The phrase "violence begets violence" (or "hate begets hate") means that violent behaviour promotes other violent behaviour, in return. The phrase has been used since the early 19th century.[1][2]
Violence begets violence is a concept described in the Gospel of Matthew, verse 26:52.[3][4][5] The passage depicts a disciple (identified in the Gospel of John as Peter) drawing a sword to defend against the arrest of Jesus but being told to sheath his weapon:
"Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword."[6]
- ^ "Mr. Corbett's Address. Prefixed to the First Number of his Register, published in America (1918)". The Freeman's Journal. 1816-09-06. p. 4. Retrieved 2021-02-13.
- ^ ""Violence begets violence" (1834)". The Times. 1834-11-04. p. 2. Retrieved 2017-05-23.
- ^ "Matthew 26:52 Commentary - John Gill's Exposition of the Bible". Bible Study Tools.
- ^ "Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete)". www.biblestudytools.com.
- ^ "Matthew 26:52 Commentaries: Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword". biblehub.com.
- ^ Matthew 26:52, New International Version.