Self-defense is a topic that spans philosophical, legal, and moral dimensions. Within the Christian faith, it is a subject touched upon in the Bible, with certain verses providing insights into how individuals should respond when faced with personal threats or danger. This exploration delves into what the Bible teaches about self-defense, including personal protection, the sanctity of life, and the command to love one’s neighbor. The teachings offer a balance between the need for safety and the call for Christ-like behavior.
What does the Bible Teach about Personal Protection?
The Bible recognizes the right to personal protection. Teachings suggest that one should not be passive in the face of imminent physical harm from another. Various characters in the Bible defended themselves or others in times of danger, highlighting self-defense as a legitimate reaction. The principle of personal safety underlines the value of life that the Christian faith upholds.
Why is Life Sacred in the Bible?
The Bible teaches that life is sacred because it is a gift from God. Therefore, self-defense, in certain circumstances, may be necessary to preserve one’s life or the lives of others. These teachings are not an endorsement for violence, rather they recognize that in a fallen world, physical defense could become necessary. However, the Bible encourages peacemaking and love, even towards enemies, as the preferred course of action.
Who Exemplifies Self-Defense in the Bible?
Various Bible characters were put in situations where they had to act in self-defense. For example, David had to defend himself against King Saul who tried to kill him. These biblical accounts offer lessons on the contextual nature of self-defense, particularly that it should not be undertaken recklessly, but in a measured and cautious manner.
When Should Love Come First According to the Bible?
The Bible’s teachings on self-defense should not eclipse the central command to love our neighbors and our enemies. It encourages followers to seek peace and reconciliation whenever possible, rather than resort to violence. In situations where one’s life is not at risk, the Bible encourages turning the other cheek and offers peace in response to aggression. Thus, self-defense is a last resort, considered only when human life is in immediate peril.
Where Does the Bible Draw the Line on Violence?
The Bible clearly distinguished between self-defense and retaliation or revenge. It stipulates that vengeance belongs to God alone. Violence practiced outside the context of imminent danger and immediate self-defense is discouraged. Aimless violence is seen as contradictory to the teachings of Christ and the Christian’s call to exhibit love and understanding, even in the face of hostility.
In conclusion, while the Bible acknowledges the right to self-defense in situations where one’s life is at risk, it primarily promotes peace, love, and forgiveness. The balance is delicate, but the teachings provide Christians with the guidance needed to navigate real-world threats while maintaining their Christ-like character.
Below is our full list of bible verses on self-defense (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Self-Defense
Exodus 22:2-3
“2 If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.3 If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Theft Killing
Luke 22:36
“36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.”
Psalm 144:1
“1 A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:”
Romans 12:19
“19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
Romans 13:4
“4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”
Related Themes: Justice Retribution Killing Revenge Respecting Your Parents
1 Timothy 5:8
“8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”
Related Themes: Money Finances Respecting Your Parents Children Laziness
Matthew 5:38-39
“38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
Related Themes: Revenge Trespassing Bullying Justice Retribution
Exodus 22:2
“2 If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Theft Killing
Matthew 26:52-54
“52 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.53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?”
Genesis 9:5-6
“5 And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man.6 Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.”
Psalm 82:4
“4 Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.”
Related Themes: Bullying
Proverbs 25:26
“26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.”
Related Themes: Justice Standing Up For Yourself Self-Control Excommunication
Numbers 31:3
“3 And Moses spake unto the people, saying, Arm some of yourselves unto the war, and let them go against the Midianites, and avenge the LORD of Midian.”
Related Themes: Politics
Nehemiah 4:17-18
“17 They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.18 For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.”
Matthew 5:39
“39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
Related Themes: Retribution Strife
Matthew 26:52
“52 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.”
Luke 11:21
“21 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:”
Related Themes: Omnipotence Police Politics
Proverbs 24:11
“11 If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;”
Related Themes: Abomination Rescue Police
Exodus 21:24-25
“24 Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,25 Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.”
Related Themes: Vindictiveness Retribution Crime Vengeance
2 Timothy 3:16-17
“16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
Related Themes: Criticism Education Business Education Learning
Judges 5:8
“8 They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?”
Deuteronomy 28:47-48
“47 Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things;48 Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee.”
1 Samuel 25:13
“13 And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff.”
Luke 10:27
“27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.”
Related Themes: Strangers Jewelry Personal Responsibility Compromise Love
John 18:11
“11 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?”
Related Themes: Suffering
Romans 12:18
“18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
Psalm 18:34
“34 He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.”
Psalm 46:1
“1 To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Related Themes: Loneliness Strength Nervousness Hope Life
Hebrews 13:8
“8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”
Related Themes: Omnipotence Change Healing Manipulation Theft
