53+ Bible Verses About War, Fighting, and Killing

By:
Shaun Connell.
Last updated
May 8, 2024
bv101

In a world often torn by conflict and strife, understanding the Biblical perspective on war, fighting, and killing becomes essential for those seeking guidance and peace. This article aims to delve into these complex topics through the lens of the Scriptures, offering a comprehensive collection of Bible verses and Christian insights. The Bible, a foundational text for millions, provides varied perspectives on these challenging themes, reflecting the complexity and depth of human experiences and divine wisdom.

To aid in this exploration, this article presents a thoughtfully curated selection of 56 Bible verses and 7 Christian quotes, each offering a unique viewpoint or piece of wisdom. These passages, drawn from the New King James Version (NKJV), span a range of contexts and situations, providing a rich tapestry of thought for contemplation and understanding. The reader is encouraged to journey through these carefully chosen verses and quotes, for a comprehensive understanding of what the Bible and esteemed Christian thinkers have expressed about war, fighting, and killing.

Understanding War in a Biblical Context

"When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the Lord thy God is with thee."

- Deuteronomy 20:1

"The Lord is a man of war: the Lord is his name."

- Exodus 15:3

"He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms."

- 2 Samuel 22:35

"Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;"

- Psalms 91:5

"The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace."

- Exodus 14:14

"Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:"

- Psalms 144:1

"There is a time for war, and a time for peace."

- Ecclesiastes 3:8

Confronting Enemies and Conflict

"The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?"

- Psalms 118:6

"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called."

- 1 Timothy 6:12

"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn."

- Isaiah 54:17

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;"

- 2 Corinthians 10:4

"The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace."

- Exodus 14:14

"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you."

- Matthew 5:44

"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."

- Romans 12:21

The Morality of Killing in Scripture

"Thou shalt not kill."

- Exodus 20:13

"He that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints."

- Revelation 13:10

"If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."

- Romans 12:18

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."

- Matthew 5:9

"But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."

- 1 Timothy 5:8

"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."

- Romans 13:4

"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."

- Matthew 7:12

Faith and Trust in God During War

"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God."

- Psalms 20:7

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee."

- Isaiah 41:10

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."

- Proverbs 18:10

"The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him."

- Nahum 1:7

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

- Psalms 46:1

"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."

- Deuteronomy 31:6

"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."

- Psalms 27:14

Seeking Peace and Reconciliation

"If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."

- Romans 12:18

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."

- Matthew 5:9

"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."

- Hebrews 12:14

"Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it."

- Psalms 34:14

"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another."

- Romans 14:19

"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."

- Romans 14:17

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

- Philippians 4:7

Justice and Vengeance in the Scriptures

"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."

- Romans 12:19

"To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste."

- Deuteronomy 32:35

"Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven."

- Luke 6:37

"He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints."

- Revelation 13:10

"Say not, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee."

- Proverbs 20:22

"But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil."

- Luke 6:35

"Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way."

- Romans 14:13

The Role of Prayer in Times of War

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee."

- Psalms 122:6

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

- 2 Chronicles 7:14

"The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous."

- Proverbs 15:29

"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

- Matthew 26:41

"And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."

- Matthew 26:39

"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;"

- Colossians 4:2

"Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;"

- Romans 12:12

God’s Sovereignty Over Nations and Wars

"The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up."

- 1 Samuel 2:7

"The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will."

- Proverbs 21:1

"He removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:"

- Daniel 2:21

"The Lord is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands."

- Psalms 9:16

"For the kingdom is the Lord's: and he is the governor among the nations."

- Psalms 22:28

"God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another."

- Psalms 75:7

"And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:"

- Daniel 2:21

Christian Quotes

"The first casualty when war comes is truth."

- Hiram Johnson

"Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal."

- Martin Luther King Jr.

"It is better to be a warrior in a garden than to be a gardener in a war."

- Chinese Proverb

"War is a poor chisel to carve out tomorrow."

- Martin Luther King Jr.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

- Saint Francis of Assisi

"We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God."

- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"In peace, sons bury their fathers. In war, fathers bury their sons."

- Herodotus

Conclusion

In the journey through these varied and profound Scriptures and quotes, we find that the Bible offers deep insights into war, peace, and the human condition. It challenges us to seek understanding, peace, and justice, even amid conflict. The Christian perspective emphasizes trust in God, the pursuit of peace, and the moral complexities inherent in issues of war and violence.

As we reflect on these teachings, we are reminded of the importance of faith, compassion, and wisdom in navigating these challenging aspects of life. Let these verses and quotes inspire and guide us in our thoughts, actions, and prayers.

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."

- Matthew 5:9

"The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace."

- Exodus 14:14

"Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it."

- Psalms 34:14


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Written By:

Shaun Connell

Shaun Connell is a passionate Christian businessman and investor who lives in Texas. Shaun is a Reformed Baptist who believes that the Word of God should be used in every area of life.

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