What does the Bible say about killing innocent?
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The Bible unequivocally condemns the unjust taking of innocent human life, for every person bears God’s image and is accountable to him. Exodus 20:13 forbids murder, while Exodus 23:7 specifically warns, “do not kill the innocent and righteous.” Genesis 9:6 grounds this command in humanity’s creation in God’s image, and Proverbs 6:16-19 names hands that shed innocent blood among the things the Lord hates. Scripture also condemns corrupt judgment that acquits the guilty or condemns the righteous (Proverbs 17:15; Isaiah 5:20). Yet God’s justice is not arbitrary: Romans 9:11 reminds us that his purposes rest on his righteous will, and Christ calls his people away from Cain’s hatred and violence (1 John 3:12).
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Exodus 23:7
"Keep far from a false charge, and don't kill the innocent and righteous: for I will not justify the wicked.
- Proverbs 6:16-19
[16] There are six things which Yahweh hates; Yes, seven which are an abomination to him: [17] Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood; [18] A heart that devises wicked schemes, Feet that are swift in running to mischief, [19] A false witness who utters lies, And he who sows discord among brothers.
- Exodus 20:13
"You shall not murder.
- Leviticus 24:17
"'He who strikes any man mortally shall surely be put to death.
- 1 John 3:12
unlike Cain, who was of the evil one, and killed his brother. Why did he kill him? Because his works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
- Proverbs 17:15
He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.
- Genesis 9:6
Whoever sheds man's blood, by man will his blood be shed, for in the image of God made he man.
- Isaiah 5:20
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, And light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, And sweet for bitter!
- Romans 9:11
For being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him who calls,
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