What Does the Bible Say About War?

The Bible addresses war across both Old and New Testaments. These verses are organized by biblical era — from the patriarchs to the apostles — letting Scripture speak for itself.

6 verses·4 eras·2 promises

Exile (~586 BC)

But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says Yahweh: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people:
Jeremiah 31:33· YahwehPromise

Life of Jesus (~30 AD)

but he who didn't know, and did things worthy of stripes, will be beaten with few stripes. To whoever much is given, of him will much be required; and to whom much was entrusted, of him more will be asked.
Luke 12:48· JesusPromise
Jesus answered them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." They marveled greatly at him.
They said to him, "Caesar's." Then he said to them, "Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."

Apostolic Era (~50 AD)

Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weak say, 'I am strong.'

United Kingdom (~1000 BC)

a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

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