Murder is an unfortunately common theme throughout the Bible, as humans have struggled with anger, jealousy, and violence since Creation. The Bible makes it clear that murder is a grievous sin, but also offers hope and redemption even for murderers. Here is an overview of some notable Bible verses about murder:
The Commandment Against Murder
The most famous Bible verse about murder is one of the Ten Commandments: “You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13, ESV). This straightforward commandment forbids the unjust taking of human life. The Hebrew word used here specifically refers to criminal homicide, not to killing in war or self-defense. God values human life as sacred and made in His image. Murder is a grave offense against God and humanity.
Cain Murders Abel
The first murder in the Bible is when Cain killed his brother Abel out of jealousy and anger (Genesis 4:1-16). This account shows some of the roots of murder – bitterness, envy, rage. God punished Cain but also showed mercy by protecting him. Even the first murderer received God’s grace. The shedding of innocent blood polluted the land and cried out for justice.
Noah and Capital Punishment
After the Flood, God instituted capital punishment for murder: “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.” (Genesis 9:6). God values human life so highly that murder demands the life of the murderer. This was to promote justice and restrain further evil. Jesus later offset this principle by prohibiting personal vengeance.
The Sixth Commandment
When God gave the Law to Moses, the commandment against murder was repeated: “You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17). The Law made allowances for killing in self-defense and war, but prohibited premeditated murder. The penalty was death. God’s Law demonstrates the sacredness of life.
Cities of Refuge
Within the Law, God made provision for unintentional killing, designating certain cities as “cities of refuge” where the accidental killer could flee for protection from vengeance until given a fair trial (Numbers 35; Deuteronomy 19:1-13). This demonstrated God’s mercy and justice in the face of murder.
David Murders Uriah
One of the most well-known accounts of murder in the Bible is when King David arranged for the death of Uriah the Hittite, so that David could marry Uriah’s wife Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). This was a premeditated betrayal and violation of God’s law. The prophet Nathan confronted David, who then repented, but there were still consequences.
Cain’s Revenge and Lamech’s Song
Genesis 4 mentions two descendants of Cain involved in murder. Cain feared retribution for killing Abel, but was avenged when a descendant Lamech killed Cain’s murderer. Lamech boasted of this disproportionate act of revenge (Genesis 4:23-24). His was the arrogance of a murderer, not justice.
The Greatest Commandments
When asked what is the greatest commandment in the Law, Jesus replied: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind… You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39). Love fulfills the Law and prevents murder which stems from hatred.
Anger and Murder
Jesus tied anger and hostility to murder, expanding the definition of murder to an internal sin of the heart: “You have heard it said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder’… But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment” (Matthew 5:21-22). Hatred is murder in the heart.
Turn the Other Cheek
Jesus flipped the Lex Talionis (law of retribution) by saying: “You have heard it said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew 5:38-39). We do not return murder for murder, but mercy.
Forgiveness, Not Revenge
Stephen exemplified this principle at his martyrdom, praying for God to forgive his murderers (Acts 7:60). Jesus also prayed for God to forgive those crucifying Him (Luke 23:34). Romans 12:19 says “Beloved, never avenge yourselves… To me belong vengeance and recompense.” Murder should be met with forgiveness, not revenge.
Equity, Not Violence
The Bible says “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). And Peter wrote “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind” (1 Peter 3:8), instead of violence and discord. Equity and justice, not murder, are God’s ways.
A Heart Issue
Jesus said evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft and murder all come “from within, out of the heart” (Mark 7:21-23). Jeremiah said “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick” (Jeremiah 17:9). Murder is a manifestation of inner sinful desires and tendencies.
Warnings Against Violence
There are many other verses that warn against strife, violence and murder. “Blessed are the peacemakers”, not violence-makers (Matthew 5:9). “Strive for peace with everyone”, not violence (Hebrews 12:14). “Love does no wrong to a neighbor”, not murder (Romans 13:10). Murder has no place among God’s people.
The Murder of Jesus
The greatest murder in history was of Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God. Yet His death was to save and redeem murderers from their sin: “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6). Because of the cross, murderers can find forgiveness.
Sanctity of Life
The Bible consistently upholds the sanctity of human life as being made in God’s image. Deliberate murder is one of the most grievous sins, violation of God’s clear commands. Yet even murderers can find grace, as God’s mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13). The cycle of violence stops with the cross.
Murder has plagued humanity for millennia, but God’s truth offers a better way forward. Though punishment is warranted for murder, the Bible points murderers to repentance, forgiveness, and redemption through Jesus Christ. He valued life so much He was willing to lay down His own, that murderers might live eternally. There is hope, even for murderers.