Bible Verses About War

Bible verses about war, peace, and whether armed conflict can ever be just.

King James Version
8A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:8
4For 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.
Romans 13:4
9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Matthew 5:9
9He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
Psalms 46:9
4And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
Isaiah 2:4
3The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name.
Exodus 15:3
9Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up: 10Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong.
Joel 3:9-10
1Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:
Psalms 144:1
18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Romans 12:18
3And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
Micah 4:3
15And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
2 Chronicles 20:15

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Related Topics

PeaceJusticeGenocideCapital Punishment

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Bible say about war?

The Bible contains both warrior imagery and peace ideals. Ecclesiastes 3:8 acknowledges 'a time of war, and a time of peace.' Isaiah 2:4 envisions beating swords into plowshares. Jesus called peacemakers blessed (Matthew 5:9) while acknowledging temporal authorities' sword-bearing role (Romans 13:4).

Is war ever justified according to Scripture?

Christians hold pacifist and just-war positions. Pacifists cite Jesus's nonviolence and love-of-enemies teaching. Just-war advocates point to Romans 13, Old Testament wars, and the duty to protect the innocent. Both positions have long biblical and theological traditions.

What is the difference between pacifism and just war theory?

Christian pacifists believe Jesus's commands to love enemies and turn the other cheek prohibit all participation in violence. Just war theorists, drawing from Augustine and Aquinas, argue that war may be morally permissible when fought for a just cause, as a last resort, with proportional force, and with the goal of restoring peace. Both traditions seek to follow Christ faithfully.