Bible Verses About Killing in Self Defense
Ranked by the OpenBible.info topical community
These are the Bible verses most often cited for killing in self defense, ranked by the OpenBible.info topical community across 1,391 votes, led by Exodus 22:2-3. Each passage links to its verse page or the interactive map; scripture is the King James Version.
Top verses about Killing in Self Defense
Exodus 22:2-3195 votes
If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.
Matthew 5:38-39136 votes
Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
Romans 12:19128 votes
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Romans 13:1-14103 votes
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Genesis 9:5-690 votes
And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man.
Luke 22:3679 votes
Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
Exodus 22:274 votes
If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.
Exodus 20:1363 votes
Thou shalt not kill.
Psalms 144:160 votes
Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:
Romans 13:457 votes
For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
1 Timothy 5:848 votes
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
Exodus 22:1-3147 votes
If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.
Leviticus 24:2131 votes
And he that killeth a beast, he shall restore it: and he that killeth a man, he shall be put to death.
Exodus 21:24-2527 votes
Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
Matthew 26:52-5427 votes
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.
Proverbs 25:2624 votes
A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.
Matthew 5:2124 votes
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
Nehemiah 4:17-1821 votes
They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.
Matthew 5:3919 votes
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.
Judges 5:818 votes
They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?
Luke 10:2718 votes
And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
Deuteronomy 28:47-4815 votes
Because thou servedst not the Lord thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things;
Matthew 6:14-1515 votes
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Romans 13:1-515 votes
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Luke 10:30-3714 votes
And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
What does the Bible say about killing in self defense?
Readers most often cite Exodus 22:2-3 on the subject of killing in self defense. Across 1,391 votes, 25 passages are commonly cited for this topic, including Matthew 5:38-39, Romans 12:19, Romans 13:1-14. This page lists all 25 in ranked order, quoted in the King James Version, with each linked to its cross-references.