The Bible contains numerous references to war, reflecting the historical contexts and moral teachings of its time. Throughout the scriptures, war serves as both a historical reality and a metaphor for spiritual struggles. These verses explore themes of divine sovereignty, the impact of disobedience, and the hope for peace. Below are Bible verses about war, each accompanied by related passages that provide additional insights.
Bible Verses About War
1. Ecclesiastes 3:8 – A Time for War
“A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.” – Ecclesiastes 3:8
Related Verses:
“It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.” – 2 Samuel 22:33
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:14
“The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.” – Proverbs 21:31
2. Psalm 144:1 – Training Hands for Battle
“Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.” – Psalm 144:1
Related Verses:
“With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.” – Psalm 18:29
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.” – 2 Corinthians 10:3
“In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.” – Proverbs 3:6
3. Matthew 24:6 – Wars and Rumors of Wars
“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” – Matthew 24:6
Related Verses:
“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” – Mark 13:8
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” – John 14:27
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” – 1 John 4:18
4. 2 Timothy 2:3 – Share in Suffering
“Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” – 2 Timothy 2:3
Related Verses:
“Fight the good fight of the faith.” – 1 Timothy 6:12
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” – Ephesians 6:11
5. James 4:1 – Conflicts and Desires
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” – James 4:1
Related Verses:
“Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire.” – James 1:14
“But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it.” – James 3:14
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” – James 3:16
6. Romans 12:18 – Live at Peace
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18
Related Verses:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
“The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.” – Isaiah 32:17
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” – Psalm 34:14
7. Deuteronomy 20:4 – God with You
“For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” – Deuteronomy 20:4
Related Verses:
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.” – Zephaniah 3:17
“With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.” – Psalm 60:12
8. Isaiah 2:4 – Swords to 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.” – Isaiah 2:4
Related Verses:
“Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” – Micah 4:3
“Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord.” – Isaiah 2:5
“I have stated the end in its beginning, and the ancient times in the things yet to come.” – Isaiah 46:10
9. Proverbs 20:18 – Wise Strategy
“Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.” – Proverbs 20:18
Related Verses:
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” – Proverbs 11:14
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” – Proverbs 21:5
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” – Proverbs 14:23
10. Genesis 14:14 – Abram Rescues Lot
“When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit.” – Genesis 14:14
Related Verses:
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’” – Isaiah 6:8
“Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” – Psalm 82:4
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13
11. Judges 7:7 – Gideon’s Army
“The Lord said to Gideon, ‘With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands.’” – Judges 7:7
Related Verses:
“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” – Zechariah 4:6
“The battle is not yours, but God’s.” – 2 Chronicles 20:15
“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26
12. Romans 13:4 – God’s Servants for Good
“For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason.” – Romans 13:4
Related Verses:
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority.” – 1 Peter 2:13
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities.” – Romans 13:1
“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” – Matthew 22:21
13. Joshua 1:9 – Strong and Courageous
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
Related Verses:
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” – Psalm 23:4
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” – Psalm 27:1
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you.” – Isaiah 43:1
14. Exodus 15:3 – The Lord is a Warrior
“The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name.” – Exodus 15:3
Related Verses:
“Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.” – Psalm 24:8
“Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors.” – Psalm 24:9
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” – Psalm 20:7
15. 1 Samuel 17:47 – The Battle is the Lord’s
“All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s.” – 1 Samuel 17:47
Related Verses:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you.” – Jeremiah 29:11
16. Matthew 5:16 – Let Your Light Shine
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Related Verses:
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Let your conversation be always full of grace.” – Colossians 4:6
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” – Colossians 3:23
17. Hebrews 10:30 – Vengeance Belongs to God
“For we know him who said, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’” – Hebrews 10:30
Related Verses:
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil.” – Romans 12:17
“To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him.” – Romans 12:20
“Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’” – Proverbs 20:22
18. Revelation 19:11 – Christ the Warrior
“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.” – Revelation 19:11
Related Verses:
“On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lod of lords.” – Revelation 19:16
“He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.” – Revelation 19:13
“Therefore be alert and of sober mind.” – 1 Peter 5:8
19. Ephesians 6:12 – Spiritual Warfare
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world.” – Ephesians 6:12
Related Verses:
“Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day.” – Ephesians 6:13
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” – Ephesians 6:18
20. Luke 3:14 – Soldiers’ Conduct
“Then some soldiers asked him, ‘And what should we do?’ He replied, ‘Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.’” – Luke 3:14
Related Verses:
“Let honesty and integrity protect me, for I put my hope in you.” – Psalm 25:21
“Let us walk with decency, as in the daylight.” – Romans 13:13
“Be strong and courageous, and do the work.” – 1 Chronicles 28:20
21. Joel 3:9 – Prepare for War
“Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare for war! Rouse the warriors! Let all the fighting men draw near and attack.” – Joel 3:9
Related Verses:
“Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears.” – Joel 3:10
“For the day of the Lord is near.” – Joel 1:15
“In your anger do not sin.” – Psalm 4:4
22. Philippians 4:7 – Peace Beyond Understanding
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7
Related Verses:
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast.” – Isaiah 26:3
“For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace.” – 1 Corinthians 14:33
“And the peace of Christ, to which you were indeed called.” – Colossians 3:15
23. Isaiah 54:17 – No Weapon Shall Prosper
“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.” – Isaiah 54:17
Related Verses:
“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” – Ephesians 6:10
24. Matthew 10:34 – Not Peace, but a Sword
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” – Matthew 10:34
Related Verses:
“From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other.” – Luke 12:52
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” – 2 Timothy 3:12
“If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” – John 15:20
25. Zechariah 14:3 – The Lord Fights
“Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights on a day of battle.” – Zechariah 14:3
Related Verses:
“And the Lord will be king over all the earth.” – Zechariah 14:9
“I will surely gather all of you, Jacob.” – Micah 2:12
“Remember the wonders he has done.” – 1 Chronicles 16:12
26. Jeremiah 51:20 – God’s Warclub
“You are my war club, my weapon for battle—with you I shatter nations, with you I destroy kingdoms.” – Jeremiah 51:20
Related Verses:
“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but have divine power.” – 2 Corinthians 10:4
“With you I shatter the horse and rider.” – Jeremiah 51:21
“He pours contempt on nobles and disarms the mighty.” – Job 12:21
27. John 16:33 – Overcoming the World
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Related Verses:
“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind.” – Jeremiah 32:27
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them.” – 1 John 4:4
“Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” – 2 Kings 6:16
28. Revelation 12:7 – War in Heaven
“Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.” – Revelation 12:7
Related Verses:
“But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven.” – Revelation 12:8
“The great dragon was hurled down.” – Revelation 12:9
“And they triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb.” – Revelation 12:11
29. Psalm 46:9 – He Makes Wars Cease
“He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.” – Psalm 46:9
Related Verses:
“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10
“God is our refuge and strength.” – Psalm 46:1
“Trust in the Lord forever.” – Isaiah 26:4
30. 1 Peter 2:11 – War Against the Soul
“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.” – 1 Peter 2:11
Related Verses:
“Flee the evil desires of youth.” – 2 Timothy 2:22
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7
31. Jeremiah 6:14 – False Peace
“They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.” – Jeremiah 6:14
Related Verses:
“Watch out for false prophets.” – Matthew 7:15
“Because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered.” – 2 Peter 2:2
“What they promised us was nothing but empty words.” – Job 21:34
32. Proverbs 16:7 – Enemies at Peace
“When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.” – Proverbs 16:7
Related Verses:
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3
“Better a patient person than a warrior.” – Proverbs 16:32
“An honest answer is like a warm hug.” – Proverbs 24:26
Final Thought
Throughout the scriptures, war is an enduring theme that reflects the physical and spiritual battles faced both historically and metaphorically. The verses hint at God’s sovereignty, the need for preparation, and ultimately, the hope for divine intervention and peace. This duality of war and peace is evident as God is portrayed as both a warrior fighting for his people and a peacemaker bringing an end to conflict.
The Bible emphasizes the importance of righteousness, wisdom, and spiritual fortitude in the face of adversities. At the heart of these passages is a call to trust in God as we navigate the turmoils of this world. Whether they address the warrior spirit needed for battles or the longing for peace, these verses encourage believers to seek guidance from God and to find strength in their faith. The scriptures ultimately paint a picture of victory and peace, both of which are attainable through reliance on divine wisdom and the faithful pursuit of righteousness.