Is There Really a Time to Kill?

In this article, you will learn how Ecclesiastes 3:3 contradicts Matthew 5:39, Exodus 20:13, Romans 12:19, Matthew 26:52 and 1 John 3:15. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..

The Bible, though an ancient text, often presents us with teachings that seem to contradict each other. One such example is the balance between Ecclesiastes 3:3 and several New Testament teachings. Ecclesiastes 3:3 suggests that life encompasses various seasons, including "a time to kill." However, this notion conflicts with many verses that advocate for peace and non-violence.

Consider Matthew 5:39, where Jesus tells us to turn the other cheek—a gesture symbolizing forgiveness and non-retaliation. This advocates for enduring wrongdoing rather than responding with violence, directly clashing with the idea of a time to kill. Exodus 20:13, one of the Ten Commandments, explicitly states, "Thou shalt not kill," suggesting that killing is always wrong, regardless of circumstance.

Romans 12:19 advises believers not to seek vengeance but to leave it to God. This suggests that humans should refrain from taking violent actions into their own hands, contradicting any notion of a justified time to kill. In Matthew 26:52, Jesus warns that those who draw the sword will die by the sword, emphasizing a life of peace and warning against living by violence.

Lastly, 1 John 3:15 equates hatred with murder, underscoring the principle of love. It suggests that harboring destructive intentions stifles one's ability to genuinely love others, negating the idea of justified killing.

To make sense of these contradictions, imagine a vast garden. Ecclesiastes seems to be saying every plant has its season—some to bloom, some to be pruned. Yet the other scriptures remind us that no matter the season, certain plants—representing violence—must never be cultivated.

So, how do we reconcile these teachings? Is there ever really a time to kill, or are we to seek higher paths of peace and understanding, regardless of the season? The balance between these teachings challenges our interpretations and guides our actions.