The Bible addresses the themes of war and killing in various contexts, ranging from God’s commands in ancient Israel to principles of justice, self-defense, and the sanctity of life. While there are instances where war was permitted or even commanded, the Bible also emphasizes peace, love, and the pursuit of justice. These verses offer insight into God’s perspective on war and killing, the conditions under which it was allowed, and the call for reconciliation. Here are 30 Bible verses about war and killing, each followed by a commentary, to provide a balanced understanding of these complex topics.
Bible Verses About War And Killing
1. Exodus 20:13
“You shall not murder.”
The commandment emphasizes the sanctity of human life. This verse establishes that taking a life unjustly is prohibited, differentiating between murder and killing in warfare or self-defense.
2. Ecclesiastes 3:8
“A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”
This verse acknowledges that there are seasons in life when war may be unavoidable, while also recognizing the value of peace.
3. Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Peacemaking is commended by Jesus. This verse encourages believers to seek reconciliation and peace, even in a world where war and conflict often arise.
4. Psalm 144:1
“Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.”
This verse acknowledges God’s role in equipping His people for warfare, indicating that war can sometimes be necessary for defense or justice.
5. Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Peace is the ideal, even amidst potential conflict. This verse encourages seeking peaceful resolutions before resorting to violence or war.
6. Deuteronomy 20:1
“When you go to war against your enemies… do not be afraid, for the Lord your God is with you.”
This verse offers reassurance of God’s presence with His people in warfare, emphasizing faith and trust in God during battles.
7. Isaiah 2:4
“He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares.”
This verse envisions a future where war will cease, and nations will embrace peace, symbolized by the transformation of weapons into farming tools.
8. 1 Samuel 17:47
“It is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s.”
God’s power, not human weaponry, determines the outcome of war. This verse emphasizes reliance on God rather than solely on military strength.
9. Exodus 15:3
“The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name.”
This verse portrays God as a warrior who fights on behalf of His people, highlighting His involvement in battles for justice.
10. James 4:1
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?”
Human conflict often arises from sinful desires. This verse identifies the root of war and violence as internal struggles, calling for self-control.
11. Joshua 6:21
“They devoted the city to the Lord and destroyed with the sword every living thing in it.”
This verse describes the complete destruction commanded in ancient Israelite warfare, reflecting God’s judgment in specific historical contexts.
12. Proverbs 20:18
“Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.”
War should not be undertaken lightly. This verse emphasizes the importance of wise counsel and thoughtful planning before engaging in conflict.
13. John 18:36
“Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest.'”
Jesus rejected the use of violence to establish His kingdom. This verse highlights the spiritual nature of His mission, contrasting with earthly warfare.
14. Numbers 31:3
“So Moses said to the people, ‘Arm some of your men to go to war against the Midianites.'”
God commanded war in certain situations. This verse shows that in biblical times, warfare was sometimes used as an instrument of divine judgment.
15. 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 discourages resorting to violence. This verse reminds believers that those who live by violence may also face its consequences.
16. Joel 3:9-10
“Proclaim this among the nations: ‘Prepare for war!’ Beat your plowshares into swords.”
This verse calls for nations to prepare for war in response to imminent threats, contrasting with the vision of peace in Isaiah 2:4.
17. 2 Samuel 22:35
“He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.”
God equips His people with the skills needed for war. This verse reflects that there are times when God empowers His followers for conflict.
18. Micah 4:3
“He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide.”
God’s ultimate plan is for peace. This verse envisions a future where God’s justice ends war, bringing lasting peace among nations.
19. Revelation 19:11
“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.”
Christ will wage a final, righteous war. This verse portrays a future where Christ will execute divine judgment and establish His kingdom.
20. Leviticus 24:17
“Anyone who takes the life of a human being is to be put to death.”
This verse emphasizes the value of human life, affirming the severity of the consequences for unlawful killing in the Mosaic Law.
21. Psalm 46:9
“He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear.”
God has the power to end conflict. This verse reflects His sovereignty in bringing about peace, overcoming even the strongest weapons of war.
22. 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 seriousness of taking a life, grounded in the belief that all people are created in God’s image.
23. Deuteronomy 20:16-17
“In the cities of the nations the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, do not leave alive anything that breathes.”
This verse illustrates God’s commands for total war in specific historical contexts, often as a form of divine judgment against wickedness.
24. Isaiah 9:5
“Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning.”
This verse anticipates a time when war will no longer be needed, pointing toward a future of peace and the end of violence.
25. Romans 13:4
“For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason.”
This verse legitimizes the use of force by governing authorities to maintain justice, implying that war may be necessary for punishment and defense.
26. 1 Kings 8:44
“When your people go to war against their enemies, wherever you send them, and when they pray to the Lord… then hear from heaven their prayer.”
This verse shows that prayer for divine guidance was sought before and during warfare, reflecting dependence on God’s will in battles.
27. Isaiah 11:6
“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat.”
This verse speaks of a future time of peace when even natural enemies will live harmoniously, symbolizing the end of all conflict.
28. Judges 3:1-2
“The Lord left nations to test all those Israelites who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan.”
God allowed war to teach future generations. This verse indicates that conflict sometimes serves as a means of training and strengthening His people.
29. Luke 22:36
“He said to them, ‘But now if you have a purse, take it… and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.'”
Jesus acknowledges self-defense. This verse suggests that there may be times when preparing for conflict or self-defense is necessary for protection.
30. Zechariah 14:3
“Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights on a day of battle.”
God intervenes in warfare to defend His people. This verse depicts a time when God will actively engage in battle to protect His faithful followers.
These verses provide a comprehensive understanding of war and killing in the Bible, illustrating the balance between justice, the necessity of warfare in certain contexts, and the overarching call for peace and reconciliation. They emphasize God’s sovereignty over conflict and His ultimate desire for peace.
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
Commentary
30 Powerful Bible Verses About Waves (With Commentary)