Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Killing In War?
14 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Killing In War in the Bible
What does the Bible say about killing in war? Browse 15 carefully selected verses that illuminate this biblical theme.
Top 10 Verses About Killing In War
- 1
- 2
- 3Exodus 22:2
“If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.”
KJV - 4
- 5
- 6Matthew 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;”
KJV - 7Matthew 10:34
“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.”
KJV - 8Matthew 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.”
KJV - 9
- 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 War? (4 Verses)
“Thou shalt not kill.”
“And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,”
“If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.”
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,”
New Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Killing In War? (10 Verses)
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:”
“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;”
“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.”
“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.”
“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,”
“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.”
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
“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”
How to Study What the Bible Says About Killing In War
- 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 war. 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 war 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 war 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 war needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about killing in war 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 war, 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 War?
You have studied 14 verses about killing in war. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.