What does the Bible say about killing in war?

15 verses about killing in war, ranked by the votes of OpenBible.info readers, with the King James text.

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Bible verses about killing in war

1. 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. 7 votes
2. Exodus 21:23 — And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, 6 votes
3. Luke 6:27 — But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, 6 votes
4. Romans 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. 6 votes
5. Exodus 22:2 — If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him. 5 votes
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. 5 votes
7. Exodus 20:13 — Thou shalt not kill. 4 votes
8. Numbers 31:1 — And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 3 votes
9. Matthew 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; 3 votes
10. Matthew 10:34 — Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 3 votes
11. Ephesians 6:10 — Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 3 votes
12. 1 Samuel 15:18 — And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed. 2 votes
13. Matthew 5:38 — Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 2 votes
14. Ephesians 5:11 — And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 2 votes
15. James 4:1 — From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 2 votes

Where these verses are

Matthew (4), Exodus (3), Romans (2), Ephesians (2), Numbers (1), 1 Samuel (1), Luke (1), James (1)

Related topics

• Killing In Self Defense
• Just War
• Defending Yourself
• The Holy War
• Self Defense
• How To Treat Your Enemies
• Hating
• Turning The Other Cheek
• Violence
• Self Murder
• Firearms
• Murderers

Topical Bible data by OpenBible.info (https://www.openbible.info/topics/), CC BY 4.0. Votes reflect how many readers judged each verse relevant; they are not a doctrinal ranking. Verse text: King James Version.