24 Bible Verses about Murder

Most Relevant Verses

Matthew 5:21

"You have heard what was said to the people in time's past [Exodus 20:13], 'You must not murder,' and whoever does will be subject to judgment.

Matthew 19:18

The young man asked Him, "Which [ones]?" Jesus answered, "You must not murder. You must not be sexually unfaithful to your mate. You must not steal. You must not give false testimony.

Romans 13:9

For [the commandments are: Ex. 20:13ff], "You must not be sexually unfaithful to your mate. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not have a strong desire for what belongs to someone else." These and any other commandments are summed up in these words, "You must love your neighbor the same as you love yourself."

1 Timothy 1:9

We [also] know this: Law [or, "the law of Moses"] is not intended for a righteous person, but for lawbreakers and rebels, for ungodly people and sinners, for unholy and irreverent people, for people who kill their parents, for murderers,

James 2:11-12

For God, who said [through Moses, Ex. 20:13f], "You must not be sexually unfaithful to your mate," also said, "You must not murder." Now if you are sexually faithful to your mate and yet murder [someone], you have become a lawbreaker. So, you should speak and act as people who will be judged by a law that brings freedom.

Revelation 22:15

On the outside [of the city] are the dogs [Note: This probably refers to people who practiced sexual perversions. See Deut. 23:17] and the sorcerers, and the sexually immoral people, and the murderers, and the idolaters and every person who loves and practices falsehood.

Hebrews 10:28

The person who has disregarded the law of Moses is put to death without being shown mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

1 John 3:12

not [hate each other] the way Cain did, who belonged to the evil one [i.e., Satan], when he murdered his brother [Abel]. And why did he murder him? It was because his [own] actions were evil and his brother's were righteous [See Heb. 11:4].

Luke 10:30

Jesus answered him, "A certain man was traveling down from Jerusalem to Jericho [Note: This was a town about eighteen miles northeast of Jerusalem], when he was attacked by robbers, who stripped him [of his clothing and belongings] and beat him up, then went away leaving him half dead.

Luke 21:12-17

But before all these things happen, the authorities will grab hold of you, and persecute you, and turn you over to the synagogues and prisons [i.e., for punishment and confinement]. They will take you in front of kings and governors for being loyal to me. It will result in [an opportunity for] witnessing to them. Determine in your hearts, therefore, not to plan ahead how you will answer them [when interrogated],read more.
for I will give you a mouth [i.e., the ability to speak properly] and wisdom [i.e., the knowledge of what to say], which none of your opponents will be able to resist or speak against. But you will be turned over [i.e., to the authorities for punishment] even by [your own] parents and brothers and relatives and friends. And they will [even] put some of you to death. And you will be hated by all people for being loyal to me.

Matthew 14:6-11

But when Herod's birthday came, Herodias' daughter [Note: According to Josephus her name was Salome], pleased him by [her sensual] dancing in front of the party guests. [Herod was so pleased with her performance that] he promised, with an oath, to give her whatever she asked for [i.e., with limitations. See Mark 6:23]. Her mother persuaded her to say, "Give me the head of John, the Immerser, here on this [large] platter."read more.
Now King Herod became very distressed [over such a gruesome request]; but because he had [promised with] oaths and [to look good in front of] his party guests, he ordered John's head to be given [to her]. So, he sent [word to his officers] and had John decapitated in the prison. His head was brought on a [large] platter and given to the young woman [i.e., Salome], and she took it to her mother [i.e., Herodias].

Matthew 23:30-37

And you say, 'If [only] we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we [certainly] would not have participated with them in [shedding] the blood of the prophets.' [But by saying this] you are witnesses [against] yourselves, that you are the sons of those who murdered the prophets [i.e., indicating your approval of their actions]. So [then], fulfill the pattern of behavior begun by your forefathers.read more.
You snakes! You children of snakes! How do you expect to escape being judged [and condemned] in hell? Therefore look, I am sending to you prophets, wise men and scholarly teachers. You will murder and crucify some of them; you will whip some of them in your synagogues and pursue them from town to town. [This will be done] so that on you may fall the guilt for shedding on the ground the blood of all those innocent people, from the blood of righteous Abel to that of Barachiah's son Zachariah, whom you murdered between the Sanctuary and the Altar [i.e., in the Temple area]. Truly I tell you, this generation will bear [the guilt for] all these things. "O, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [you people] who murdered the prophets and stoned those who were sent to you! How often I have wanted to gather you people together, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!

Mark 3:6

And the Pharisees immediately went out and conferred with the Herodians against Jesus, plotting how they could kill Him. [Note: These Herodians were members of a political party favoring King Herod]

Acts 7:54-60

Now when the Council members heard these things they were enraged and ground their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw God's splendor and Jesus standing at His right side. He said, "Look, I see heaven opened up and the Son of man standing at the right side of God."read more.
But they shouted loudly and refused to listen, and then all of them rushed at him. They threw him out of the city and stoned him [to death]. Those who witnessed [the incident] placed their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. So, they stoned Stephen [to death] as he called out to the Lord, saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit [as I die]." Then he kneeled down and called out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold them responsible for this sin [of killing me]." And when he said this he fell asleep [in death].

2 Timothy 4:6

For I am already being "poured out like a drink offering," and the time for me to leave has come. [Note: Paul here likens the prospect of shedding his blood for the work of Christ to the pouring of wine and oil on an Old Testament sacrifice].

Matthew 5:21-22

"You have heard what was said to the people in time's past [Exodus 20:13], 'You must not murder,' and whoever does will be subject to judgment. But I say to you that every person who is angry toward his brother will be subject to judgment; and whoever calls his brother 'stupid idiot' is subject to [being sentenced by] the [Jewish] Council, and whoever says, 'go to hell' is subject to going to the fire of hell [himself].

From Thematic Bible


Covetousness » Leads to » Murder

Fatherless » The wicked » Murder

Murder » Examples of

Matthew 2:16

When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the astrologer/sages, he was furious and sent out [his soldiers] to kill all the baby boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity. This was done to those from two years old and under, basing [their decision] on the exact time determined from the astrologer/sages.

Acts 7:58

They threw him out of the city and stoned him [to death]. Those who witnessed [the incident] placed their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.

Murder » Punishment of wilful

Murder » Of saints, specially avenged

Matthew 23:35

[This will be done] so that on you may fall the guilt for shedding on the ground the blood of all those innocent people, from the blood of righteous Abel to that of Barachiah's son Zachariah, whom you murdered between the Sanctuary and the Altar [i.e., in the Temple area].

Revelation 18:20

Be glad, heaven, and you saints, and you apostles, and you prophets, for God has brought judgment on her for you [i.e., for the way she treated you].'"

Revelation 18:24

And the blood of the prophets and the saints and all [others] who were killed on earth was found in her."

Murder » Forbidden

Matthew 19:18

The young man asked Him, "Which [ones]?" Jesus answered, "You must not murder. You must not be sexually unfaithful to your mate. You must not steal. You must not give false testimony.

Romans 13:9

For [the commandments are: Ex. 20:13ff], "You must not be sexually unfaithful to your mate. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not have a strong desire for what belongs to someone else." These and any other commandments are summed up in these words, "You must love your neighbor the same as you love yourself."

1 John 3:15

Every person who hates his brother is a murderer [in God's sight]; and you [surely] know that no murderer has [the hope of] never ending life remaining in his heart.

1 Peter 4:15

[However], you should not have to suffer for murdering, stealing, doing evil or interfering in the affairs of others.

Murder » Punishment of

Murder » To be proved by two witnesses at least

Murder » Represented as a sin crying unto heaven

Hebrews 12:24

and to Jesus, the Mediator of a New Agreement [between God and mankind], and to the sprinkled blood [of Jesus], which says better things [to us] than [the blood of] Abel did. [Note: The contrast seems to be that "Abel's blood called for vengeance and death (See Gen. 4:10) whereas the blood of Christ provides mercy and life"].

Murder » God » Will avenge

Murder » God » Requires blood for

Murder » Exemplified

Matthew 2:16

When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the astrologer/sages, he was furious and sent out [his soldiers] to kill all the baby boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity. This was done to those from two years old and under, basing [their decision] on the exact time determined from the astrologer/sages.

Matthew 14:10

So, he sent [word to his officers] and had John decapitated in the prison.

Acts 7:52

Which one of the prophets did your forefathers not persecute? They [even] killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One [i.e., Jesus], whom you people betrayed and murdered.

1 Thessalonians 2:15

who killed the Lord Jesus and the [Old Testament] prophets and also drove us [apostles] out [of Thessalonica and Berea. See Acts 17]. They are not pleasing to God and are hostile to all people,

Murder » Mode of clearing those suspected of

Matthew 27:24

So, when Pilate saw that he was not convincing anyone, but that a riot was brewing instead, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd saying, "I am not responsible for this man's blood. [Note: Some ancient manuscripts say "righteous man's blood"]. You tend to the matter."

Murder » Described as killing » By lying in wait

Murder » Excludes from heaven

Galatians 5:21

envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you again, as I have done before, that those people who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Revelation 22:15

On the outside [of the city] are the dogs [Note: This probably refers to people who practiced sexual perversions. See Deut. 23:17] and the sorcerers, and the sexually immoral people, and the murderers, and the idolaters and every person who loves and practices falsehood.

Murder » The wicked » Encourage others to commit

Murder » Forbidden by mosaic law

Murder » Saints » Should warn others against

Murder » Punishment for » Inflicted by the nearest of kin

Murder » The wicked » Devise

Murder » Connected with idolatry

Murder » Defiles the » Land

Murder » Not concealed from God

Murder » Exemplified » Hazael

Murder » The wicked » Swift to commit

Romans 3:15

[Isa. 59:7ff says], "Their feet [take them where they] are quick to commit murder.

Murder » God » Rejects the prayers of those guilty of

Murder » Often committed by night

Murder » The wicked » Perpetrate

Murder » Persons guilty of » Not protected in refuge cities

Murder » Defiles the » Person and garments

Murder » Imputed to the nearest city when the murderer was unknown

Murder » Persons guilty of » Not to be pitied or spared

Murder » Described as killing » From hatred

Murder » God » Abominates

Murder » Exemplified » Joab

Murder » Explained by Christ

Matthew 5:21-22

"You have heard what was said to the people in time's past [Exodus 20:13], 'You must not murder,' and whoever does will be subject to judgment. But I say to you that every person who is angry toward his brother will be subject to judgment; and whoever calls his brother 'stupid idiot' is subject to [being sentenced by] the [Jewish] Council, and whoever says, 'go to hell' is subject to going to the fire of hell [himself].

Murder » Exemplified » Rechab

Murder » The wicked » Intent on

Murder » Is a work for the flesh

Galatians 5:21

envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you again, as I have done before, that those people who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Murder » Exemplified » Esau

Murder » Described as killing » By an instrument of iron

Murder » Described as killing » By a hand weapon of wood

Murder » Described as killing » By the blow of a stone

Murder » Punishment for » Not to be commuted

Murder » Punishment for » death

Murder » Exemplified » Elders of jezreel

Murder » Exemplified » Joseph's brethren

Murder » Exemplified » Adrammelech

Murder » Exemplified » Manasseh

Murder » Exemplified » Baasha

Murder » Exemplified » Zimri

Murder » Exemplified » David

Murder » Exemplified » Ahab

Murder » The wicked » Lie in wait to commit

Murder » Punishment of, not commuted under the law

Murder » The law made to restrain

1 Timothy 1:9

We [also] know this: Law [or, "the law of Moses"] is not intended for a righteous person, but for lawbreakers and rebels, for ungodly people and sinners, for unholy and irreverent people, for people who kill their parents, for murderers,

Murder » Comes from the heart

Murder » Described as killing » With premeditation

Murder » Persons guilty of » Had no protection from altars

Murder » Persons guilty of » Flee from God's presence

Murder » Persons guilty of » Wanderers and vagabonds

Murder » Persons guilty of » Fearful and cowardly

Murder » Punishment for » The curse of God

Murder » Exemplified » Princes of israel

Murder » Exemplified » Chief priests

Matthew 27:1

Now when morning came, all the leading priests and the elders of the [Jewish] people conferred together against Jesus as to how they might put Him to death.

Murder » Exemplified » Judas

Matthew 27:4

saying, "I have sinned by delivering up an innocent man to die." But they replied, "What is that to us? It is your affair!"

Murder » Saints » Specially warned against

1 Peter 4:15

[However], you should not have to suffer for murdering, stealing, doing evil or interfering in the affairs of others.

Murder » God » Curses those guilty of

Murder » Cries for vengeance

Murder » The wicked » Being Full of

Murder » Exemplified » Cain

Murder » Exemplified » Men of shechem

Murder » Exemplified » Pharaoh

Murder » Defiles the » hands

Murder » The wicked » Have hands full of

Murder » Saints » Deprecate the guilt of

Murder » Killing a thief in the day, counted as

Murder » The jews often guilty of

Murder » Early introduction of

Murder » Why forbidden by God

Murder » Hatred is

1 John 3:15

Every person who hates his brother is a murderer [in God's sight]; and you [surely] know that no murderer has [the hope of] never ending life remaining in his heart.

Murder » God » Makes inquisition for

Murder » Exemplified » People of gilead

Murder » Characteristic of the devil

Slander » Effects of » Murder

Topics on Murder

Do Not Murder

Matthew 5:21

"You have heard what was said to the people in time's past [Exodus 20:13], 'You must not murder,' and whoever does will be subject to judgment.

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Theasaurus: Murder