Violence begets violence

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.

[1] "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.

[2] ""Violence begets violence" (1834)". The Times. 1834-11-04. p. 2. Retrieved 2017-05-23.

[3] "Matthew 26:52 Commentary - John Gill's Exposition of the Bible". Bible Study Tools.

[4] "Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete)". www.biblestudytools.com.

[5] "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.

[6] Matthew 26:52, New International Version.

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