Violence begets violence
The phrase "violence begets violence" means that violent behaviour promotes other violent behaviour, in return. The phrase has been used since the 1830s.
Violence begets violence is a concept described in the Gospel of Matthew, verse 26:52. The passage depicts a disciple 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."
used the phrase when saying:
