The news alert pops up on your phone. Another shooting. Another community shattered. Another debate about what should be done. When gun violence strikes close to home or dominates headlines, you might feel overwhelmed by the complexity of solutions and the intensity of political divisions. Where does faith fit into conversations about violence, protection, and policy?
The Bible speaks extensively about violence, peace, and our responsibility to protect the innocent. From Cain’s murder of Abel to Jesus’ teachings about turning the other cheek, Scripture grapples with humanity’s capacity for both violence and peace. The biblical writers understood that violence devastates communities and that God’s people are called to be peacemakers in a world marked by conflict.
These verses don’t provide simple policy prescriptions, but they offer divine wisdom for approaching gun violence with both broken hearts and determined hope. Whether you’re grieving a loss, advocating for change, or wrestling with complex questions about protection and peace, God cares deeply about the violence that tears apart the communities He loves. He calls us to be part of the healing.
Bible Verses for Addressing Gun Violence
1. Isaiah 2:4 – They Will Beat Their Swords into Plowshares
He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.
New International Version (NIV)
2. Matthew 5:9 – Blessed Are the Peacemakers
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
3. Psalm 34:14 – Turn from Evil and Do Good
Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
New Living Translation (NLT)
4. Matthew 26:52 – Put Your Sword Back in Its Place
But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.”
New King James Version (NKJV)
5. Psalm 11:5 – The Lord Examines the Righteous
The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates.
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
6. Isaiah 32:17 – The Fruit of That Righteousness Will Be Peace
The work of righteousness will be peace, and the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever.
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
7. Proverbs 6:16-17 – Things the Lord Hates
These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood.
King James Version (KJV)
8. Romans 12:18 – Live in Harmony with One Another
If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
9. Jeremiah 22:3 – Do What Is Just and Right
Be fair and honest and do what is right. Protect the person who is being robbed from the one who is robbing him. Don’t mistreat or hurt foreigners, orphans, or widows. Don’t kill innocent people in this place.
The Message (MSG)
10. 1 John 3:15 – Anyone Who Hates a Brother or Sister Is a Murderer
Everyone who hates his brother [in Christ] is [at heart] a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
Amplified Bible (AMP)
11. Micah 4:3 – They Shall Beat Their Swords into Plowshares
He will arbitrate between many peoples and settle disputes for mighty nations far away. Then they will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nations will not fight against other nations, nor train for war anymore.
New English Translation (NET)
12. James 4:1-2 – What Causes Fights and Quarrels?
What is the source of wars and fights among you? Don’t they come from the cravings that are at war within you? You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
13. Psalm 140:1-2 – Rescue Me from the Violent
Rescue me and keep me safe from violent enemies, LORD! They think up evil plans and always cause trouble.
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
14. Matthew 5:21-22 – You Have Heard That It Was Said
You have heard that people were told in the past, ‘Do not commit murder; anyone who does will be brought to trial.’ But now I tell you: if you are angry with your brother you will be brought to trial.
Good News Translation (GNT)
15. Isaiah 59:7-8 – Their Feet Rush into Sin
They are quick to do evil and are always ready to kill innocent people. They think evil thoughts. Everywhere they go they cause ruin and destruction. They don’t know how to live in peace or treat others fairly.
New Century Version (NCV)
16. Psalm 7:9 – Bring to an End the Violence of the Wicked
Let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous; for the righteous God tests the minds and hearts.
International Standard Version (ISV)
17. Romans 13:10 – Love Does No Harm to a Neighbor
Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
Tree of Life Version (TLV)
18. Psalm 37:8 – Refrain from Anger and Turn from Wrath
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath! Do not fret—it leads only to evil.
Lexham English Bible (LEB)
19. Genesis 4:10 – Your Brother’s Blood Cries Out to Me
Yahweh said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries to me from the ground.”
World English Bible (WEB)
20. Exodus 20:13 – You Shall Not Murder
Thou shalt not kill.
American Standard Version (ASV)
21. Psalm 46:9 – He Makes Wars Cease
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and cuts the spear in two; he burns the chariots with fire.
Revised Standard Version (RSV)
22. Matthew 5:39 – Do Not Resist an Evil Person
But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.
New American Bible (NAB)
23. Proverbs 16:29 – The Violent Entice Their Neighbors
A man of violence enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into a way that is not good.
Douay-Rheims Bible (DRB)
24. 1 Peter 3:11 – Turn from Evil and Do Good
Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
English Revised Version (ERV)
25. Isaiah 60:18 – No Longer Will Violence Be Heard
Violence is not heard any more in thy land, spoiling and destruction in thy borders, And thou hast called ‘Salvation’ thy walls, And thy gates, ‘Praise.’
Young’s Literal Translation (YLT)
26. Ephesians 4:31 – Get Rid of All Bitterness
Let all bitterness, and heat of passion, and wrath, and clamour, and injurious language, be removed from you, with all malice.
Darby Translation (DARBY)
27. Luke 6:27-28 – Love Your Enemies
But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
Weymouth New Testament (WNT)
28. Habakkuk 2:17 – The Violence You Have Done
For the violence of Liban schal hile thee, and distriyng of beestis schal make hem aferd, of bloodis of man, and of wickidnesse of lond, and of citee, and of alle men dwellynge ther ynne.
Wycliffe Bible (WYC)
29. Psalm 120:6-7 – I Am for Peace
My soule hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace. I labour for peace, but when I speake vnto them thereof, they make them ready to battell.
Geneva Bible (GNV)
30. Isaiah 9:6 – Prince of Peace
For vnto vs a chylde is borne, and vnto vs a sonne is geuen. And the gouernement is vpon his shoulder, and he shalbe called wonderfull, counsellour, the mightie God, the euerlasting father, the Prince of peace.
Bishop’s Bible
31. Matthew 5:44 – Love Your Enemies
But I saye vnto you: loue youre enemies. Blesse them that coursse you. Do good to them that hate you. Praye for them which doo you wronge and persecute you.
Tyndale Bible
32. Isaiah 11:6 – The Wolf Will Live with the Lamb
In that coming day, the wolf and the lamb will lie down together, and the leopard and goats will be at peace. Calves and fat cattle will be safe among lions, and a little child shall lead them all.
The Living Bible (TLB)
33. Colossians 3:15 – Let the Peace of Christ Rule
Let your heart be always guided by the peace of the Anointed One, who called you to peace as part of his one body. And always be thankful.
The Passion Translation (TPT)
34. John 14:27 – My Peace I Give You
I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
The Voice Bible (VOICE)
35. Romans 14:19 – Make Every Effort to Do What Leads to Peace
So let us do all we can to live in peace. And let us work hard to build up one another.
New International Reader’s Version (NIrV)
Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Addressing Gun Violence
Scripture’s approach to violence is unequivocally clear: God hates violence and calls His people to be peacemakers. The Bible doesn’t shy away from acknowledging humanity’s capacity for violence, but it consistently points toward peace, protection of the innocent, and transformation of hearts that harbor hatred. From the very beginning, when Cain killed Abel, God established that innocent blood cries out for justice.
What’s particularly striking is how the Bible envisions a future where instruments of war are transformed into tools of peace and productivity. This isn’t naive idealism but prophetic hope that challenges us to work toward that reality now. The scriptures also emphasize that violence often stems from deeper heart issues like anger, hatred, and the desire for revenge rather than simply access to weapons.
The biblical call to protect the innocent, seek justice for victims, and address the root causes of violence in human hearts offers a framework that transcends political divisions. While Christians may disagree on specific policies, we can unite around the biblical mandate to value life, pursue peace, and work toward communities where violence no longer devastates families and destroys futures.
Say This Prayer
Heavenly Father, my heart breaks over the violence that plagues our communities and destroys so many lives. I grieve for families torn apart by gun violence, for children who live in fear, and for communities that have lost their sense of safety and peace. Help me to see this crisis through Your eyes and respond with both compassion and wisdom.
Transform the hearts of those who harbor anger, hatred, and thoughts of violence. Intervene in situations where people are planning to hurt others, and surround potential victims with Your protection. Give wisdom to leaders, law enforcement, and policymakers as they seek solutions to this complex problem. Help them work together across political divides for the common good.
Use me as an instrument of Your peace in whatever way You see fit. Whether through prayer, advocacy, supporting victims’ families, or simply treating others with the love and respect that reflects Your heart, show me how to be part of the solution. Help our churches and communities become places of healing and hope where people can find alternatives to violence.
Bring Your kingdom peace to our broken world, and hasten the day when violence will be no more.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Evang. Anabelle Thompson is the founder of Believers Refuge, a Scripture-based resource that helps Christians to find biblical guidance for life’s challenges.
With over 15 years of ministry experience and a decade of dedicated Bible study, she creates content that connects believers with relevant Scripture for their daily struggles.
Her work has reached over 76,000 monthly readers (which is projected to reach 100,000 readers by the end of 2025) seeking practical faith applications, biblical encouragement, and spiritual guidance rooted in God’s Word.
She writes from personal experience, having walked through seasons of waiting, breakthrough, and spiritual growth that inform her teaching.
Evang. Thompson brings 12 years of active ministry and evangelism experience, along with over 10 years of systematic Bible study and theological research.
As a former small group leader and Sunday school teacher, she has published over 200 biblical resources and devotional studies.
She specializes in applying Scripture to everyday life challenges and regularly studies the original Hebrew and Greek texts for a deeper biblical understanding.