 3:31
“Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways.”
In this verse, we are warned against envying or imitating those who resort to violence. It serves as a reminder that violence and harm are not the paths to success, fulfillment, or righteousness.
As Christians, we are called to follow the example of Christ, who demonstrated love, compassion, and nonviolence. This verse urges us to pursue peace and reject any actions that may harm others, choosing instead to embody the values of Christ in our words and deeds.
Matthew 5:38-39
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
These verses challenge the notion of seeking revenge or responding to violence with violence. Jesus encourages His followers to reject the cycle of vengeance and respond to evil with love, grace, and a willingness to suffer for the sake of righteousness.
As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers and ambassadors of reconciliation, even in the face of harm or injustice. These verses compel us to resist the urge to retaliate, instead choosing the path of forgiveness and extending the transformative power of God’s love to others.
Romans 13:9
“For the commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,’ and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'”
This verse encapsulates the essence of God’s commandments, emphasizing the central role of love in the Christian faith. Love for others serves as the foundation for refraining from harming or taking the life of our neighbor.
As followers of Christ, we are called to love one another, valuing and protecting the lives of our neighbors. This verse reminds us that love is not only an emotion but also an action that reflects the heart of God and transforms our relationships and interactions with others.
Psalm 103:9
“He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever.”
This verse assures us of God’s character and His restraint in dealing with our wrongdoing. While human anger can lead to destructive outcomes, God’s anger is tempered with mercy and patience.
As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate God’s attributes, including His patience and forgiveness. This verse reminds us that, rather than acting out of anger, we should seek to reconcile and extend grace to others, reflecting the redemptive nature of God’s love.
Proverbs 21:3
“To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”
This verse highlights the importance of justice and righteousness in the eyes of God. It emphasizes that living a life aligned with God’s principles and promoting fairness is more pleasing to Him than religious rituals or offerings.
As Christians, we are called to advocate for justice, stand against violence, and protect the sanctity of life. This verse challenges us to actively live out our faith by pursuing righteousness and seeking justice for those who have been wronged, through acts of compassion, mercy, and love.
Proverbs 16:29
“A man of violence entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good.”
This verse exposes the harmful influence of individuals who resort to violence and harm others. It warns of the negative consequences that can result from following such destructive paths.
As Christians, we are called to be discerning and to avoid being influenced by those who promote violence or harm. This verse encourages us to choose the path of peace, seeking to build up one another and lead others in ways that reflect the love and righteousness of God.
Proverbs 10:11
“The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.”
This verse highlights the contrasting effects of the words spoken by the righteous and the wicked. The righteous use their words to bring life, while the wicked use their words to hide their violent intentions and harm others.
As followers of Christ, we are called to use our words to build up and encourage others, rather than tearing them down. This verse reminds us of the power of our speech and encourages us to foster an environment of love, peace, and respect for the dignity of every individual.
James 2:13
“For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
These verses emphasize the importance of practicing mercy and compassion towards others. We are reminded that, just as we seek mercy from God, we are called to extend mercy to others rather than condemning them.
As Christians, we are called to be agents of grace and forgiveness, reflecting the love and mercy we have received in our interactions with others. These verses challenge us to reject the path of violence and judgment, instead embracing the transformative power of mercy in our relationships.