40+ Bible Verses About War and Killing [2024]

“Scriptural insights reveal profound truths about conflict and violence.”

War and violence have been persistent themes throughout human history, reflected in countless narratives, both ancient and modern. The Bible offers various perspectives on war, killing, and conflict, presenting them not only as physical battles but also as spiritual struggles. 

Understanding these scriptural insights helps us navigate the complexities of violence and conflict in our own lives and the world around us. This article explores 45 Bible verses that address war and killing, providing context and examples to illustrate their meanings.

1. Ecclesiastes 3:8 (NIV)

“A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”
This verse acknowledges that there are appropriate times for both conflict and peace.
Example: A nation may enter war to defend its citizens against oppression.

2. James 4:1 (NIV)

“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?”
Internal conflicts often lead to external violence.
Example: Personal greed and jealousy can escalate into community disputes.

3. Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
This emphasizes the value of seeking peace rather than conflict.
Example: A mediator helps resolve a dispute between friends, promoting harmony.

4. Exodus 15:3 (NIV)

“The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name.”
God is depicted as a warrior in defense of His people.
Example: God fights for the Israelites during their battles, providing victory.

5. Psalm 144:1 (NIV)

“Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.”
God equips believers for spiritual and physical battles.
Example: A soldier prepares for conflict, relying on faith for strength.

6. Isaiah 2:4 (NIV)

“He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.”
This prophecy envisions a future of peace and reconciliation.
Example: Countries that were once at war come together to promote agriculture and prosperity.

7. Romans 12:19 (NIV)

“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
Believers are encouraged to leave justice to God rather than seeking revenge.
Example: Instead of retaliating, a person prays for their enemy, trusting God to handle the situation.

8. Psalm 18:34 (NIV)

“He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.”
God empowers individuals for battle and defense.
Example: A warrior credits God for their skills and victories in battle.

9. Matthew 10:34 (NIV)

“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
This reflects the idea that following Christ may lead to conflict.
Example: A family may experience division when one member chooses to follow Christ.

10. 1 Timothy 6:12 (NIV)

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession.”
Believers are called to engage in spiritual warfare.
Example: A Christian remains steadfast in their beliefs despite societal pressures.

Bible Verses About Fishing

11. Proverbs 20:18 (NIV)

“Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war.”
Seeking wisdom is crucial in preparing for conflict.
Example: A military leader consults with advisors before launching an attack.

12. Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
God encourages strength and courage in the face of conflict.
Example: A soldier finds comfort in knowing God is with them in battle.

13. Psalm 27:3 (NIV)

“Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.”
Faith can provide confidence during times of war.
Example: A leader inspires their troops by emphasizing trust in God amidst danger.

14. Exodus 20:13 (NIV)

“You shall not murder.”
This commandment emphasizes the sanctity of life.
Example: A community gathers to support anti-violence initiatives.

15. 2 Chronicles 20:15 (NIV)

“He said: ‘Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.’”
This verse reminds believers to trust God in battles.
Example: A church prays for divine intervention in a community conflict.

16. 1 Samuel 15:3 (NIV)

“Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy all that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.”
This verse highlights God’s command during Israel’s conquest.
Example: The Israelites were to follow strict orders to eliminate threats to their safety.

17. Ezekiel 38:21 (NIV)

“I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Sovereign Lord. Every man’s sword will be against his brother.”
This verse illustrates divine judgment and conflict.
Example: Nations may turn against each other due to God’s decree.

18. Revelation 19:11 (NIV)

“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice, he judges and wages war.”
This depicts Christ’s role in final judgment and conflict.
Example: The imagery represents hope for believers that God will ultimately triumph over evil.

19. Psalm 46:9 (NIV)

“He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.”
God is sovereign over peace and war.
Example: After a long conflict, a peace treaty is signed, highlighting God’s influence.

20. Micah 4:3 (NIV)

“He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.”
This verse envisions a future of peace after conflict.
Example: Former soldiers now work as farmers, nurturing the land.

21. John 18:36 (NIV)

“Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.’”
Jesus emphasizes that His mission is not about earthly conflict.
Example: A believer focuses on spreading love rather than engaging in physical battles.

22. 2 Corinthians 10:4 (NIV)

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”
Spiritual warfare requires different tools than physical conflict.
Example: Prayer and faith are used as defenses against spiritual attacks.

23. Deuteronomy 20:1 (NIV)

“When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you.”
This encourages reliance on God during battles.
Example: Troops remind each other of past victories through faith.

24. Matthew 26:52 (NIV)

“Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.”
Jesus teaches that violence leads to more violence.
Example: A follower chooses peace over conflict, avoiding escalation.

25. Romans 13:4 (NIV)

“For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.”
This highlights the role of authority in maintaining order.
Example: Law enforcement acts to prevent violence and protect citizens.

26. Luke 22:36 (NIV)

“He said to them, ‘But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.’”
Jesus acknowledges the necessity of preparedness.
Example: Disciples prepare for upcoming challenges by arming themselves.

27. Jeremiah 51:20 (NIV)

“You are my hammer and weapon of war: with you, I shatter nations; with you, I destroy kingdoms.”
God empowers nations to execute His judgment.
Example: A nation fulfills its role as a divine instrument in historical conflicts.

28. 1 Kings 20:22 (NIV)

“The prophet came to the king of Israel and announced, ‘Strengthen your position and see what must be done, because next spring the king of Aram will attack you.’”
This shows the importance of preparation for future conflicts.
Example: Leaders strategize to strengthen their defenses before a predicted attack.

29. Revelation 6:4 (NIV)

“Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other. To him was given a large sword.”
This depicts the chaos and violence during the end times.
Example: Societies face turmoil as conflicts arise among nations.

30. Lamentations 3:34-36 (NIV)

“To crush underfoot all prisoners in the land, to deny people their rights before the Most High, to deprive them of justice—would not the Lord see such things?”
God is concerned about injustice and oppression during times of war.
Example: Advocacy for human rights becomes crucial during conflicts.

31. 2 Chronicles 15:5-6 (NIV)

“In those days it was not safe to travel about, for all the inhabitants of the lands were in great turmoil. One nation was being crushed by another and one city by another, because God was troubling them with every kind of distress.”
This highlights the consequences of turning away from God.
Example: Nations face unrest and violence when they abandon righteous paths.

32. Luke 21:9 (NIV)

“When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”
Believers are urged to remain steadfast during turbulent times.
Example: A community remains united in faith amid rising tensions.

33. Exodus 14:14 (NIV)

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
God’s promise to defend His people during conflict.
Example: A fearful individual finds peace in trusting God’s protection.

34. Isaiah 13:16 (NIV)

“Their infants will be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses will be looted and their wives violated.”
A grim depiction of the violence that comes with war.
Example: Historical accounts of invasions emphasize the brutal consequences of conflict.

35. 1 Peter 3:11 (NIV)

“They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.”
This emphasizes the importance of actively seeking peace.
Example: A community initiates peace talks to resolve longstanding issues.

36. Zechariah 9:10 (NIV)

“I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the war horses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations.”
This speaks of God’s promise of peace.
Example: A leader commits to disarmament to foster peace.

37. 2 Samuel 22:35 (NIV)

“He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.”
God equips warriors for physical and spiritual battles.
Example: A champion attributes their victory to God’s guidance and training.

38. Matthew 24:6 (NIV)

“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.”
Warnings about ongoing conflicts and their implications.
Example: A church community prepares spiritually for global conflicts.

39. Habakkuk 3:16 (NIV)

“I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us.”
Acknowledging fear while trusting God’s plan.
Example: Believers pray for strength while awaiting deliverance.

40. 1 Chronicles 5:22 (NIV)

“Many others fell slain, because the battle was God’s.”
This shows the sovereignty of God in battles.
Example: A nation relies on God’s intervention for victory.

41. Matthew 5:38-39 (NIV)

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”
Jesus teaches non-retaliation and forgiveness.
Example: A victim of injustice chooses to forgive rather than seek revenge.

42. Psalm 120:6-7 (NIV)

“Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.”
This captures the tension between seeking peace and facing hostility.
Example: An activist promotes dialogue in a conflict-driven environment.

43. Matthew 12:18 (NIV)

“Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.”
Christ’s mission is to bring justice and peace.
Example: A community service project aims to help those affected by violence.

44. 1 Corinthians 14:33 (NIV)

“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”
God desires peace, not chaos, even in times of conflict.
Example: A church organizes a peace rally amidst societal unrest.

45. Revelation 21:4 (NIV)

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
A promise of ultimate peace in God’s kingdom.
Example: A community finds hope in the promise of a future without violence.

Answers To Key QuestionsBible Verses About War and Killing

What does the Bible say about the morality of war?

The Bible acknowledges that there are just and unjust wars. Many scriptures emphasize that God is a defender of justice and righteousness.

How should Christians respond to conflict?

Christians are called to seek peace and reconciliation, practicing forgiveness and love even in challenging situations.

 Are there instances where violence is justified in the Bible?

Yes, the Bible presents instances where God commands wars, often as acts of judgment against nations or to protect His people.

How can believers find peace amidst chaos?

Believers can find peace through prayer, reliance on God’s promises, and the community of faith that supports them.

What lessons can we learn from biblical accounts of war?

We learn the importance of seeking God’s guidance, understanding the consequences of violence, and the value of pursuing peace.

Conclusion

The Bible presents a multifaceted view of war and killing, illustrating that these themes are not merely historical accounts but also offer profound spiritual insights. Through these 45 verses, we see the importance of seeking peace, understanding justice, and trusting in God’s sovereignty during times of conflict. 

As we reflect on these scriptures, we are reminded that while war may be a part of our world, the ultimate calling is to strive for holiness and peace in our lives and communities.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of biblical perspectives on war and killing while adhering to the requested structure. Let me know if you would like to adjust or expand any sections!