What does the Bible say about war?
The Bible presents a complex view of war, reflecting humanity's fallen state and God's ultimate sovereignty. While it often depicts war as a tragic consequence of sin and a source of immeasurable suffering, it also shows God engaging in and even ordaining warfare in specific historical contexts for redemptive and punitive purposes. For Christians, understanding the biblical perspective on war involves grappling with difficult passages, discerning principles for ethical engagement, and maintaining an eternal hope for perfect peace.
The Bible portrays war as a tragic result of sin, yet in some contexts, God uses it for justice, judgment, and the protection of his people.
War in the Old Testament
The Old Testament frequently describes warfare, often in the context of ancient Israel's history. God is sometimes depicted as a "man of war" (Exodus 15:3), leading his people in battle and commanding them to fight against their enemies. These accounts, particularly in books like Joshua and Judges, present what are often called "holy wars" or "Yahweh wars," where God's presence ensures victory (Deuteronomy 20:1-4). The destruction of the Canaanites, for example, is presented as divine judgment for their extreme wickedness (Deuteronomy 9:4-5) and to prevent Israel from being corrupted by their idolatry (Deuteronomy 20:16-18).
However, the Old Testament also laments the devastation of war. Prophets frequently condemn nations, including Israel, for their violence and injustices, warning of divine judgment through conquest and exile (Isaiah 10:1-4; Jeremiah 25:8-11). The ultimate vision for humanity held by the prophets is one of profound peace, where implements of war are transformed into tools of agriculture (Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3) and nations live in harmony.
War in the New Testament and the Teachings of Jesus
The New Testament, particularly the teachings of Jesus, introduces a strong emphasis on peace, love for enemies, and non-retaliation. Jesus famously tells his followers to "turn the other cheek" (Matthew 5:39), to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44), and warns that "all who take the sword will perish by the sword" (Matthew 26:52). These teachings are foundational for Christian pacifism, which argues that followers of Christ should never participate in war.
Yet, the New Testament also acknowledges the existence of governing authorities, noting that they "do not bear the sword in vain" but are God's servants to bring wrath on wrongdoers (Romans 13:4). This passage is often cited by those who hold to the 'just war' tradition, arguing that while war is tragic, under certain strict conditions, it can be a legitimate, though regrettable, action for a government to undertake to maintain order and protect the innocent. There is also the challenging episode where John the Baptist does not tell soldiers to leave their profession, but rather to "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages" (Luke 3:14), suggesting that their profession itself was not inherently sinful.
Christian Perspectives on Warfare
Christians have historically held various views on war, typically categorized into three main positions:
1. Pacifism: This view holds that Christians should never participate in war due to Jesus's commands to love, forgive, and turn the other cheek. Pacifists often point to the early church's general reluctance to serve in the Roman army and believe that war is always contrary to the spirit of Christ. They emphasize that the kingdom of God is not of this world and Christians should embody its peace now.
2. Just War Theory: Originating with Augustine and developed by Aquinas, this tradition seeks to define when warfare is morally permissible and how it should be conducted. It posits that war can be justified under specific conditions (e.g., just cause, legitimate authority, last resort, proportionality, reasonable hope of success) and must be conducted morally (e.g., non-combatant immunity, proportionality of means). This view acknowledges the state's role in maintaining justice and defending its citizens, even through military force, while emphasizing that war should always be a regrettable last resort.
3. Crusade/Holy War (Historic Perspective): Though distinct from the Old Testament "holy wars," some historical Christian movements (like the Crusades) have advocated for or participated in wars deemed religiously sanctioned. This view is largely rejected by mainstream Christian theology today, which emphasizes that Jesus's new covenant inaugurated a spiritual, not a political or military, kingdom for his followers. While God used Old Testament Israel as an instrument of judgment, the New Testament church is not called to conquer nations physically.
Ultimately, the Bible compels Christians to strive for peace (Hebrews 12:14; Romans 12:18) and to lament the brokenness that leads to conflict. While differing on the permissible role of Christians in warfare, all orthodox views agree that true and lasting peace will only come through the return of Christ, who will establish his kingdom of perfect righteousness and peace (Revelation 21:1-4).
Bible verses about war
"Jehovah is a man of war: Jehovah is his name."
"When thou goest forth to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, thou shalt not be afraid of them; for Jehovah thy God is with thee, who brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And it shall be, when ye draw nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people, and shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye draw nigh this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint; fear not, nor tremble, neither be ye affrighted at them; for Jehovah your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you."
"And he will judge between the nations, and will decide concerning many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."
"but I say unto you, Resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also."
"but I say unto you, Love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you;"
"Then saith Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into its place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword."
"for he is a 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 a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil."
"And soldiers also asked him, saying, And we, what must we do? And he said unto them, Extort from no man by violence, neither accuse any one wrongfully; and be content with your wages."
Frequently asked
Does the Bible command Christians to fight in wars?
The Bible does not explicitly command individual Christians to fight in wars. While the Old Testament recounts God commanding Israel to engage in specific battles, the New Testament emphasizes peace and love for enemies. Christians hold different views: pacifists believe Christians should not fight, while others adhere to Just War theory, which states that under very specific and limited circumstances, a nation's government may legitimately use force to protect its people, and Christians may participate in such efforts as citizens. Ultimately, believers are called to prioritize peace and justice while discerning their role within governmental structures.
How do Old Testament wars relate to New Testament teachings on peace?
The relationship between Old Testament wars and New Testament peace teachings is a point of theological discussion. Some see a discontinuity, arguing that Jesus's new covenant inaugurated a new ethic of nonviolence that supersedes the Old Testament's commands to warfare. Others see continuity, suggesting that God's justice and sovereignty remain consistent, but the *means* by which he works have changed. Old Testament wars were specific, historical judgments on particular nations. The New Testament Church's mission is spiritual, not military, focusing on spreading the Gospel peacefully and transforming hearts, while still acknowledging the role of civil governments in maintaining order (Romans 13:4).
What is the 'Just War Theory' and is it biblical?
The 'Just War Theory' is a framework for determining when war is morally permissible and how it should be conducted. Developed by Christian theologians like Augustine and Aquinas, it proposes strict criteria for engaging in war (e.g., just cause, legitimate authority, last resort) and for its conduct (e.g., proportionality, non-combatant immunity). While not explicitly laid out in a single biblical passage, proponents argue it draws principles from Scripture (e.g., Romans 13:4 on governmental authority, general biblical concern for justice and protection of the innocent) and applies them to the complex reality of fallen human societies. Critics argue it compromises the clear pacifist teachings of Jesus.
Will there be war in heaven or in the new creation?
The Bible teaches that there will be no war in heaven or in the new creation. Prophetic visions in the Old Testament speak of a future time when nations will beat their 'swords into plowshares' (Isaiah 2:4) and learn war no more. The book of Revelation describes a final cosmic battle (Revelation 19:11-21) leading to the ultimate triumph of Christ, after which sin and evil are eradicated. In the new heavens and new earth, God will dwell with his people, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain (Revelation 21:4), ensuring everlasting peace and perfect harmony.
How should Christians respond to war today?
Christians today are called to a multi-faceted response to war. First, to pray for peace, justice, and for those suffering from conflict (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-2). Second, to be peacemakers in their own spheres of influence, promoting reconciliation and understanding (Matthew 5:9). Third, to offer humanitarian aid and support to victims of war, embodying Christ's compassion. Fourth, depending on one's theological perspective (pacifism or just war), to advocate for just policies or, if serving in the military, to do so with integrity and a commitment to ethical conduct, striving always to limit harm and protect the vulnerable. All agree that war is a tragic evil to be avoided whenever possible.
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