Domestic violence is a tragic reality for many, and it’s important to know what the Bible says about it. Scripture is clear about the sanctity of life and the call to love and protect one another. Understanding the Bible’s perspective on this issue can offer hope, healing, and a path forward for those affected by violence in the home.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About planning
What Does The Bible Say About domestic violence
Ephesians 5:25-28
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of husbands loving their wives sacrificially, as Christ loved the church. It teaches that husbands should protect, cherish, and esteem their wives, treating them with dignity and respect. Domestic violence goes against the biblical command to love and honor one’s spouse.
Instead, husbands are called to love their wives as they love themselves, seeking their well-being and flourishing. This verse condemns any form of violence or abuse within the marriage relationship and sets the standard for a healthy and loving marital dynamic.
Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
God commands husbands to love their wives and specifically instructs them not to be harsh with them. This verse recognizes the vulnerability of wives and calls husbands to show grace, gentleness, and kindness towards them.
Domestic violence is a violation of this biblical command, as it involves being harsh, abusive, and inflicting harm on one’s spouse. Instead, husbands are called to prioritize love, compassion, and understanding in their relationship with their wives.
1 Peter 3:7
“Husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”
This verse encourages husbands to be considerate and respectful of their wives. It highlights the importance of treating wives with honor, recognizing their inherent worth and value as equal partners in the marriage covenant.
Domestic violence is a direct violation of this biblical command, as it disregards the call to be considerate and respectful towards wives. Instead, husbands are called to view their wives as equal heirs of the gift of life in Christ and to treat them with love, kindness, and dignity.
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
This proverb highlights the power of words to either harm or heal. It emphasizes the importance of using words wisely, especially within the context of marital relationships.
In the context of domestic violence, abusive language and verbal assault are prevalent. This verse affirms that such hurtful words have the potential to pierce deeply, causing emotional and psychological harm. Instead, the Bible teaches that spouses should use their words to bring healing, encouragement, and edification to one another.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This proverb speaks to the broader theme of treating others with kindness and compassion. It recognizes that showing love and generosity towards others, particularly those in need, is a mark of righteousness.
Domestic violence goes against this biblical principle, as it involves despising and inflicting harm upon one’s spouse, who should be treated as a beloved neighbor. Instead, spouses are called to love, support, and uplift one another, extending kindness and generosity to each other.
1 Corinthians 7:3-5
“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
This passage speaks to the mutual responsibility spouses have for each other’s sexual needs within the marriage relationship. It emphasizes the need for mutual consent and equal consideration in this aspect of the marital bond.
While this passage does not directly address domestic violence, it emphasizes the importance of consent and mutual respect within the marriage relationship. Any form of sexual coercion or violence is in direct opposition to the biblical call for mutual submission and sacrificial love between spouses.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”
This verse highlights the characteristics of a life infused by the Holy Spirit. It describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, peace, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control.
Domestic violence directly contradicts these qualities and demonstrates a lack of self-control, kindness, and gentleness. Instead, the Bible calls believers to cultivate these fruits of the Spirit in their relationships, treating others with love, kindness, and grace.
Psalm 11:5
“The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion.”
This verse highlights God’s strong stance against those who love violence. It affirms that God hates those who perpetrate harm and violence against others.
Domestic violence falls into the category of wickedness, as it involves inflicting harm upon a spouse. The Bible makes it clear that God abhors those who love violence and stands firmly against any form of abuse or aggression within the home.
Psalm 34:14
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
This verse encourages individuals to turn away from evil and pursue peace. It emphasizes the importance of actively seeking peace and striving for a harmonious and nonviolent existence.
Domestic violence contradicts the call to seek peace, as it entails actions that harm and destroy the peace within a household. Instead, the Bible instructs believers to pursue peace and engage in actions that promote reconciliation, understanding, and unity within relationships.
Proverbs 3:31
“Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways.”
This proverb warns against envying or imitating those who engage in violence. It advises individuals not to be drawn to or influenced by the ways of the violent.
Domestic violence involves choosing the ways of the violent, causing harm and pain to a spouse or partner. The Bible explicitly warns against such behavior and encourages believers to reject violence, instead choosing paths of peace, love, and reconciliation.
Proverbs 22:24-25
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”
This proverb advises against forming close relationships with individuals characterized by a quick temper or a propensity for anger. It implies that associating with such people can lead to being influenced or trapped by their destructive behaviors.
In the context of domestic violence, this verse serves as a warning against being drawn into relationships with individuals who exhibit violent tendencies. It underscores the importance of being cautious about the company we keep and the potential negative influence it may have on our actions and attitudes.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This proverb highlights the power of responding to anger and conflict with gentleness and wisdom. It teaches that responding harshly only fuels anger, while a gentle response has the potential to defuse tense situations.
Domestic violence often escalates due to the cycle of anger and aggression. This verse reminds believers of the importance of responding gently and seeking peaceful resolutions in times of conflict, rather than resorting to violent or aggressive behavior.
Matthew 7:12
“So, in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
This verse encapsulates the golden rule, which Jesus taught as a guiding principle for human relationships. It instructs believers to treat others the way they would like to be treated themselves.
Domestic violence is a clear violation of this principle, as it involves treating a spouse in a manner that no one would desire for themselves. Instead, the Bible calls believers to treat their spouses with love, respect, and kindness, reflecting the way they would want to be treated in return.
Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
This verse encourages believers to strive for peace and to do their part in maintaining peaceful relationships with others. It recognizes that living at peace may require effort and sacrifice.
Domestic violence disrupts peace within the family and violates the biblical call to live at peace with everyone. Instead, the Bible calls believers to actively pursue peace, reconciliation, and restoration within their relationships, seeking to resolve conflicts in healthy and nonviolent ways.
Proverbs 16:32
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”
This proverb extols the virtues of patience and self-control. It highlights the superiority of self-control over aggression and violence.
Domestic violence demonstrates a lack of self-control and patience, as it involves lashing out impulsively and causing harm to a spouse. Instead, the Bible encourages believers to cultivate self-control, restraint, and patience in their interactions, rejecting violent and aggressive behavior.
Proverbs 9:10
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
This proverb recognizes that true wisdom and understanding come from acknowledging and reverencing God. It emphasizes the importance of having knowledge and respect for the holy attributes of God.
Domestic violence demonstrates a lack of fear of the Lord and a disregard for the sacredness of marital relationships. Instead, the Bible teaches that wisdom begins with honoring God and upholding the principles of love, respect, and compassion in all aspects of life, including marriage.
1 John 3:18
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
This verse encourages believers to demonstrate love not only through words but also through actions and truth. It emphasizes the importance of living out love in practical ways.
Domestic violence contradicts this biblical command, as it involves actions that harm and afflict a spouse. Instead, the Bible calls believers to love one another genuinely, seeking to express love through compassionate actions and truthful interactions.
Proverbs 25:28
“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”
This proverb depicts the vulnerability and instability of a person who lacks self-control. It likens them to a city without protective walls.
Domestic violence often stems from a lack of self-control, as it involves reacting impulsively and inflicting harm upon a spouse. Instead, the Bible encourages believers to cultivate self-control, recognizing its role in maintaining healthy and safe relationships.
Proverbs 19:11
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
This proverb associates wisdom with patience and the ability to overlook offenses. It acknowledges the honor and virtue in choosing not to retaliate against perceived wrongs.
Domestic violence involves responding to offenses with aggression and violence instead of exercising patience and wisdom. The Bible teaches that it is to our glory to choose forgiveness, reconciliation, and the pursuit of peace in our relationships.
Psalm 55:9
“Lord, confuse the wicked, confound their words, for I see violence and strife in the city.”
This verse depicts the psalmist’s lamentation over the presence of violence and conflict. It expresses a desire for the confusion of the wicked and the thwarting of their harmful intentions.
Domestic violence is a manifestation of wickedness and causes strife within the home. The Bible acknowledges the need to address violence and actively prays for the hindrance of such evil. It encourages believers to work towards creating environments free from violence and conflict.
Isaiah 61:1-3
“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.”