What does the Bible teach about violence?

Quick answer

Physical harm to another may be appropriate in self-defense, defense of others, justifiable wars, and for the purposes of authorities acting in accordance with the principles of justice. However, neither vengeance nor unnecessary, unchecked violence are God’s will. Instead, we are called to entrust our anger and emotions to God, love God and others, pursue reconciliation, and allow God to handle judgment.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Violence is the use of physical force intended to cause harm, damage, or injury to people, property, or animals. Violence extends from nuclear arms to a shove in line to destruction of property. The Bible not only addresses physical violence but also violence of the mind and heart, which is where physical violence begins (Leviticus 19:17–18; Matthew 5:21–22). While certain wars were commanded by God in the Old Testament, they were for specific purposes, specifically the protection of His people or judgment on nations for their sins (Deuteronomy 7:2; Joshua 6:21). However, God calls His people to avoid unnecessary violence and vengeance. Instead, God calls us to pursue peace and reconciliation (Proverbs 3:31; Matthew 5:38–44). While self-defense is not barred, the Bible more promotes justice, mercy, and the protection of the vulnerable, pointing to the greater command to love God and love others (Micah 6:8; Romans 12:17–21). The Bible calls us not to resort to violence but to trust God with our emotions and anger; when violence is done to us, we are also to trust God by allowing the law and leaders in power to follow through with the consequence of the violence. Rather than taking matters into our own hands, we are to trust God and pursue peace as much as it depends on us.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

God connects hate, vengeance, and even holding a grudge together in Leviticus 19:17–18: "You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD."

There is much in the Bible, especially the Old Testament, about war and killing. One of the Ten Commandments, sometimes inadequately translated "Do not kill," more accurately prohibits murder (Exodus 20:13).

Exodus 22:2–3 suggests that self-defense is acceptable when a person’s life or property is directly threatened, but excessive force is not justified once the threat has subsided.

Throughout the Old Testament, God leads His people into war to claim what is rightfully theirs, to protect His people, or as an instrument of punishment for wrongdoing. For example, God commanded the Israelites to conquer the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 7:1–2) and led them in battles to defend their nation (Exodus 17:8–16). In some cases, war was a means of divine judgment, such as when God instructed Israel to destroy the Amalekites because of their wickedness (1 Samuel 15:1–3). It appears God does not prohibit "just war," as wars fought in obedience to His command served a righteous purpose.

Nehemiah encouraged the people to defend themselves and their families when faced with enemies (Nehemiah 4:14).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Jesus also shows the connection between hate in one’s heart and mind and physical violence when He says that hating someone is equivalent to murder (Matthew 5:21–22).

In Romans 13:1–7, we are told to submit ourselves to the officials in the government—which can, among other things, wield the sword against those internally and externally who do not do good. Certainly, though, much violence has been done that would fail to meet God's requirements of societal justice.

Primarily, believers are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), to let offenses go rather than retaliate (Matthew 5:38–40), and to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43–48).

Jesus instructs His disciples to prepare themselves for defense, suggesting that there is a time when self-defense is necessary (Luke 22:36).

We must leave the physical use of force (the violence) to the authorities God has put in place such as the government and law enforcement, and ultimately, we must entrust it to God (Romans 12:19).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The Bible urges us to rise above our violent impulses and trust in God's sovereignty. Rather than taking matters into our own hands, we are to trust God and pursue peace as much as it depends on us. As we live out God’s call for us to show love, mercy, and justice, we reflect God's character in every situation. While self-defense and justice have their place, vengeance and unchecked violence are never God's desire for His people. Ultimately, we are invited to pursue peace, seeking reconciliation and healing in a broken world, knowing that God is our ultimate defender and the final arbiter of justice. Let us remember, as His followers, that our view of violence must be shaped by His love, by trust in His justice and sovereignty, and His call to be agents of peace.

UNDERSTAND

God permits self-defense and justice but warns against vengeance and unnecessary violence.

God calls us to trust Him in dealing with anger and our emotions.

Believers are called to pursue peace and to reflect God’s love, mercy, and justice in a world marred by violence.

REFLECT

How do you respond to conflict or anger, and how can you trust God with those emotions?

Are you holding onto any grudges or seeking vengeance? How can you entrust God with those feelings and pursue reconciliation instead?

What does the increase from anger to violence reveal about humanity, and what does God’s call to how we are to live reveal about His character?

ENGAGE

How can we love our enemies in the face of violence?

What does pursuing justice look like in line with God’s will?

How can we be agents of peace and reconciliation in a world that values retaliation?