Murder is strictly condemned in the Bible, as life is considered sacred. From the Ten Commandments to Jesus’ teachings, the Bible emphasizes the value of life and the consequences of violence. This topic explores the reasons behind these commands and the deeper call to respect others.
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What Does The Bible Say About Murder
Exodus 20:13
“You shall not murder.”
This verse is one of the Ten Commandments given by God to the Israelites. It clearly states that taking someone’s life is a grave sin and is forbidden by God. Murder goes against God’s command to love one another and treat others with respect and dignity.
It is a reminder that human life is sacred and should be valued and protected. This verse teaches us the importance of respecting and preserving the lives of others, and it serves as a foundation for promoting peace, justice, and love in our relationships and society.
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.”
In this passage, Jesus takes the commandment against murder to a deeper level. He emphasizes that not only physical acts of murder are wrong, but also the thoughts and attitudes that lead to anger and hatred. Jesus highlights the importance of controlling our emotions and seeking reconciliation with others.
This verse teaches us that harboring anger, contempt, or derogatory words towards others can have serious spiritual consequences. It calls us to examine our hearts and minds, and to strive for peace, forgiveness, and love in our relationships, rather than allowing destructive emotions to consume us.
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.”
These verses from the book of Proverbs highlight the importance of righteousness and justice in God’s sight. Killing the innocent is one of the detestable actions that the Lord hates.
It serves as a warning against participating in or condoning any form of violence or murder. God desires us to pursue righteousness, compassion, and the protection of innocent lives. These verses compel us to strive for a just and peaceful society, where every life is valued and protected.
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 Noah and his family emerged from the ark, God reaffirmed the sanctity of human life by instituting the principle of capital punishment for murder. This verse reinforces the value of human life, reminding us that every person is created in the image of God.
While this verse is often debated in terms of its literal application today, it reminds us of the significance God places on preserving and respecting human life. It emphasizes the gravity of taking another person’s life and affirms the inherent worth and dignity of each individual.
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 from the letter of 1 John connects the act of hatred towards others with the sin of murder. It reveals the serious consequences of harboring hate and bitterness in our hearts.
It challenges us to examine our attitudes towards others and to cultivate love, forgiveness, and compassion instead of allowing hatred to fester. Murder not only involves physical actions but also the condition of our hearts. This verse urges us to seek inner transformation through the love of Christ and to strive for reconciliation and unity with our brothers and sisters.
Matthew 15:19-20
“For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person.”
In this passage, Jesus teaches that murder does not originate solely from external actions but is rooted in the condition of the heart. He identifies evil thoughts as the source of destructive behaviors, including murder.
This verse serves as a reminder that addressing the sin of murder involves not only the avoidance of physical violence but also the transformation of our thoughts, attitudes, and intentions. It calls us to guard our hearts and to seek God’s help in cultivating a heart that is filled with love, grace, and righteousness.
Romans 13:9
“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.'”
Paul emphasizes the importance of love in fulfilling God’s commandments. He states that all the commandments, including the prohibition against murder, can be summarized in the command to love our neighbors as ourselves.
This verse reminds us that love is the foundation of our relationships with others. When we genuinely love one another, we will not take part in actions that harm or destroy lives. Instead, we will strive to value, protect, and uplift others, recognizing their worth and inherent dignity as fellow human beings.
James 2:8-9
“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.”
James affirms the importance of loving our neighbors and treating them with equality and fairness. He warns against the sin of showing favoritism or discrimination, which goes against the command to love one another.
These verses remind us that murder is not only about physically taking a life but can also manifest in the form of prejudice, injustice, or maltreatment towards others. Love requires us to respect the equal worth and rights of all individuals, regardless of their race, gender, or social status.
Matthew 19:18-19
“‘Which ones?’ he inquired. Jesus replied, ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.'”‘
When a young man asked Jesus which commandments he should keep, Jesus listed several, including the command against murder. This verse reaffirms the timeless relevance of this commandment and its place among other moral obligations.
It reinforces the call to love one another and to honor our parents, emphasizing the importance of relationship both with God and with fellow human beings. These commandments guide our conduct and remind us of our responsibility to preserve life and promote righteousness in all our actions.
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 understanding of love and extends it to include not only our neighbors but even our enemies. He teaches that love should go beyond familiarity and extend to those who mistreat or oppose us.
These verses remind us that murder is not just the act of taking someone’s life but can also manifest in our attitudes and actions towards those we consider enemies. Jesus calls us to respond with love and compassion, even to those who may harm us, as this is the way of true discipleship and reflects the character of God.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
Although this verse does not explicitly mention murder, it underscores the seriousness of a life marked by wrongdoing and sinful behavior. It serves as a reminder that engaging in actions contrary to God’s commands, including murder, can have eternal consequences.
These verses call us to examine our lifestyles and behaviors, recognizing the need for repentance and transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes the importance of pursuing righteousness and living in a manner worthy of being called children of God.
1 John 2:9-11
“Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.”
These verses from the letter of 1 John highlight the stark contrast between love and hatred. They reveal that harboring hatred towards others, including our fellow believers, is incompatible with walking in the light of Christ.
Murder is the extreme manifestation of hatred, and these verses caution against allowing darkness and blind animosity to control our hearts. Instead, they call us to choose love, forgiveness, and reconciliation, so that our lives may be a reflection of God’s light and truth.
Romans 12:17-21
“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. 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. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
In this passage, Paul provides practical instructions for dealing with conflict and animosity. He encourages believers to avoid seeking revenge and instead choose to live peaceably with others, even their enemies.
These verses present an alternative to the cycle of violence and hatred that often leads to murder. They call us to respond with love, kindness, and generosity towards those who have wronged us. By doing so, we not only overcome evil but also open the door to reconciliation and the possibility of transforming relationships through the power of Christ’s love.
Proverbs 21:25-26
“The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him because his hands refuse to work. All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing.”
Though not directly referring to murder, these verses reveal the dangers of an idle and selfish lifestyle. They contrast the attitude of a sluggard, who craves and hoards for his own desires, with the righteous who generously give without withholding.
Murder can be rooted in greed and selfishness, where one values their own desires above the welfare and life of others. These verses caution against becoming consumed by material cravings and encourage us to cultivate a spirit of selflessness and generosity, which is contrary to the spirit of murder.
Proverbs 24:10-12
“If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength? Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering towards slaughter. If you say, ‘But we knew nothing about this,’ does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?”
These verses emphasize the importance of intervening and rescuing those in danger of harm or death. They call on individuals not to turn a blind eye to the suffering or oppression of others.
Murder can be prevented by taking action to protect and preserve life. These verses challenge us to be courageous and compassionate, actively seeking to rescue those who are in harm’s way and advocating for justice. They remind us that God, who sees the motives of our hearts, will ultimately hold each person accountable for their actions.
1 Timothy 1:8-10
“We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine.”
These verses describe the purpose and function of the law in relation to behavior and actions that are contrary to God’s design and will. Among the many examples given, murder is highlighted as an offense that the law was made for.
These verses remind us that the law serves to restrain and punish actions that disregard the sanctity of life and harm others. They point out that murder, along with other sinful behaviors, is contrary to the sound doctrine that believers are called to uphold and live by.
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.”
These verses list various acts of the flesh, including hatred and fits of rage, which are characteristic of a sinful lifestyle. They highlight the urgency of avoiding such behavior.
While murder is not explicitly mentioned here, these verses connect destructive emotions and actions (which can lead to murder) to a life that is apart from God’s kingdom. They call us to crucify the flesh, reject sinful tendencies, and instead walk in the Spirit, bearing the fruits of love, joy, peace, and self-control.
Deuteronomy 27:24
“‘Cursed is anyone who attacks a neighbor in secret.’ Then all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’
This verse reflects the solemnity of attacking or harming a neighbor secretly, emphasizing the severity of such actions.
Murder is not only a violation of God’s commandments but also an attack on the well-being and life of another person. This verse serves as a warning and a reminder that God’s judgment is upon those who commit such wicked acts. It calls for a collective acknowledgment of the seriousness of murder and a recognition of the need for justice for the victims and their families.
Proverbs 6:16-19
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
These verses present a list of things that the Lord despises and considers detestable. Among them is the shedding of innocent blood, which includes murder.
This passage reveals God’s unwavering stance against the taking of innocent lives. It highlights the destructive nature of murder and calls us to examine our hearts, actions, and intentions, ensuring that our lives are characterized by righteousness, truth, and peacemaking, rather than by evil and conflict.
Numbers 35:16-18
“If anyone strikes someone a fatal blow with an iron object, that person is a murderer; the murderer is to be put to death. Or if anyone is holding a stone and strikes someone a fatal blow with it, that person is a murderer; the murderer is to be put to death. Or if anyone is holding a wooden object and strikes someone a fatal blow with it, that person is a murderer; the murderer is to be put to death.”
In this passage, God establishes consequences for intentional acts of murder. He states that those who strike and kill someone with certain objects are to be put to death as punishment for their crime.
While the specific punishments mentioned here may not be applicable in today’s society, this passage illustrates God’s perspective on the seriousness of taking another person’s life. It serves as a reminder that murder is a severe offense with severe consequences, calling us to value, protect, and respect the lives of others.
Matthew 10:28
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
In this verse, Jesus reassures His disciples that they should not fear those who can only harm the body, but they should fear God, who has power over both the body and soul and the ability to condemn to hell.
Jesus’ words emphasize the eternal significance of our souls and the limited power of physical death. While we are called to value and protect our physical lives and the lives of others, this verse reminds us that there is a greater concern than mere physical survival. It warns against prioritizing physical safety over spiritual well-being and urges us to consider the eternal consequences of our actions.
These Bible verses consistently emphasize the sacredness of human life and the divine commandment against murder. They highlight the significance of valuing and preserving the lives of others, cultivating love, justice, and reconciliation in our relationships. Murder is not just an external act but can also manifest in our thoughts, attitudes, and mistreatment of others. The Bible reminds us that murder is contrary to God’s will and that it carries serious consequences, both in this life and in the eternal realm. It calls us to cultivate a heart of love, forgiveness, and compassion, treating every individual as made in the image of God. These verses provide a foundation for promoting peace, righteousness, and the sanctity of life in our communities and in society as a whole.