What Does the Bible Say About Violence?

Understanding Violence in the Bible

What does the Bible say about violence? Browse 11 carefully selected verses that illuminate this biblical theme.

Top 10 Verses About Violence

1. 1

   Psalms 11:5

   “The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.”

   KJV
2. 2

   Proverbs 3:31

   “Envy thou not the oppressor , and choose none of his ways. the oppressor: Heb. a man of violence”

   KJV
3. 3

   Isaiah 60:18

   “Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.”

   KJV
4. 4

   Matthew 5:38

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

   KJV
5. 5

   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.”

   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 14:1

   “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. not: or, not to judge his doubtful thoughts”

   KJV
8. 8

   Galatians 5:19

   “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,”

   KJV
9. 9

   Titus 3:2

   “To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.”

   KJV
10. 10

    Hebrews 10:30

    “For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.”

    KJV

Subtopics of Violence

How to Study What the Bible Says About Violence

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 violence. 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 violence 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 violence 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 violence needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.

• Share what you have learned about violence 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 violence, asking God to reveal how His Word applies to your relationships, decisions, and daily habits.

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