What Does the Bible Say About Killing?

Understanding Killing in the Bible

Discover 8 powerful Bible verses about killing. Study what Scripture teaches about this essential sin & temptation topic.

Top 8 Verses About Killing

1. 1

   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.”

   KJV
2. 2

   Exodus 20:13

   “Thou shalt not kill.”

   KJV
3. 3

   Exodus 23:7

   “Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.”

   KJV
4. 4

   Deuteronomy 5:17

   “Thou shalt not kill.”

   KJV
5. 5

   Matthew 5:21

   “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: by: or, to”

   KJV
6. 6

   Romans 13:4

   “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.”

   KJV
7. 7

   Romans 13:9

   “For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

   KJV
8. 8

   Revelation 21:8

   “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”

   KJV

Subtopics of Killing

How to Study What the Bible Says About Killing

1. 1

   Begin by reading through every verse listed on this page, noting which ones speak most directly to your current season of life. Write them down and revisit them throughout the week.

2. 2

   Use a concordance or the search tools on this site to find additional passages about killing. Look for patterns across both the Old and New Testaments to gain a complete picture of what God reveals on this subject.

3. 3

   Study the context of each verse. Read the surrounding chapter to understand who was speaking, who the audience was, and what circumstances prompted the passage. Context prevents misapplication.

4. 4

   Memorise at least one key verse about killing and meditate on it daily. Scripture memory transforms thinking and equips you to apply God's Word in real-time situations.

Practical Application

Studying what the Bible says about killing is only the beginning. Scripture is meant to be lived out in daily obedience and faith. Here are practical steps to apply these truths:

• Identify one area of your life where the biblical teaching on killing needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.

• Share what you have learned about killing with a fellow believer or in a small group setting. Teaching others solidifies your own understanding and encourages mutual growth.

• Pray through the key verses about killing, asking God to reveal how His Word applies to your relationships, decisions, and daily habits.

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