What the Bible Says About Violence
The Bible takes violence with profound seriousness, naming it as one of the chief marks of a world fallen away from God and pointing toward a future in which it will be no more. The first description of human corruption before the flood is striking: "Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with violence" (Genesis 6:11). Violence is presented not as a minor flaw but as evidence of a world that has turned from its Creator, and it grieves the heart of God. God's own attitude toward violence is unmistakable. "The LORD tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence" (Psalm 11:5). The wisdom literature warns God's people to keep far from the path of the violent: "Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways" (Proverbs 3:31). Far from admiring those who dominate by force, the believer is to reject their example entirely. The prophets looked forward to a redeemed world cleansed of violence altogether. Isaiah promised, "Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders; you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise" (Isaiah 60:18). This vision of peace finds its fullest expression in the teaching of Jesus, who calls his followers to a radically non-retaliatory way of life. "Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also" (Matthew 5:39). When Peter drew a sword to defend him, Jesus rebuked him with words that have echoed through the centuries: "Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword" (Matthew 26:52). The Christian is freed from the cycle of vengeance because justice belongs to God: "Never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord'" (Romans 12:19). The Bible thus calls believers to renounce violence, entrust justice to God, and pursue the peace that reflects his coming kingdom.
Key verse snapshot
“The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.”
Bible Verses about Violence
7 Scripture passages on this theme
Genesis 6:11
“The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.”
Psalms 11:5
“The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.”
Proverbs 3:31
“Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.”
Isaiah 60:18
“Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.”
Matthew 5:39
“But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
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.”
Romans 12:19
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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Apply These Verses to Your Life
Scripture comes alive when we meditate on it and apply it daily. Read these verses in full context, pray for understanding, and ask God how they speak to your situation with violence.
- Author:
- The Lord Will Editorial Team
- Reviewed by:
- Ugo Candido
- Last updated:
- Category:
- Scripture Guidance