Government & Society

Bible Verses About killing in self defense

12 key scriptures

What does the Bible say about killing in self defense? Browse 12 carefully selected verses that illuminate this biblical theme.

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Translation Comparison

TranslationKey Verse: Exodus 22:2
King James (KJV)If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.

12 Key Scriptures

If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.
Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
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
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.
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.
Thou shalt not kill.
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
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.
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. house: or, kindred
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
And he that killeth a beast, he shall restore it: and he that killeth a man, he shall be put to death.

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