What does the Bible say about murder?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible forbids the unjust taking of human life and calls us to honor every person as made in God’s image. Exodus 20:13 and Deuteronomy 5:17 give the clear command, “You shall not murder,” while Exodus 21:12 and Leviticus 24:17 show the seriousness with which God regards it. Jesus deepens the command in Matthew 5:21-22, exposing angry, contemptuous hearts as roots of violence and calling His people to reconciliation. First John 3:15 likewise warns that hatred is spiritually akin to murder. God reserves final judgment and vengeance to Himself, as Romans 12:19 teaches, and Revelation 21:8 warns of judgment for unrepentant murderers. In Christ, sinners may receive forgiveness and new hearts that pursue peace.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Exodus 20:13
"You shall not murder.
- Leviticus 24:17
"'He who strikes any man mortally shall surely be put to death.
- 1 John 3:15
Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him.
- Deuteronomy 5:17
"You shall not murder.
- Revelation 21:8
But for the cowardly, unbelieving, sinners, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their part is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."
- Romans 12:19
Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord."
- Matthew 5:21
"You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, 'You shall not murder;' and 'Whoever shall murder shall be in danger of the judgment.'
- Exodus 21:12
"One who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death,
- Matthew 5:21-22
[21] "You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, 'You shall not murder;' and 'Whoever shall murder shall be in danger of the judgment.' [22] But I tell you, that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment; and whoever shall say to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council; and whoever shall say, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.
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