Miscellaneous

Bible Quotes About Killing In Self Defense

11 Scripture verses about killing in self defense from the King James Version, with full verse text for study and meditation.

Scripture upholds the sanctity of human life, declaring that God requires accountability for the shedding of life, whether by man or beast, emphasizing the seriousness of taking a life (Genesis 9:5). The commandment 'Thou shalt not kill' (Exodus 20:13) sets a clear moral standard, yet the law also recognizes circumstances where killing may occur without guilt, such as when a thief is killed during a break-in (Exodus 22:2). Restoration is mandated when property is unlawfully destroyed (Exodus 22:1), and the penalty for unlawfully killing a man is death (Leviticus 24:21). Furthermore, God equips His people for defense and battle (Psalms 144:1), indicating that while life is precious, God empowers His followers to protect themselves when necessary.

Total Verses

Old Testament

New Testament

Top 10 Bible Quotes About Killing In Self Defense

Genesis 9:5 — “And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man.”
Exodus 20:13 — “Thou shalt not kill.”
Exodus 22:1 — “If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. or a sheep: or, or a goat”
Exodus 22:2 — “If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.”
Leviticus 24:21 — “And he that killeth a beast, he shall restore it: and he that killeth a man, he shall be put to death.”
Psalms 144:1 — “A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: strength: Heb. rock to war: Heb. to the war, etc”
Matthew 5:38 — “Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:”
Luke 22:36 — “Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.”
Romans 12:19 — “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
Romans 13:1 — “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. ordained: or, ordered”

Old Testament Quotes About Killing In Self Defense (6)

“And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man.”

Genesis 9:5KJV

“Thou shalt not kill.”

Exodus 20:13KJV

“If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. or a sheep: or, or a goat”

Exodus 22:1KJV

“If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.”

Exodus 22:2KJV

“And he that killeth a beast, he shall restore it: and he that killeth a man, he shall be put to death.”

Leviticus 24:21KJV

“A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: strength: Heb. rock to war: Heb. to the war, etc”

Psalms 144:1KJV

New Testament Quotes About Killing In Self Defense (5)

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:”

Matthew 5:38KJV

“Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.”

Luke 22:36KJV

“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

Romans 12:19KJV

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. ordained: or, ordered”

Romans 13:1KJV

“For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”

Romans 13:4KJV

Frequently Asked Questions About Killing In Self Defense in the Bible

What does the Bible say about killing in self defense?

The Bible contains 11 verses about killing in self defense, covering this topic from Genesis to Revelation. Scripture provides guidance, instruction, and comfort regarding killing in self defense through both the Old and New Testaments.

How many Bible verses are about killing in self defense?

There are 11 Bible verses about killing in self defense in the King James Version. These verses span multiple books of the Bible and cover various aspects of this topic.

What is the best Bible verse about killing in self defense?

While many verses address killing in self defense, the most well-known passages come from various books of the Bible. The best verse depends on your specific situation and what aspect of killing in self defense you are studying.

Where in the Bible does it talk about killing in self defense?

Killing In Self Defense is discussed throughout the Bible in both the Old and New Testaments. You can find 11 references to this topic across multiple books including the Psalms, Proverbs, the Gospels, and the Epistles.