What is the Bible's perspective on jihad?

Definition and Historical Context of “Jihad”

Jihad is most commonly understood as an Islamic term that encompasses the idea of struggle or striving, which can include both internal, spiritual battles and external conflict under certain conditions. The word itself does not appear in the Bible. Therefore, when discussing the Bible’s perspective on “jihad,” one must compare what the Bible says about warfare, the expansion of God’s kingdom, and believers’ conduct toward others, with what the concept of jihad generally represents in Islamic tradition.

While the Bible addresses wars in the Old Testament and spiritual conflict in the New Testament, it does not present a direct parallel to jihad as taught in Islam. Instead, biblical teaching focuses on the unique theocracy under ancient Israel in the Old Testament, followed by the universal, gospel-centered mission in the New Testament.

Old Testament Perspective on War

In the Old Testament, ancient Israel operated under a covenant relationship with God that included specific regulations concerning warfare. God commanded Israel to engage in battles, but these instructions were tied to particular historical and theological purposes within a defined region (cf. Deuteronomy 7:1–2). Such commands were never intended as an ongoing universal model for believers to wage war against non-believers everywhere or to impose faith by force.

Furthermore, these military directives in Israel’s history served to protect the lineage leading to the Messiah and to judge nations whose practices were egregious, such as child sacrifice (cf. Leviticus 18:21). The people of Israel did not act autonomously; instead, Scripture repeatedly emphasizes that God’s instructions were given in a very specific context (cf. Joshua 6–8). Archaeological findings throughout regions like Jericho and Hazor corroborate the historical existence of these cities and their destruction layers, consistent with the biblical narrative, though the Bible offers theological reasons for these conflicts that go beyond mere territorial expansion.

New Testament Perspective on Warfare and Conflict

With the coming of Jesus Christ, the New Testament focuses on the spiritual nature of the believer’s conflict. The Bible teaches that believers are not called to expand God’s kingdom through physical conquest. Instead, the emphasis is on a spiritual battle fought with faith, prayer, righteousness, and the Word of God.

Ephesians 6:12 states, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” This is a direct contrast to physically taking up arms against those who do not share one’s faith. Moreover, 2 Corinthians 10:3–4 declares, “For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world.”

Jesus’ teachings reinforce this spiritual approach. When facing arrest, Jesus reminded Peter, “Put your sword back in its place… for all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matthew 26:52). Likewise, Christ’s directive in Matthew 5:44—“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”—highlights a focus on peace, forgiveness, and evangelism rather than violent confrontation.

Key Distinctions from Jihad

1. Purpose of Conflict

In much of Islamic thought, jihad can include physical conflict under certain interpretations. The Bible, in contrast, does not command any ongoing physical “holy war” for the expansion of the faith. Old Testament wars were unique to Israel’s historical and covenant context, and are not treated as a universal practice for New Covenant believers.

2. Method of Advancing God’s Kingdom

The Bible teaches believers to spread their faith through evangelism, persuasion, and love, culminating in the Great Commission: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). There is no sanctioned physical warfare to compel conversions.

3. Vindication Through God’s Justice

In the Old Testament, God at times used Israel’s armies to enact judgment on nations. However, the New Testament reveals that ultimate future judgment belongs to God alone and will occur at the final judgment (cf. Romans 12:19). Thus, individual believers are not authorized to act as agents of vengeance or forced compliance in God’s name.

Spiritual Warfare: The Bible’s Core Emphasis

The overarching biblical message regarding “struggle” or “conflict” centers on spiritual warfare. This spiritual dimension entails resisting temptation, enduring persecution, and proclaiming truth in the face of evil. Just as Ephesians 6:13 commands believers to “take up the full armor of God,” the battle is fought through faith, righteousness, the gospel message, and prayer, not by physical force.

Believers are encouraged to stand firm, “praying in the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:18). Such direction places the focus on internal transformation, Christlike conduct, and outward witness rather than forcible subjugation or military aggression. This approach was modeled by early Christians, who spread their faith across the Roman Empire through preaching, community witness, and self-sacrifice, even when facing persecution.

Historical and Manuscript Evidence Underlying Biblical Teachings

Archaeological discoveries, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, have confirmed the remarkable consistency of the Old Testament text over centuries. These findings underscore that the historical accounts of warfare in the Old Testament were preserved with reliability. Manuscript evidence for the New Testament is likewise extensive and early, supporting the authenticity of Jesus’ teachings regarding peace, love for enemies, and spiritual warfare.

Outside the scriptural text, early Christian writings (e.g., letters of the Church Fathers) echo the message that conversion is never to be achieved by force, distinguishing Christianity’s perspective from any concept of militant expansion. Additionally, numerous historical documents indicate that the rapid spread of Christianity occurred through preaching and personal testimony, not due to organized military campaigns for conversion.

Contemporary Reflections: Peace and Proclamation

Believers today, drawing from biblical principles, are called to oppose injustices in the world, but the model provided by Scripture emphasizes peaceful means, prayer, godly living, and sharing the gospel. This sense of mission includes active compassion, defense of the vulnerable, and spiritual engagement against evil.

Romans 12:17–18 captures this well: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.” The believer’s goal is to bear witness to the truth by reflecting God’s character: living out love, justice, and forgiveness rather than seeking violent confrontation.

Conclusion

Though the term “jihad” is not a biblical concept, the Bible does address the nature of conflict and how believers are to engage in “warfare.” In the Old Testament, certain wars were divinely directed to establish and protect a covenant people for a historic and redemptive purpose. In the New Testament, teaching shifts to spiritual warfare, highlighting a struggle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual darkness.

No biblical passage aligns with the idea of perpetuating physical violence to spread faith. Instead, Scripture consistently underscores the gospel call, sacrificial love, prayerful spiritual battle, and reliance on God’s ultimate justice. As a result, the Bible’s perspective stands apart from any notion of enduring physical aggression to further one’s faith, affirming instead that ultimate vindication and judgment belong to God, and that believers’ task is to proclaim the good news of salvation for the glory of God.