What does it mean to live by the sword and die by the sword?

Answer

The phrase “live by the sword, die by the sword” is an idiom that essentially conveys the concept of “reap what you sow.” In essence, it suggests that if you employ violent, forceful, or deceitful tactics against others, you should anticipate facing similar methods in return.

The saying “live by the sword, die by the sword” finds its roots in the Bible. It originates from a dialogue between Jesus and His disciple Peter just before Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Following Judas’ betrayal, a detachment of soldiers approached to apprehend Jesus. In a hasty effort to defend Jesus, Peter unsheathed his sword and struck the high priest’s servant, severing his ear—Peter likely intended more harm than that “Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.”, (John 18:10). Jesus admonished Peter and promptly halted the violence. Jesus restored the injured man’s ear, healing him instantaneously “And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.”, (Luke 22:51). He then instructed Peter to sheathe his sword, stating that “all who draw the sword will die by the sword” “Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.”, (Matthew 26:52). Jesus also informed Peter that He would not resist the arrest, as it was God’s plan for Him to accept the fate destined for Him “Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?”, (John 18:11). Jesus had come to die as a sacrifice for sin, and now was the time. Jesus’ calming of Peter also demonstrated His care for His disciple—by cautioning Peter against using violence, Jesus prevented Peter from being arrested himself.

“Live by the sword, die by the sword” has become a common saying, derived from Jesus’ words to Peter. The proverb’s essence remains unchanged: a person who lives violently will likely meet a violent end at some point. Violence breeds violence. Those who engage in violence will ultimately face violent consequences.