The topic of killing, particularly as it relates to the sanctity of life, morality, and divine commandments, is a significant theme throughout the Bible. The scriptures present a complex view of killing that includes commandments against murder, the context of war, and the moral implications of taking a life. Below are 35 Bible verses that address various aspects of killing, along with detailed explanations to enhance understanding.
1. Exodus 20:13
“You shall not murder.”
This commandment is part of the Ten Commandments given to Moses and serves as a foundational moral directive for both the Israelites and Christians today. It emphasizes the value of human life and God‘s disdain for the unjust taking of life.
2. Genesis 9:6
“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.”
This verse highlights the seriousness of murder by establishing that taking a human life has grave consequences. It underscores the sanctity of life, as humans are created in the image of God.
3. Deuteronomy 5:17
“You shall not murder.”
Repeating the command from Exodus, this verse reinforces its importance in the Mosaic Law. It serves as a reminder of God’s unchanging stance on the value of life.
4. Matthew 5:21-22
“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.”
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus expands the interpretation of the commandment against murder, indicating that even anger and contempt towards others can lead to spiritual judgment. This teaches that the heart’s condition is crucial, not just the act itself.
5. Romans 13:9
“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.'”
This verse contextualizes the command against murder within the broader framework of love for others. It indicates that violating any commandment is fundamentally a failure to love.
6. 1 John 3:15
“Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.”
John reinforces Jesus’ teachings by equating hatred with murder. This verse emphasizes that moral integrity and love for others are essential for eternal life.
7. Proverbs 6:16-17
“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.”
This passage lists sins that provoke God’s anger, with shedding innocent blood being particularly abhorrent. It signifies the gravity of taking life unjustly.
8. Numbers 35:30-31
“If anyone kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death on the evidence of witnesses, but no person shall be put to death on the testimony of a single witness. And you shall accept no ransom for the life of a murderer, who is guilty of death, but he shall be put to death.”
These verses detail the judicial response to murder in ancient Israel, emphasizing that justice must be served. This reflects God’s concern for justice and the protection of life.
9. Deuteronomy 19:11-13
“But if anyone hates his neighbor and lies in wait for him and attacks him and strikes him fatally so that he dies, and he flees into one of these cities, then the elders of his city shall send and take him from there and hand him over to the avenger of blood, that he may die.”
This passage discusses the consequences of premeditated murder and the role of cities of refuge for those who accidentally kill, illustrating the importance of intent in matters of killing.
10. Matthew 26:52
“Then Jesus said to him, ‘Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.'”
In this moment, Jesus rebukes Peter for using violence to defend Him. The statement serves as a reminder of the cycle of violence and the consequences of resorting to killing in conflict.
11. Revelation 21:8
“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.”
This verse categorizes murderers among those who will face eternal judgment. It reinforces the severe spiritual implications of taking a life unjustly.
12. Acts 3:14
“But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you.”
Peter is speaking to the crowd about their choice to free Barabbas, a murderer, instead of Jesus. This illustrates the contrast between righteousness and evil, emphasizing the moral responsibility of individuals.
13. Galatians 5:19-21
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Murder is implied in the broader context of sinful behavior. Paul warns that those who live according to the flesh, including actions leading to murder, will be excluded from God’s kingdom.
14. Psalm 37:14
“The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose way is upright.”
This verse highlights the injustices faced by the innocent at the hands of the wicked, indicating that killing is often driven by malice and oppression rather than justice.
15. Proverbs 12:6
“The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright delivers them.”
Here, the verse contrasts the intentions of the wicked with the righteous. It suggests that the wicked seek to harm, while the righteous speak life and deliverance.
16. Exodus 21:12
“Whoever strikes a man so that he dies shall be put to death.”
This law reflects the seriousness of murder in ancient Israel, emphasizing that taking a life, whether intentional or accidental, requires accountability and justice.
17. Luke 9:54-55
“And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, ‘Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?’ But he turned and rebuked them.”
This account shows the disciples’ desire for violent retribution. Jesus’ rebuke teaches about mercy and the rejection of violence, even in the face of opposition.
18. Ecclesiastes 3:3
“A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up.”
This verse acknowledges that there may be circumstances (like war) where killing occurs, but it emphasizes the importance of timing and discernment. It does not condone killing but rather recognizes the complexity of life.
19. Matthew 5:38-39
“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.”
Jesus teaches about non-retaliation and love for enemies, indicating that responding with violence is not the answer. This reflects the call to a higher moral standard.
20. Leviticus 24:17
“Whoever takes a human life shall surely be put to death.”
This verse reiterates the severity of murder within the community, reinforcing the principle that taking a life unjustly warrants the ultimate punishment.
21. Isaiah 53:5
“But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds, we are healed.”
This prophetic verse about Jesus’ sacrifice underscores the concept of innocent suffering. It emphasizes that Jesus died unjustly, taking upon Himself the consequences of humanity’s sin.
22. Job 24:14-15
“The murderer rises before it is light, that he may kill the poor and needy; and in the night, he is like a thief. The eye of the adulterer also waits for the twilight, saying, ‘No eye will see me’; and he veils his face.”
Job depicts the wickedness of murderers who act under cover of darkness. This illustrates the moral depravity associated with such acts.
23. Luke 23:33
“And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.”
This verse notes the crucifixion of Jesus among criminals, highlighting the violence and injustice of His death. It serves as a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made for humanity.
24. 1 Peter 4:15
“But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.”
Peter instructs Christians not to suffer for wrongdoing. He places murder alongside other serious offenses, reinforcing its severity in moral conduct.
25. 2 Samuel 12:9
“Why have you despised the word of the Lord, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites.”
This verse recounts the sin of King David in murdering Uriah, emphasizing that even a king is accountable to God’s laws regarding killing.
26. Matthew 15:19
“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.”
Jesus teaches that murder originates in the heart. This indicates that moral failures begin with internal attitudes rather than just external actions.
27. John 8:44
“You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him.”
Jesus describes the devil as a murderer, indicating that killing is intrinsically evil and aligned with Satan’s nature. This serves to warn against yielding to evil.
28. Proverbs 16:29
“A man of violence entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good.”
This verse warns about the influence of violent individuals who lead others into sin. It highlights the moral responsibility to choose companions wisely.
29. Acts 7:58
“Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.”
This passage details the stoning of Stephen, the first martyr, illustrating the brutal reality of killing in the name of religious zeal. It also sets the stage for Saul’s transformation into Paul.
30. Romans 1:29-32
“They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents. They are foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.”
This passage depicts the decline of morality and includes murder among various sinful behaviors. It reflects God’s judgment against such actions.
31. Ezekiel 18:10-13
“If he fathers a son who is violent, a shedder of blood, who does any of these things… he is a violent man, shedding blood; he shall not live.”
God’s law emphasizes personal accountability, illustrating that even the children of violent men can choose a different path, but if they embrace violence, they too face judgment.
32. Matthew 10:28
“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Jesus teaches that physical death is not the ultimate concern; spiritual life and death are far more significant. This perspective encourages believers to focus on their relationship with God.
33. 1 Timothy 1:9-10
“Understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers.”
Paul outlines the purpose of the law, identifying murderers among those who violate God’s commandments, highlighting the need for righteousness.
34. Hebrews 9:22
“Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.”
This verse connects the concept of bloodshed to the sacrificial system, indicating that while blood can represent violence and killing, it also signifies redemption through Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
35. James 4:2
“You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel.”
James links desire and discontentment to the root causes of murder, demonstrating how unchecked emotions can lead to grave consequences. It warns against the dangers of jealousy and selfishness.
Conclusion
The Bible presents a multifaceted view of killing, encompassing divine commandments against murder, the complexities of human emotion and conflict, and the serious consequences of taking a life. Understanding these scriptures helps believers grasp the value God places on life and the moral implications of their actions. While the verses reflect a clear prohibition against murder, they also encourage self-examination of one’s heart and intentions, promoting a life of love, justice, and righteousness in accordance with God’s will.
You Might Be Interested In:
- 25 Bible Verses About Sharing and Giving
- 50 Scriptures on Emotions
- 35 Bible Verses About Youth Leadership