12 Bible Verses About War

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about war

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about war:

1. Psalm 144:1 – “Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight”
2. Ecclesiastes 3:8 – “A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace”
3. Proverbs 20:18 – “Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war”
4. Matthew 24:6 – “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet”
5. 2 Timothy 2:3-4 – “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier”
6. Revelation 19:11 – “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war”

7. Deuteronomy 20:1 – “When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the Lord thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt”
8. Romans 12:18 – “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men”
9. Isaiah 2:4 – “And 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”
10. James 4:1-2 – “From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not”
11. Micah 4:3 – “And 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”
12. 1 Peter 2:11 – “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul”

What does the bible say about war?

The Bible teaches that war is a result of sin and disobedience to God’s commandments.

It emphasizes the importance of seeking peace and reconciliation, and condemns violence and aggression.

The Bible also acknowledges that there are times when war may be necessary for self-defense or to protect the innocent, but it should always be a last resort.

It encourages believers to trust in God’s protection and to seek His guidance in times of conflict.

Ultimately, the Bible promotes love, forgiveness, and understanding as the keys to resolving conflicts and promoting peace among nations.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about war?

1. Joshua 6 – This chapter describes the battle of Jericho, where the Israelites conquered the city through military strategy and divine intervention. It provides insight into the tactics and outcomes of ancient warfare.

2. Judges 4 – This chapter tells the story of Deborah and Barak leading the Israelites in battle against the Canaanites. It highlights the role of leadership, courage, and faith in times of war.

3. 1 Samuel 17 – This chapter recounts the famous story of David and Goliath, showcasing the power of faith, bravery, and unconventional tactics in overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds in war.

4. 2 Chronicles 20 – This chapter describes how King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah faced a formidable enemy army through prayer, fasting, and worship. It emphasizes the importance of seeking divine guidance and intervention in times of war.

5. Revelation 19 – This chapter depicts the ultimate battle between good and evil, culminating in the defeat of the enemies of God by Jesus Christ. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare that believers are engaged in and the ultimate victory that awaits them.

Ideas and concepts related to war that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

1. Justice: The concept of justice is often discussed in the Bible in relation to war. The Bible teaches that God is a just and righteous judge who will ultimately bring justice to all. In the context of war, justice is often sought through the defeat of evil and the protection of the innocent.

2. Peace: The Bible also speaks about the importance of peace and reconciliation. While war may be necessary at times to defend against evil, the ultimate goal is always to bring about peace and unity among nations. The Bible teaches that peace is a gift from God and should be pursued through love and forgiveness.

3. Mercy: Another concept related to war in the Bible is mercy. While war involves violence and destruction, the Bible also emphasizes the importance of showing mercy and compassion to enemies. This can be seen in passages that encourage forgiveness and reconciliation, even in the midst of conflict.

4. Courage: The Bible often highlights the importance of courage in the face of adversity, including in times of war. Soldiers are called to be brave and courageous, trusting in God’s strength and protection. The concept of courage is closely tied to the idea of standing up for what is right and defending the weak and oppressed.

5. Redemption: Finally, the concept of redemption is also discussed in relation to war in the Bible. While war may bring about suffering and destruction, the Bible teaches that God can bring about redemption and restoration even in the midst of conflict. This can be seen in stories of individuals who experience personal transformation and healing through their experiences in war.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.