Letters To The Editor

The Bible Does Allow Killing In Self-Defense

I have taught CCW for 18 years and have used the following and it is along the same thoughts as the author of this article:

Probably the most misinterpreted passage of the Bible when it comes to persons defending themselves (or countries waging war or capital punishment) is the commandment:

“Thou shalt not kill.” — Exodus 20:13 KJV

Unfortunately, what many so-called religious authorities fail to tell when arguing against self-defense by quoting this bit of scripture is that there are several words in the Hebrew language which express the verb “kill.”

The Hebrew word used in this commandment ALWAYS means “murder” and ONLY in what would now be called a “pre-meditated” murder at that.

Unfortunately, the word “kill” has changed since the time of King James when the first major translation of the Bible into English was carried out. The “kill” would more properly be translated as “murder” as far as modern English usage is concerned and, in fact, many modern translations of the Bible generally use “murder” in this passage. Check it out in a modern language translation of the Bible or–better yet–with someone who knows Hebrew.

This Bible passage deals with murder, not self-defense and it is a grave mistake to interpret is as prohibiting self-defense. Thus the commandment is simply “Thou shalt not MURDER.”

Then he said unto them, “But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his bag and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.”
—Luke 22:36, KJV

And they said, Lord, Behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, “It is enough.”
—Luke 22:38, KJV

NOTE: During this time that part of the world was under Roman Law. It was ILLEGAL for anyone not a Roman Citizen to be armed – WITH ANY TYPE WEAPON. The Disciples were not Roman Citizens. It is obvious that Jesus approved being armed for self-defense – and having the weapon concealed.

In fact, the Bible makes the assumption that men and women will defend themselves against someone intent on harming them. (It’s interesting that only in our “enlightened” times do intellectuals start questioning the idea that people have a perfect and natural right to defend themselves.)

Anonymous