What Does the Bible Say About Killing?
The Bible offers a nuanced and layered understanding of killing, recognizing distinctions between murder, capital punishment, and acts committed during war. Rather than presenting a simplistic condemnation or endorsement of taking life, Scripture reflects the complexities of human conflict, divine justice, and ethical responsibility. This article explores what the Bible says about killing in various contexts—especially in relation to war, justice, and God's commands.
1. Killing Is Not Always Considered Murder in the Bible
The commandment “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13) is often cited in discussions about killing, but the Hebrew word used—ratsach—specifically refers to unlawful or unjust killing, not all forms of taking life. The Bible clearly distinguishes between premeditated murder and other types of killing, such as accidental death (Numbers 35:11) or court-ordered executions (Exodus 21:12–14). In these cases, the Scriptures provide procedures for justice rather than blanket condemnation. This distinction shows that not all killing is morally equivalent in the Bible.
2. Killing in War Is Sometimes Commanded, But Never Celebrated
In the Old Testament, war is a recurring context for killing, often tied to divine judgment or covenant fulfillment. God commanded the Israelites to engage in specific wars, such as the conquest of Canaan, where certain populations were placed under ḥērem, or total destruction (Deuteronomy 20:16–18). These acts were not expressions of human aggression but were framed as acts of obedience to God’s justice. However, the Bible never glorifies killing in war; instead, it frequently portrays it with grief, restraint, and ethical tension (e.g., David’s lament over Saul and Jonathan in 2 Samuel 1).
3. Killing for Personal Revenge or Political Gain Is Condemned
While the Bible recounts numerous stories involving killing—including the deaths of kings, political rivals, or personal enemies—it often portrays such acts negatively. For instance, David refuses to kill Saul, despite multiple opportunities, insisting that he will not “put out his hand against the Lord’s anointed” (1 Samuel 24:6). Likewise, Joab’s political assassinations are later judged as unjust and are punished (1 Kings 2:5–6). These narratives underscore the Bible’s moral line between justice and revenge, even in the context of leadership and national security.
4. The Bible Upholds the Value of Human Life Even Amid Killing
Despite the presence of killing in many biblical stories, the overarching message is that human life bears the image of God and is to be honored (Genesis 9:6). Even when killing is permitted or commanded—such as in judicial or military contexts—it is never treated casually. Laws about cities of refuge, required witnesses for capital punishment, and prohibitions against unjust bloodshed all reflect the Bible’s insistence that life is sacred and that justice must be carried out with extreme care (Deuteronomy 19:10–13).
5. New Testament Teachings Push Against Violence, Including Killing in War
The New Testament shifts the ethical focus by emphasizing love for enemies, non-retaliation, and peace. Jesus tells his followers to “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39) and rebukes Peter for using the sword in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:52). Although the New Testament does not issue a systematic prohibition against killing, it offers a profound critique of the use of violence—especially when tied to power or identity. Throughout church history, some Christians have argued that the early Church's posture was one of nonviolence, rejecting participation in war and state-sponsored killing. Others have interpreted Romans 13 as allowing for just use of force by governing authorities. Even so, the Bible continually returns to the principle that justice and mercy must guide any exercise of lethal power.
Conclusion
The Bible's teachings on killing are complex, balancing justice, divine command, and human responsibility. It recognizes that in a fallen world, acts of war and punishment may involve killing, but it refuses to flatten those actions into simplistic moral categories. Instead, the Bible calls believers to weigh their actions carefully, to protect life, and to seek peace whenever possible. In doing so, it provides a framework for discerning the ethics of killing that is both realistic and deeply moral.
Bible verses about killing:
Exodus 20:13, "You shall not murder."
Genesis 9:6, "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image."
Matthew 5:21, "You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’"
Romans 13:4, "But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer."
Numbers 35:16, "If he struck him down with an iron object so that he died, he is a murderer; the murderer shall be put to death."
Deuteronomy 5:17, "You shall not murder."
1 Samuel 24:12, "May the Lord judge between me and you, may the Lord avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you."
Matthew 26:52, "Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword."
Proverbs 6:16–17, "There are six things that the Lord hates... hands that shed innocent blood."
Revelation 21:8, "But as for the cowardly, the faithless... murderers... their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur."
