Murder is a grievous sin in the Bible, and the taking of innocent life, especially that of a child, is a particularly heartbreaking act. The Bible speaks clearly about the sanctity of life and God’s care for the most vulnerable. In this post, we’ll explore what Scripture says about the value of children and the consequences of harming them.
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What Does The Bible Say About Murdering A Child
Exodus 20:13
“You shall not murder.”
This verse, part of the Ten Commandments, establishes the clear commandment from God that taking someone’s life is forbidden. It affirms the sanctity of human life and highlights the importance of respecting and valuing each person as created in the image of God.
Murder is a grave sin that goes against God’s intention for humanity. It teaches us to value and protect life rather than causing harm or destruction. As followers of Christ, we are called to promote peace, reconciliation, and the restoration of broken relationships, which encompasses a respect for life and the preservation of its sanctity.
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…”
In these verses, shedding innocent blood is highlighted as one of the seven things detestable to the Lord. It emphasizes the severity of the sin of taking the life of an innocent person and the abhorrence God feels towards it.
These verses urge us to refrain from any form of violence, especially against innocent individuals. They call us to be peacemakers, seeking justice and protection for the vulnerable rather than causing harm or taking lives unjustly. God’s desire is for us to uphold the value of all human life and to pursue actions that bring life and healing to others.
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 establishes the principle of retribution for the act of murder. It presents the concept of “an eye for an eye” and stresses that those who take a life should face the consequences by having their own life taken.
While this verse may appear to advocate for capital punishment, it also emphasizes the value of human life as being created in the image of God. Its primary message is to deter the act of murder by emphasizing the gravity of the offense and the sacredness of human life.
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 these verses, Jesus expands the understanding of murder beyond the physical act itself. He emphasizes that harboring anger, insulting others, or speaking contemptuously towards another person is akin to committing murder in one’s heart.
Jesus teaches us that the commandment against murder is not solely concerned with the external actions but also the internal attitudes and words that can harm others. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating love, forgiveness, and reconciliation in our relationships, avoiding any form of hatred or violence.
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 further reinforces the idea that harboring hatred or ill will towards another person is equivalent to the sin of murder. It directly connects the inward attitude with the outward action, highlighting the seriousness of holding onto hate.
As followers of Christ, we are called to love one another deeply and to seek reconciliation rather than allowing hatred to persist. This verse urges us to examine our hearts, promoting forgiveness and the restoration of relationships, as it is in these actions that we demonstrate the eternal life that resides in us through Christ.
Proverbs 24:11-12
“Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward 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 call us to take action and stand up for those who are in danger of losing their lives unjustly. They emphasize the responsibility to protect the innocent and vulnerable from harm and injustice.
As Christians, we are called to be advocates of justice, defending those who cannot defend themselves. These verses remind us that God is aware of our actions and our apathy towards the plight of others. They encourage us to actively seek opportunities to rescue and protect those who are at risk of losing their lives.
Deuteronomy 27:24
“‘Cursed is anyone who strikes their neighbor in secret.’ Then all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’
In this verse, the act of striking one’s neighbor in secret is condemned and met with a curse. It emphasizes the need for transparency, honesty, and the avoidance of deceitful actions that harm others.
We are called to uphold integrity in our interactions with others and to treat them with respect and fairness. This verse serves as a reminder that God sees and cares about every action, even those done in secret, and will hold us accountable for our treatment of others.
2 Timothy 3:1-5
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”
These verses provide a description of the behavior and mindset that can lead to actions such as murder. They outline the characteristics of those who are self-centered, lacking love and self-control, and prioritize their own desires over the well-being of others.
As followers of Christ, we are called to distance ourselves from such behaviors and to pursue a life that is characterized by love, compassion, and righteousness. These verses serve as a reminder to examine our own hearts and actions, ensuring that we do not align ourselves with those who perpetrate violence or harm 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 reminds us not to take matters of justice into our own hands but to trust in God’s ultimate justice. It discourages acts of revenge and urges us to allow God to act as the righteous judge.
As Christians, we are called to surrender our desire for retribution and to instead seek forgiveness and reconciliation. This verse emphasizes that our role is to extend grace and leave room for God to bring about justice in His perfect timing and in His own way.
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.”
These verses eloquently summarize the commandments, highlighting the importance of love as the foundation of our actions towards others. They emphasize that genuine love does not bring harm or commit acts of violence but seeks the well-being of others.
As followers of Christ, we are called to love our neighbors unconditionally and to treat them with the respect and care that we desire for ourselves. These verses highlight that when we embody love, we fulfill God’s law and reflect His character in our interactions with others.
James 2:8
“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right.”
This verse affirms the royal law of loving our neighbor as ourselves, emphasizing that this commandment encompasses doing what is right in the sight of God.
When we love our neighbors selflessly, we demonstrate obedience to God’s Word and reflect His character in our actions. This verse reminds us of the importance of actively applying the commandment of love in our daily lives, continuously seeking to treat others with kindness, respect, and compassion.
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 describe the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love as the first and foundational characteristic. They highlight the qualities that should be evident in the lives of believers, including self-control, gentleness, and kindness.
As followers of Christ, we are called to allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, producing these fruit in our hearts and actions. When we cultivate these virtues, we align ourselves with God’s character and become agents of peace and reconciliation in a world full of violence and hatred.
Matthew 22:39
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
These words come from Jesus Himself when asked about the greatest commandment. They affirm the inseparable connection between loving God and loving others as ourselves.
Jesus emphasizes that loving our neighbors with the same care and compassion that we have for ourselves is of equal importance to loving God. These words remind us that our love for God should be reflected in our love for others, demonstrating the transformative power of God’s love in our lives.
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 calls us to a radical form of love that goes beyond our natural inclinations. He instructs us to love not only our neighbors but even our enemies.
As Christians, we are called to respond to hate with love, to bless those who curse us, and to pray for those who mistreat us. This kind of love has the power to transform relationships, promote reconciliation, and break the cycle of violence.
Romans 12:20-21
“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.”
These verses provide further instruction on responding to our enemies and those who do us harm. Rather than seeking revenge or perpetuating violence, we are urged to respond with acts of kindness and generosity.
When we choose to respond to evil with good, we reflect the character of Christ and have the potential to soften hearts and bring about transformation. These verses call us to overcome evil by actively choosing to do what is good and compassionate.
1 John 4:20-21
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.”
These verses clearly state that claiming to love God while harboring hatred towards others is contradictory and false. It emphasizes that loving God and loving others are inseparable.
This passage challenges us to examine the depths of our love for God by evaluating our love for people. If we truly love God, we will also love those around us, including our brothers and sisters in Christ. This love calls us to reject violence and to strive for reconciliation, unity, and mutual respect.
1 Peter 3:8-9
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 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.”
These verses instruct believers to live in harmony and unity, demonstrating love, sympathy, compassion, and humility towards one another. It commands us not to respond to evil or insults with the same, but rather to bless even those who do us wrong.
By responding to evil with blessing, we break the cycle of violence and choose a different path. Through our actions, we reflect the love and grace of Christ, and in doing so, we open the door for reconciliation and God’s blessings in our lives and relationships.
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 these verses, Jesus challenges the prevalent belief of only loving one’s neighbor and hating one’s enemy. He raises the standard by calling us to love even our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us.
It is through loving our enemies that we display the transformative power of God’s love in our lives. This verse reminds us that as Christians, our response to those who oppose us should be marked by love, grace, and a genuine desire for their well-being.
Leviticus 19:18
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of not seeking revenge or holding grudges. It reiterates the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves, reminding us of God’s authority and expectation for our behavior.
As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect God’s character by refusing to seek vengeance but choosing instead to extend forgiveness, grace, and love. This verse reminds us that our interactions with others should always be guided by the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Ephesians 4:26
“In your anger, do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.”
This verse acknowledges the reality of anger but urges believers to handle it in a way that does not lead to sin. It encourages dealing with anger promptly and seeking resolution before the end of the day.
Uncontrolled anger can often lead to actions of violence or harm. This verse reminds us of the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully and quickly, promoting reconciliation and preventing destructive outcomes.
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.”
These words spoken by Jesus come in response to Peter attempting to defend Him with a sword. Jesus warns against using violence as a means of protection or vengeance.
This verse highlights Jesus’ teachings of non-violence and the renunciation of physical force. It emphasizes that those who resort to violence will themselves be subject to violence. Jesus calls us to a different way, one that rejects violence and embraces love, forgiveness, and the pursuit of peace.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises a neighbor sins, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.”
In this verse, despising or showing disregard for a neighbor is considered a sinful act. Conversely, being kind and showing compassion to those in need is considered a blessed endeavor.
It reminds us as Christians that we are called to show love and kindness to our neighbors, irrespective of their circumstances. By practicing kindness, we reflect God’s love and mercy, contributing to a more compassionate and just society.