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Biblos.com, Free Online Biblical Study Tools
BlueLetterBible.org – An on-line interactive reference library
e-Sword.net – The Sword of the Lord with an Electronic Edge
levendwater.org – Bullinger ’s Companion Bible
Philologos Religious Online Books
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gladtidingsfellowship.com How to Read the Bible for Understanding and Power
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Family Christian StoresLive by the Sword, Die by the Sword?
Posted By Ken Brown on August 29, 2009
Did Jesus really say that all they who live by the sword will die by the sword? How could Jesus have said something that is so obviously not true? There have been many hundreds of thousands of career military men and women who have died peacefully in old age. Yet “those who live by the sword will die by the sword” is a common saying. An Internet search turned up millions of hits. Wikipedia asserts that the “proverb” comes from Mathew 26:52. Many other sources attribute the expression to Jesus, but let’s take a closer look at exactly what Jesus said and why.
Matthew 26: 52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
Notice that Jesus didn’t say, “live by the sword.” He said, “take the sword.” Some versions render this line as, “draw the sword.” There is a big difference. Living by the sword is a lifestyle. Drawing the sword is a one-time act. The context of this statement is the night Jesus was captured to be held for “trial” and then crucified. A great number of men had come with swords and staves.
Matthew 26:47 And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.
Matthew 26:51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus [The gospel of John tells us that this was Peter] stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear.
52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
Peter was not the only one of Jesus’ disciples present with a sword. Others present who were armed asked Jesus if they should fight with their swords. Peter was just the only one who began to do so without asking.
Luke 22:49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?
Jesus’ statement recorded in Matthew 26:52 above was a response to Peter’s action and the disciples’ question. It was relative to the situation at hand, not intended to be a proverb for all times and conditions. They were surrounded by a “great multitude” of armed men. Jesus told his disciples that if they fought they would die. He fixed what Peter had done by healing the man’s ear (Luke 22:51). Then he told his disciples that he could call in more than 12 legions of angels [a legion was at that time probably 6826 soldiers, 12 legions would be 81,912] if he wanted to get out of the situation, but that he needed to go with the men and fulfill what the Scriptures said would happen to him.
So the proverb is probably derived from Jesus’ words in Matthew, but it should not be attributed to Jesus. It is a corruption of what he said, ignoring the context in which he said what he did.
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I think what Jesus was trying to get across was that if you go out looking for trouble, and you live a lifestyle of violence for violence sake, then you will die by violence. It has no place in the kingdom of God and God won’t honor unnecessary violence.
I’m really not sure why this was an issue? Was it a biblical issue or just a question asked? I feel that Jesus was responding to a situation that was happening at that moment and was basically telling Peter to put his sword up or he would be killed.
Looking in my Nelson’s study Bible it doesn’t even have a reference discussing it except for Revelation 13:10. So I would be inclined to think it was just Jesus keeping Peter from being killed. I’m sure there have been many people down though history that have said that, not quoting Christ.
I think what Ken Brown said is accurate.
Good article. As you say, the proverb is not attributed to Jesus. Its true..I like it..
I think that this article is true to what Jesus meant by this statement. The author tries to depict some relevance to this statement by looking at the scenario and content as it happened in the moment. I believe it really was meant to be a statement of that time than a proverb to live by.
Obviously Jesus was trying to warn those deciples who want to fight, meaning if you draw the sword to these enemies you will surely die. I don’t believe that he meant anytime you try to protect yourself or have to go to war for you country that this is a bad thing and you must surely die, as if you would be punished.
Jesus continues to show compassion in the situation when he heals the man’s ear that Peter hurt during the fight. If Jesus felt that the proverb “Live By The Sword, Die by the Sword” was taken literally, then he wouldn’t have jumped in and start healing those that were hurt. He could have just said, “Told you so,” and walked away.
Jesus was a healer, not a hypocrite. He tried to warn those that were already in the realm of fight so he chose to be nonjudgemental and help those that couldn’t help themselves. Not only did Jesus live as a healer but he also lived as a teacher. He was trying to warn the deciples of their actions and consequenses
The explanation given is an accurate one. Jesus was responding to a situation which was taking place at a particular time. It was not meant to be a proverb to be used for all times. The common saying is a misinterpretation of what Jesus actually said to Peter. Jesus was letting Peter know that using the sword would only cause the sword to be used in return. Remember that those who came against him were armed with swords, therefore Peter’s use of the sword could possibly spark off retaliation by the multitude.
Jesus words were meant to keep Peter and the other disciples from getting killed. It is obvious that pulling out a sword against an angry was amistake which could mean instant death for the disciples. Jesus just gave them a warning to protect them.
I always find it interesting that several different people can read the word and get several interpretations from it. I also love the way Jesus teaches his disciples.
I probably would have reacted the same way Peter had. I love this guys spunk! If anyone were to harm his Lord he would harm them. I felt sorry when Christ told him get behind me Satan! Peter was just trying to save the Lord. But Christ knew the BIG plan and knew that this was a vital piece of the puzzle that had to be fulfilled. I would have loved to see the look on Peters face when Christ had undone what Peter had done, and put the guys ear back on!
Again, another scripture is taken out of text. Entire churches have been formed and are still in existence through misinterpretation of the text. I agree that Christ was telling his disciples if you deal with people by using a sword, you will be responded with by the sword. One has to remember this was the same man that taught when you are smited to “turn the other cheek”.
It amazes me how many lessons were taught to the 12 and again and again they would so quickly forget those lessons. I suppose if I were in the midst of some of their situations where there was no time to think I would forget as well.
I believe that the author of the article may be misinterpreting some things as well. Jesus didn’t say that you may kill if your country tells you to. He would expect you stand up for your beliefs. I feel that soldiers will be judged on their actions, as harsh as that may seem. I believe that Jesus was teaching a way of life, a peaceful way in which you do not judge others and carry out their sentences, but you let God be the judge.
Jesus was a man of peace and love. He came so that humanity would prosper and yet some people are now saying that he said its alright to kill if it’s a one time thing? The argument that Jesus was traveling with armed men on his orders is something that I detest. If you would remember correctly, these people weren’t today’s average Christian, they were rough around the edges and carry a sword with them simply points out that we should love even those who commit themselves to war. Jesus the Christ of Nazareth was not here to promote the war agendas of today or to justify military service. He was here advocating peace and love, and he was a rebel for it. So step out of your common beliefs and listen to a man that changed the world.
Unfortunately, The bible is not considered to be continuous from Genesis to Revelation. Some people forget that Christ is the fulfillment of the Law. He didn’t wipe it away. Those who use the sword to kill, steal and destroy will be destroyed by the same means. This doesn’t have to be played out in the life of the person living by the sword. The fruit of living by the sword can be an iniquity passed from generation to generation. Destroying the violators family tree. However, the sword must be used to stay the hand of evil. Luke 22:35-38. What’s really at the core of the issue is “some” people want to believe that Christ was a “weak mush ball”. He was bold straight forward and showed love toward people that would be to their highest good. Matthew 21:11-13. Love can be ugly sometimes.
Jesus never made a statement that one who live by the sword will die by the sword. What Jesus said is that the one who plants will enjoy the fruit of it. It is a saying that if you start violence you will be ended by that violence. Jesus is not person who came to kill everyone but he came to cure the disease, blind to see, deaf to hear and he cleaned all our sins by hanging himself on the cross for our sins and for needs. So, its well & clear that Jesus never made the statement that who live by the sword will die by the sword.