Topical Encyclopedia
The topic of children who murder is a deeply troubling and complex issue that intersects with themes of sin, accountability, and redemption as presented in the Bible. While the Scriptures do not provide explicit examples of children committing murder, they do offer insights into the nature of sin, the potential for evil in the human heart, and the importance of moral upbringing.
Biblical Context of Sin and AccountabilityThe Bible teaches that all humans are born with a sinful nature due to the Fall of Man (Genesis 3). This inherent sinfulness means that even children are capable of wrongdoing. In
Psalm 51:5, David acknowledges, "Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me" . This verse underscores the belief that sin is an innate part of human nature, affecting individuals from the earliest stages of life.
The concept of accountability is also present in Scripture. While young children may not fully grasp the moral weight of their actions, the Bible suggests that as individuals mature, they become more accountable for their deeds. In
Deuteronomy 1:39, God refers to the children of Israel who "do not yet know good from bad" , indicating a developmental aspect to moral understanding.
The Potential for EvilThe Bible acknowledges the potential for evil within every human heart, including that of children.
Jeremiah 17:9 states, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" . This verse highlights the pervasive nature of sin and the capacity for evil that exists within all people, regardless of age.
While the Bible does not provide specific examples of children committing murder, it does recount instances of youthful violence and rebellion. For example, in
2 Kings 2:23-24, a group of young boys mock the prophet Elisha, and their disrespect results in severe consequences. Although this account does not involve murder, it illustrates the potential for sinful behavior among the young.
Moral Upbringing and InstructionThe Bible places significant emphasis on the moral and spiritual upbringing of children.
Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" . This verse underscores the importance of instilling godly values and discipline in children to guide them away from sinful paths.
Parents are called to be the primary spiritual educators of their children, as seen in
Deuteronomy 6:6-7: "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children" . The responsibility of teaching children about God's commandments and the consequences of sin is a recurring theme in Scripture.
Redemption and HopeDespite the grim reality of sin, the Bible offers hope through redemption in Jesus Christ.
Romans 3:23-24 declares, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" . This promise of redemption is available to all, including children who may have committed grave sins.
The transformative power of the Gospel provides a path to forgiveness and new life, emphasizing that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. Through repentance and faith in Christ, even those who have committed serious offenses can find forgiveness and restoration.
In summary, while the Bible does not specifically address the issue of children who murder, it provides a framework for understanding the nature of sin, the importance of moral upbringing, and the hope of redemption through Jesus Christ.
Topical Bible Verses
Exodus 20:13You shall not kill.
Topicalbible.orgRomans 13:1-5
Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
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Psalm 51:5
Behold, I was shaped in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
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Ezekiel 18:20
The soul that sins, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be on him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be on him.
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Library
Reign of Sanadroug; Murder of Abgar's Children; the Princess ...
... Ancient Syriac Documents. Moses of Chorene. History of Armenia. X. Reign of
Sanadroug; murder of Abgar's children; the princess Helena. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/x reign of sanadroug murder.htm
The Mission of the Christian Home.
... You murder their souls. He murdered the children of others; you murder your own;
he employed others to do it for him; you do the work of slaughter yourself! ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter ii the mission of.htm
1 John iii. 12-15
... Cain hated and murdered Abel on account of the contrariety between the godly and
the ungodly disposition, so does the world hate and murder the children of God ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john iii 15-dec.htm
Refutation of the Assertion that Constantine Became a Christian in ...
... that Hercules, the son of Alcmena, obtained purification at Athens by the celebration
of the mysteries of Ceres after the murder of his children, and of Iphitus ...
/.../chapter v refutation of the assertion.htm
The Ten Commandments Out of the Old Testament Put into Short Rhime ...
... Divine Songs For Children. The TEN COMMANDMENTS out of the Old Testament put into
short Rhime for Children. Exod.20. ... 6. Take heed that thou no murder do. ...
/.../watts/divine songs for children/the ten commandments out of.htm
Fulfilling of the Law in the Higher Sense. --Particular Examples ...
... The passion which, when full-blown, causes murder, is punished in the bud of ... The
children of God are to be, like their heavenly Father, perfect in love (v.45 ...
/.../section 155 fulfilling of the.htm
The Murder of Aristobulus and Hyrcanus, the High Priests, as Also ...
... The Murder Of Aristobulus And Hyrcanus, The High Priests, As Also Of Mariamne The
Queen. ... 2. Now of the five children which Herod had by Mariamne, two of them ...
/.../chapter 22 the murder of.htm
Concerning the Posterity of Adam, and the Ten Generations from Him ...
... about him,] after Abel was slain, and Cain fled away, on account of his murder,
was solicitous for posterity, and had a vehement desire of children, he being ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning the posterity.htm
The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache
... 494] "look for profit," [495] have no pity for the poor, do not exert themselves
for the oppressed, ignore their Maker, "murder children," [496] corrupt God's ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the teaching of the twelve.htm
Flight into Egypt and Slaughter of the Bethlehem Children.
... Jealousy as to his authority led him to murder two high priests, his uncle Joseph ...
died, that the land might mourn at his death] all the male children that were ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xiv flight into egypt and.htm
Resources
What does it mean that Jesus loves the little children? | GotQuestions.orgHow should Christians discipline their children? What does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about disobedient children? | GotQuestions.orgChildren: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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