Murder is undeniably a weighty and somber topic addressed in the Bible. According to Biblical teachings, taking another person’s life infringes on God’s divine authority over life and death, and is hence, a serious violation. The Bible communicates this message across various books and verses, utilizing distinct narratives and parables. Let’s take a deep dive into understanding the central perspectives presented in the Bible on the issue of murder.
What Does the Bible Signify About Murder?
The Bible views murder as one of the most grievous sins. This harsh position stems from the belief that life is a sacred gift from God to humankind. Every human, according to the Bible, is made in the image of God. As such, when someone takes away a life maliciously, they defy not only human dignity but also God’s divinity.
Starting from the early books of the Bible, this negative connotation toward murder is evident. The Ten Commandments, a set of biblical laws serving as the bedrock for morality, includes the directive “You shall not murder.” This mere fact speaks volumes about the Bible’s stance on this issue. More so, it paints a vivid picture of the Bible’s defense of life and protection against harm done by individuals against their fellow beings.
Who in the Bible Addresses the Subject of Murder?
Murder is addressed by various personalities in the Bible, but primarily by God and Jesus Christ. Their teachings and commandments lay the groundwork for understanding murder from a biblical perspective. They served as a reminder to people not only to refrain from physical killing but also to inhibit any harmful thoughts, words, and actions.
Jesus Christ, recognizing the gravity of murdering not just the body but also the spirit, expanded the concept of murder beyond the physical act. He emphasized the significance of harboring resentment or hatred toward others, equating it to the act of murder itself. This broadened perspective refocused followers’ attention on the roots of destructive tendencies, urging them to strive toward inner peace and love for others, hence promoting non-violence at every level.
Why Does the Bible Condemn Murder?
The Bible explicitly condemns murder because of its fundamental respect for life. This perspective is rooted in the belief that life is a divine gift, and that every life has intrinsic dignity and worth, reflecting the image of God. Thus, the act of murder is seen as a violation of this sanctity.
Moreover, the Bible calls for love, kindness, and respect between individuals. It denounces murder as contrary to these virtues, assigning utmost importance to peace and unity among communities. This thinking intends to create a harmonious co-existence, where life is revered and respected, and every individual leads a fulfilling and righteous life.
When Does the Bible Highlight the Issue of Murder?
The Bible brings up the issue of murder at significant moments to instruct and remind people about the sanctity of life. It often punctuates narratives of conflict and strife with reminders about prohibitions against murder to underscore the value of life, its respect, and the need for peaceful resolution of disagreements.
The Bible’s teachings aim to guide people away from violent conduct and toward forgiveness and compassion, thereby steering society toward justice, peace, and mutual respect. Essentially, the Bible employs the severe consequence attached to the act of murder as a means of nurturing an environment that fosters love and understanding among its followers.
Where Does the Argument Against Murder Fit Within the Larger Biblical Framework?
The argument against murder is an essential part of the Bible’s larger ethical and moral framework. It fits within the wider biblical emphasis on reverence for life, love for fellow humans, and respect for God’s sovereignty. The Bible, in its entirety, urges adherence to truth, justice, and morality, all of which deplore the act of murder.
Through the consistent condemnation of murder and its deleterious implications on society, the Bible hits home the message of peace and respect toward all life. Thus, the dire warning against any act of murder symbolizes the Bible’s broader teaching of love, peace, and life preservation.
Below is the full list of bible verses on murder (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Murder
Leviticus 24:17
“17 And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death.”
Related Themes: Life New Life Killing Retribution
Romans 12:19
“19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
1 John 3:12
“12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.”
Revelation 21:8
“8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
Related Themes: Hell Abomination Telling The Truth Frustration Adultery
1 John 3:15
“15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.”
Related Themes: Hate Bullying Bitterness Lust
Matthew 5:21-22
“21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.”
Genesis 9:6
“6 Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.”
Related Themes: Earth Retribution Killing Punishment
Exodus 21:12
“12 He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.”
Related Themes: Killing
John 8:44
“44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”
Related Themes: Telling The Truth Lust Pride Reaping Lying
Numbers 35:31
“31 Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death.”
Genesis 9:5-6
“5 And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man.6 Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.”
Related Themes: Killing Self-Defense Violence Life
Romans 14:8
“8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.”
Revelation 21:4
“4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
Related Themes: Hope Suffering Frustration Tears Repentance
John 11:25-26
“25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?”
Related Themes: Life Resurrection Life Afterlife
Matthew 26:52-54
“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.53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?”
Related Themes: Violence Revenge Self-Defense Killing
Romans 8:38-39
“38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Related Themes: Life Loneliness Greatness Fear Nervousness
Romans 6:23
“23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Related Themes: Life Hell Repentance Sin Omnipotence
Matthew 10:28
“28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Psalm 116:15
“15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.”
Revelation 14:13
“13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”
Psalm 23:4
“4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
Related Themes: Loneliness Gold Persecution Life Nervousness
John 3:16
“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Life Love Money Omnipotence
Proverbs 6:16-19
“16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”
Related Themes: Gossip Abomination Lying Pride
Matthew 5:4
“4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”
Ecclesiastes 12:7
“7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.”
1 Corinthians 15:22
“22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
Related Themes: Life Death Restoration
Philippians 1:21
“21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
James 2:11
“11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.”
Related Themes: Adultery
