What Does the Bible Say About War?
What Does the Bible Say About War? The Bible records God-sanctioned wars in the Old Testament, Jesus' teachings on peace, and recognizes war as a reality of a fallen world until Christ's kingdom comes.
Key verse: Ecclesiastes 3:8 (KJV)
The Bible records God-sanctioned wars in the Old Testament, Jesus' teachings on peace, and recognizes war as a reality of a fallen world until Christ's kingdom comes.
The Bible records God-sanctioned wars in the Old Testament, Jesus' teachings on peace, and recognizes war as a reality of a fallen world until Christ's kingdom comes.
"A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace." — Ecclesiastes 3:8 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
War is a complex biblical topic. God commanded Israel to fight specific battles (Joshua 6, 1 Samuel 15) and is called 'a man of war' (Exodus 15:3). Ecclesiastes acknowledges 'a time of war, and a time of peace' (3:8). The 'just war' tradition derives from biblical principles: defense of the innocent, last resort, proportional force, and legitimate authority (Romans 13:4 gives government 'the sword'). Yet Jesus taught peace: 'Blessed are the peacemakers' (Matthew 5:9). He told Peter to put away his sword (Matthew 26:52). The early church was largely pacifist. Ultimate peace comes only through Christ's return. Until then, Christians hold the tension between working for peace (Romans 12:18) and recognizing government's responsibility to restrain evil (Romans 13:4). War is always a tragic consequence of human sinfulness.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?
What the Bible teaches about salvation, being saved, and how to receive eternal life.
Key Scripture References
"A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
"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."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Peace?
The Bible offers peace with God through justification, the peace of God through prayer, and calls believers to be peacemakers in the world.
What Does the Bible Say About Government and Authority?
The Bible teaches that God establishes governing authorities, calls believers to submit to them, but also recognizes that God's authority is supreme when they conflict.
What Does the Bible Say About Justice?
The Bible teaches that God is perfectly just, commands His people to pursue justice for the oppressed, and will ultimately judge all people fairly.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Ecclesiastes. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Ecclesiastes on day 170 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About War?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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