The question of self-defense is a difficult one, and many wonder what the Bible says about it. Scripture speaks about the value of life, but it also addresses situations where self-defense may be necessary. Let’s take a look at what the Bible teaches about protecting ourselves and the balance between justice and mercy.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Pledges
What Does The Bible Say About Killing Someone In Self Defense
Exodus 20:13
“You shall not murder.”
This verse from the Ten Commandments clearly states that taking the life of another person is forbidden. It emphasizes the sanctity of human life and the importance of preserving it.
While the Bible teaches the value of life and the commandment not to murder, it also addresses situations in which self-defense may be necessary.
Exodus 22:2-3
“If a thief is caught breaking in at night and is struck a fatal blow, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed; but if it happens after sunrise, the defender is guilty of bloodshed.”
This verse acknowledges the distinction between a person defending themselves during a nighttime burglary and during daylight. It explains that if someone is defending their life at night and accidentally takes the life of the intruder, they are not guilty of bloodshed. However, if the incident occurs during daylight when a peaceful resolution might be possible, the defender will be responsible.
This verse suggests that there are certain circumstances in which taking another person’s life may be justifiable, such as when a person’s life is immediately threatened and there is no other means of escape or self-defense.
Exodus 21:12-13
“Anyone who strikes a person with a fatal blow is to be put to death, but if it is not done intentionally, but God lets it happen, they are to flee to a place I will designate.”
This verse addresses accidental killing and differentiates it from deliberate murder. It states that if someone unintentionally causes the death of another person, they are to flee to a designated place for protection. However, if the killing is intentional, the penalty is death.
The passage recognizes that there can be situations in which a person unintentionally causes harm or death, suggesting that there may be room for understanding such cases with compassion and mercy.
Proverbs 24:11-12
“Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?”
This verse calls for the protection of those who are unjustly and wrongly facing death. It urges believers to intervene and help those who are being led towards harm.
The passage reminds us that God sees and knows our hearts. It emphasizes that we will be held accountable for our actions, including our failure to act when we have the ability to save lives.
Psalm 82:4
“Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
This verse underlines the responsibility of believers to help and protect those who are weak and in need. It highlights the importance of intervening on behalf of those who are vulnerable and at risk of harm or injustice.
The verse encourages followers of God to be advocates for justice and deliverance, ensuring that the powerless are not oppressed by the wicked.
Luke 22:36
“Jesus said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.”
In this verse, Jesus encourages his disciples to take measures to protect themselves. He advises them to obtain a sword even if it means selling their cloak.
While this verse does not explicitly endorse violence, it recognizes the importance of self-defense and preparedness in certain situations.
2 Samuel 22:36
“You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way.”
This verse acknowledges God’s provision of strength and protection for his people. It implies that God equips his followers with the necessary means to navigate difficult circumstances.
While not directly addressing self-defense, this verse emphasizes that God can empower individuals to overcome physical challenges and protect themselves if needed.
Psalm 18:34
“He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.”
David speaks of God’s training, enabling him to be skilled in battle and capable of using weapons effectively. It indicates that God equips his servants for defense and protection.
Though this verse depicts a historical context, it implies that believers should be prepared for times when self-defense or protection becomes necessary.
Nehemiah 4:17
“Those who were rebuilding the wall and those who carried burdens loaded themselves so that everyone worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other.”
In rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, the people of Israel recognized the need for both physical labor and self-defense. This verse illustrates their readiness to protect themselves while engaged in their work.
It suggests that believers should be prepared to defend themselves and others when circumstances call for it, even while involved in peaceful endeavors.
Matthew 5:39
“But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”
This verse comes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and encourages a non-violent response to personal offenses. It teaches the principle of not retaliating against those who harm us.
While it does not specifically address self-defense, it emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, peace, and non-violence in personal relationships, even when faced with aggression.
Romans 12:19
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
This verse reminds believers not to seek revenge but to trust in God’s justice. It assures that God will ultimately repay and deal with those who have committed wrongs.
While it does not touch directly on self-defense, it encourages individuals to refrain from taking matters into their own hands and to trust in God’s righteous judgment.
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
This verse assures that God is our place of safety, support, and protection. It speaks of his constant presence and assistance when we face trouble and threats.
While it doesn’t specifically address self-defense, it encourages believers to seek refuge in God during times of danger, relying on his strength to overcome challenges.
Psalm 82:3
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.”
This verse calls for the defense of the weak, the fatherless, the poor, and the oppressed. It emphasizes the importance of standing up for those who are vulnerable and in need of protection.
While it doesn’t explicitly mention self-defense, it highlights the biblical mandate for believers to advocate for justice and protect the defenseless.
Proverbs 25:26
“Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked.”
This verse portrays the compromising of righteous individuals, comparing it to a polluted well. It suggests that those who succumb to evil or fail to resist it can bring harm and contamination.
Although it does not directly discuss self-defense, it implies the importance of standing firm against wickedness and not yielding to unjust actions.
Psalm 10:17-18
“You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror.”
This verse celebrates God’s protection of the afflicted, fatherless, and oppressed. It portrays God as their defender, ensuring that they will no longer be terrorized by wicked individuals.
While it doesn’t directly address self-defense, it highlights God’s intervention on behalf of the vulnerable and oppressed, implying the importance of taking necessary actions to protect them as well.
John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
In this verse, Jesus spoke of the ultimate act of sacrificial love, which is to lay down one’s life for a friend. It highlights the value and nobility of self-sacrifice.
While not specifically addressing self-defense, this verse illustrates the profound love and selflessness that should govern our actions, even if it means risking our own lives to protect others.
Ecclesiastes 3:8
“…a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”
This verse from Ecclesiastes acknowledges the existence of different seasons and circumstances in life. It recognizes that there may be times when conflict or war is inevitable.
Although it doesn’t directly deal with self-defense, it implies that there are situations when defending oneself or engaging in acts of war may be necessary to secure peace and safety.
Matthew 10:28
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
In this verse, Jesus encourages his disciples not to fear those who can only harm the body but to fear God who has authority over both body and soul.
While it doesn’t directly address self-defense, it offers perspective on the importance of valuing eternal salvation over earthly life.
Psalm 144:1
“Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.”
This verse praises God as the one who trains and equips the psalmist for battle. It acknowledges that God is both a provider and a protector.
While not explicitly discussing self-defense, it implies that God can grant believers the skills needed to defend themselves and others when necessary.
Proverbs 20:22
“Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.”
This verse advises against seeking personal revenge for wrongs committed against us. It instructs believers to trust in God’s justice and wait for his intervention.
While not explicitly discussing self-defense, it encourages individuals to refrain from taking matters into their own hands and to have faith in God’s ultimate righteous judgment.
Luke 22:51
“But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.”
In this verse, Jesus demonstrates mercy and compassion by healing the ear of a high priest’s servant, which had been severed by one of his disciples during his arrest.
While it doesn’t directly discuss self-defense, it illustrates the value of non-violence and peaceful resolution, even in situations that warrant self-protection.
1 Timothy 5:8
“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
This verse emphasizes the responsibility of believers to provide for and protect their families. It implies that caring for one’s own household is essential and reflects one’s faith.
While not directly addressing self-defense, it implies the significance of taking necessary measures to safeguard and provide for one’s family, including their physical well-being.
Genesis 14:14-16
“When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit as far as Dan. During the night Abram divided his men to attack them and he routed them, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. He recovered all the goods and brought back his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the other people.”
In this account, after Abram’s relative Lot was taken captive, Abram organized a rescue mission with his trained men, successfully overpowering and defeating the enemy to rescue his family.
Although it is a historical account rather than a direct instruction, it reveals the biblical example of defending family members and loved ones when they are in danger.