Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Killing In Self Defense?
11 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Killing In Self Defense in the Bible
What does the Bible say about killing in self defense? Browse 12 carefully selected verses that illuminate this biblical theme.
Top 10 Verses About Killing In Self Defense
- 1Genesis 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
- 3Exodus 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”
KJV - 4Exodus 22:2
“If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.”
KJV - 5Leviticus 24:21
“And he that killeth a beast, he shall restore it: and he that killeth a man, he shall be put to death.”
KJV - 6Psalms 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”
KJV - 7
- 8Luke 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.”
KJV - 9Romans 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.”
KJV - 10Romans 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”
KJV
Old Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Killing In Self Defense? (6 Verses)
“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.”
“Thou shalt not kill.”
“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”
“If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.”
“And he that killeth a beast, he shall restore it: and he that killeth a man, he shall be put to death.”
“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”
New Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Killing In Self Defense? (5 Verses)
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:”
“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.”
“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”
“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.”
How to Study What the Bible Says About Killing In Self Defense
- 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
Use a concordance or the search tools on this site to find additional passages about killing in self defense. Look for patterns across both the Old and New Testaments to gain a complete picture of what God reveals on this subject.
- 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
Memorise at least one key verse about killing in self defense 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 in self defense 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 in self defense needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about killing in self defense 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 in self defense, asking God to reveal how His Word applies to your relationships, decisions, and daily habits.
How Well Do You Know What the Bible Says About Killing In Self Defense?
You have studied 11 verses about killing in self defense. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.