Miscellaneous

Bible Quotes About Killing In War

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

Scripture upholds the sanctity of life with the command 'Thou shalt not kill' (Exodus 20:13), yet it also recognizes just consequences such as 'life for life' in cases of harm (Exodus 21:23). The law distinguishes between unlawful killing and situations where death results from defending property (Exodus 22:2). While the Old Testament includes instances where God directs actions in war (Numbers 31:1), the New Testament calls believers to a higher standard of love, urging them to love enemies and pray for persecutors rather than seek retaliation (Matthew 5:38, 44).

Total Verses

Old Testament

New Testament

Top 10 Bible Quotes About Killing In War

Exodus 20:13 — “Thou shalt not kill.”
Exodus 21:23 — “And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,”
Exodus 22:2 — “If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.”
Numbers 31:1 — “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,”
Matthew 5:38 — “Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:”
Matthew 5:44 — “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”
Matthew 10:34 — “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.”
Matthew 26:52 — “Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.”
Luke 6:27 — “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,”
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 War (4)

“Thou shalt not kill.”

Exodus 20:13KJV

“And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,”

Exodus 21:23KJV

“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 the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,”

Numbers 31:1KJV

New Testament Quotes About Killing In War (10)

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

Matthew 5:38KJV

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”

Matthew 5:44KJV

“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.”

Matthew 10:34KJV

“Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.”

Matthew 26:52KJV

“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,”

Luke 6:27KJV

“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

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

Ephesians 5:11KJV

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”

Ephesians 6:10KJV

“From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? fightings: or, brawlings lusts: or, pleasures”

James 4:1KJV

Frequently Asked Questions About Killing In War in the Bible

What does the Bible say about killing in war?

The Bible contains 14 verses about killing in war, covering this topic from Genesis to Revelation. Scripture provides guidance, instruction, and comfort regarding killing in war through both the Old and New Testaments.

How many Bible verses are about killing in war?

There are 14 Bible verses about killing in war 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 war?

While many verses address killing in war, 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 war you are studying.

Where in the Bible does it talk about killing in war?

Killing In War is discussed throughout the Bible in both the Old and New Testaments. You can find 14 references to this topic across multiple books including the Psalms, Proverbs, the Gospels, and the Epistles.