The sanctity of life is a core theme in the Bible, and taking the life of the innocent is seen as a grievous sin. From the Ten Commandments to the teachings of Jesus, the Bible speaks clearly on the value of life and the seriousness of murder, especially when it involves those who are defenseless or innocent.
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What Does The Bible Say About Murdering The Innocent
Exodus 20:13
“You shall not murder.”
This verse from the Ten Commandments states the clear prohibition against the act of taking someone’s life without just cause. It highlights the sanctity of human life, emphasizing the value and importance of every individual.
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 this passage, shedding innocent blood is listed among the detestable actions that the Lord despises. It serves as a strong warning against the evil of taking the lives of those who are blameless and undeserving of harm.
Isaiah 59:7
“Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood.”
This verse portrays a grave description of those who are quick to commit the heinous act of shedding innocent blood. It highlights the urgency to recognize and address such sinfulness in order to promote peace and justice.
Psalm 94:6
“They slay the widow and the foreigner; they murder the fatherless.”
Here, the psalmist indicts those who commit acts of violence by targeting vulnerable individuals such as widows, foreigners, and fatherless children. It exposes the wickedness of those who choose to harm the defenseless.
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?”
This passage calls for justice and empathy, urging believers to intervene and protect those who are unjustly being led to their demise. It emphasizes that God sees every action and holds individuals accountable for their deeds.
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, in this teaching, extends the understanding of murder beyond physical actions to include the intentions and attitudes of the heart. He warns against unresolved anger and contemptuous words, highlighting the importance of treating others with love, respect, and kindness.
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.”
Here, the apostle John emphasizes the connection between an attitude of hatred towards others and the act of murder. He clarifies that harboring hatred contradicts the life of a follower of Christ, as it is incompatible with the eternal life that God offers.
James 2:13
“Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
This verse speaks to the importance of extending mercy and compassion to others. By showing mercy instead of acting with violence or judgment, believers reflect the character of God and contribute to the restoration and healing of broken relationships.
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 follows the account of Noah and the establishment of God’s covenant with humanity. It establishes a principle of justice, stating that those who take a life unjustly will face consequences. It underscores the inherent value of human life being created in the image of God.
Matthew 18:6
“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
Jesus, in this verse, warns against causing harm or leading others astray, particularly vulnerable individuals who believe in Him. He emphasizes the severity of the consequences for those who cause others to stumble or fall away from faith.
Ezekiel 18:32
“For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!”
God, through the prophet Ezekiel, declares His desire for repentance and life rather than death. This verse reveals God’s compassionate nature, as He takes no pleasure in the destruction or loss of life, but instead calls for people to turn from their wicked ways and find true life in Him.
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.”
Here, believers are instructed not to seek revenge but to trust in God’s justice and judgment. They are reminded that God is the ultimate judge, and He will ultimately hold accountable those who commit acts of violence or shed innocent blood.
1 Timothy 1:8-9
“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.”
These verses emphasize that the law has been given to maintain order and guide those who engage in wicked and sinful acts. Murderers are explicitly mentioned as those whom the law is designed to address, highlighting the seriousness of their actions.
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.'”
Jesus affirms the commandment against murder and includes it as one of the important instructions to be followed. This verse encompasses not only physical killing but also emphasizes the importance of honoring relationships, telling the truth, and treating others with love and respect.
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, in this verse, summarizes the commandments, including the prohibition against murder, as being rooted in the principle of loving one’s neighbor. He highlights that love fulfills and encompasses all the commands, guiding believers in their relationships and interactions with others.
Proverbs 28:17
“Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder will seek refuge in the grave; let no one hold them back.”
This verse portrays the haunting guilt and internal torment experienced by those who commit the act of murder. It reflects the severe consequences and self-inflicted pain that accompany such a grave offense.
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.'”
Jesus, speaking to Peter during His arrest, warns against resorting to violence or taking matters into our own hands. This verse suggests that those who engage in acts of violence are susceptible to experiencing similar consequences themselves.
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.”
Here, believers are urged to eliminate negative attitudes and behaviors from their lives, including anger and malice, which can lead to harmful actions such as murder. The verse encourages cultivating a spirit of love, forgiveness, and self-control.
2 Timothy 2:22
“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
In the pursuit of living a righteous life, believers are encouraged to distance themselves from evil desires and to actively pursue virtues such as faith, love, and peace. This verse promotes a life that seeks reconciliation and harmony, rather than one characterized by violence or harm.
Luke 10:27
“He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
Jesus, in this response to a question about the greatest commandment, emphasizes the centrality of love. Loving God wholeheartedly and loving one’s neighbor are presented as the foundation for righteous living and the basis for treating others with kindness and respect.
Ephesians 4:26
“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.”
This verse acknowledges that anger is a natural emotion but warns against allowing anger to lead to sin or giving it a place for prolonged periods. It encourages dealing with anger in a healthy and timely manner, fostering peace instead of resorting to violent actions.
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 attributes that the Holy Spirit produces within believers. The list includes peace, kindness, and self-control, which counteract the potential for violent behavior. It reminds believers to rely on the Spirit’s work in their lives to exhibit Christ-like character.
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
This verse serves as a sobering reminder of the consequence of sin, including the sin of murder. It also presents the hope of eternal life through the gift of salvation found in Jesus Christ, offering forgiveness and redemption even to those who have committed grave offenses.