Killing is a sensitive and complicated subject argued and explored throughout human history.
Numerous scriptures in the Bible that speak to the value of human life and the ban on murder give clear direction on this subject.
To better comprehend the Bible’s teaching on this crucial subject, we will review some Bible verses about killing in this essay and examine their context and purpose.
By doing this, we want to learn more about the complex ethical dilemmas in our lives and the larger world.
What The Bible Says About Killing?
On the subject of murder, the Bible offers unambiguous instructions. Exodus 20:13 declares that the sixth commandment is “You shall not murder.”
It is forbidden to take someone’s life without their consent intentionally. Numerous additional verses in the Bible support this commandment and stress the sacredness of human life.
Jesus said in the New Testament that even harboring resentment or animosity for someone else might be viewed as a type of murder in the heart (Matthew 5:21–22).
In addition, he advised his disciples to forgive those who have wronged them and to pray for them (Matthew 5:43–44).
Bible Verses About Killing
We will look at several significant Bible texts that address this considerable subject in this essay, examining their significance and applicability to our modern life.
By doing this, we want to comprehend the Bible’s view on killing better and to think about how we might respect and appreciate human life as God’s followers.
Exodus 20:13 (ESV) – You Shall Not Murder
“You shall not murder.
Exodus 23:7 (ESV) – Do Not Kill The Innocent Or Righteous
Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent and righteous, for I will not acquit the wicked.
Genesis 9:6 (ESV) – Whoever Kills Shall Be Killed
“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.
1 John 3:15 (ESV) – Whoever Hates His Brother Is A Murderer
Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
Matthew 5:21-22 (ESV) – Every Murderer Is Liable To Judgement
“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.
Genesis 9:5-6 (ESV) – Reckoning For The Life Of Man
And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it and from man. From his fellow man I will require a reckoning for the life of man. “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.
Genesis 4:8 (ESV) – The Origin of Killing
Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.
Revelation 21:8 (ESV) – Murderers Will End Up In Hell
But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
1 John 3:12 (ESV) – We should Not Be Like Cain
We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous.
1 Peter 4:15 (ESV) – Let Us Not Suffer Like Murderers Or Thieves
But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
James 4:2 (ESV)
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.
Romans 13:9 (ESV)
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.”
Romans 13:8-10 (ESV)
Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 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.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
Romans 13:4 (ESV)
For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.
John 10:10 (ESV)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Proverbs 6:16-19 (ESV)
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, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
Bible Verses About Killing Enemies
People have consulted the Bible for guidance on this matter throughout history since it has numerous verses dealing with killing adversaries.
The Bible gives a complicated and varied perspective on the ethics of taking a life in the context of battle, ranging from the Old Testament’s war episodes to Jesus’ teachings on loving our adversaries.
To better grasp the Bible’s teaching on this crucial subject, we will examine the context and meaning of some of the primary scriptures about killing enemies in this essay.
Deuteronomy 5:17 (NIV)
“You shall not murder.
Exodus 23:7(NIV)
Have nothing to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty.
Revelation 21:8 (NIV)
But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
Romans 12:19 (NIV)
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.
Leviticus 24:17 (NIV)
‘Anyone who takes the life of a human being is to be put to death.
Matthew 5:21 (NIV)
“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.’
Bible Verses About Killing Babies
The morally complex and highly unpleasant subject of baby murder poses complicated queries about the importance of human life and the morality of violence.
People have consulted the Bible for guidance on this matter throughout history since it has numerous verses that touch on killing babies.
The Bible gives a complex and nuanced perspective on the ethics of taking a life in infancy, ranging from Old Testament accounts of infanticide to Jesus’ teachings on the sanctity of life.
Hosea 13:16 (ESV)
Samaria shall bear her guilt, because she has rebelled against her God; they shall fall by the sword; their little ones shall be dashed in pieces, and their pregnant women ripped open.
1 Samuel 15:3 (ESV)
Now go and strike Amalek and devote to destruction all that they have. Do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’”
Isaiah 13:16 (ESV)
Their infants will be dashed in pieces before their eyes; their houses will be plundered and their wives ravished.
Psalm 137:9 (ESV)
Blessed shall he be who takes your little ones and dashes them against the rock!
Revelation 1:1 (ESV)
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,
Matthew 3:1-5 (ESV)
In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’” Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, …
Matthew 2:16-18 (ESV)
Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.”
Matthew 1:1-5 (ESV)
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, …
Psalm 137:8-9 ( ESV)
O daughter of Babylon, doomed to be destroyed, blessed shall he be who repays you with what you have done to us! Blessed shall he be who takes your little ones and dashes them against the rock!
2 Kings 15:16 (ESV)
At that time Menahem sacked Tiphsah and all who were in it and its territory from Tirzah on, because they did not open it to him. Therefore he sacked it, and he ripped open all the women in it who were pregnant.
Bible Verses About Killing Someone In Self-Defense
People have consulted the Bible for guidance on this matter throughout history since it contains numerous chapters that touch on killing in self-defense.
The Bible gives a complex and varied perspective on the ethics of taking a life in self-defense, ranging from the Old Testament regulations on justifiable homicide to the teachings of Jesus on turning the other cheek.
To better grasp the Bible’s teaching on this significant and challenging subject, we will examine some of the essential verses about killing someone in self-defense in this essay.
Exodus 22:2-3 (ESV)
If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him, but if the sun has risen on him, there shall be bloodguilt for him. He shall surely pay. If he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.
Romans 12:19 (ESV)
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.”
Matthew 5:38-39 (ESV)
“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.
Romans 13:1-5 (ESV)
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority?
Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. …
Genesis 9:5-6 (ESV)
And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it and from man. From his fellow man I will require a reckoning for the life of man. “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.
Luke 22:36 (ESV)
He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.
Exodus 22:2 (ESV)
If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him,
Psalm 144:1 (ESV)
Of David. Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle;
Romans 13:4 (ESV)
For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.
1 Timothy 5:8 (ESV)
But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Bible Verses About Killing The Innocent
To better comprehend the Bible’s teaching on this significant and challenging subject, we will examine the context and meaning of some critical scriptures about killing the innocent in this essay.
By doing this, we want to gather knowledge that will enable us to manage the challenging ethical dilemmas that occur in our personal lives as well as in the larger world.
Exodus 23:7 (ESV)
Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent and righteous, for I will not acquit the wicked.
Proverbs 6:16-19 (ESV)
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, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
1 John 3:12 (ESV)
We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous.
Leviticus 24:17 (ESV)
“Whoever takes a human life shall surely be put to death.
Romans 9:11 (ESV)
Though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls—
Proverbs 17:15 (ESV)
He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord.
Romans 12:19 (ESV)
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.”
Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV)
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
Proverbs 6:17 (ESV)
Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Genesis 9:6 (ESV)
“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.
Psalm 11:5 (ESV)
The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.
Exodus 21:22-25 (ESV)
“When men strive together and hit a pregnant woman, so that her children come out, but there is no harm, the one who hit her shall surely be fined, as the woman’s husband shall impose on him, and he shall pay as the judges determine. But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.
Matthew 26:52 (ESV)
Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.
Romans 13:1-5 (ESV)
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority?
Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.
Luke 6:27 (ESV)
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
Exodus 21:23 (ESV)
But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life,
Exodus 22:2 (ESV)
If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him,
Romans 13:4 (ESV)
For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.
Matthew 10:34 (ESV)
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
Matthew 5:44 (ESV)
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Numbers 31:1-5 (ESV)
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Avenge the people of Israel on the Midianites. Afterward you shall be gathered to your people.” So Moses spoke to the people, saying, “Arm men from among you for the war, that they may go against Midian to execute the Lord’s vengeance on Midian. You shall send a thousand from each of the tribes of Israel to the war.” So there were provided, out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand from each tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.
Conclusion
When it comes to the subject of killing, the Bible offers a broad and nuanced perspective that offers instruction on when it is appropriate and when it is not.
The Bible offers a complex and varied perspective on the worth of human life and the moral ramifications of taking a life, ranging from the sixth commandment’s prohibition on murder to Jesus’ teachings on loving our enemies.
In addition to gaining a deeper understanding of the Bible’s teachings on this significant subject.
Exploring the main Bible verses about killing equips us with the knowledge and skills necessary to negotiate the challenging moral dilemmas that arise in both our personal lives and the larger world.
