Sexual assault is a painful and devastating experience, and the Bible addresses this issue with deep concern for justice and healing. Throughout Scripture, God expresses His desire to protect the vulnerable and bring justice to those who have been harmed. What does the Bible say about sexual assault, and how can we seek God’s guidance and healing in such situations? Let’s explore how Scripture provides hope, comfort, and justice for those who have suffered from sexual violence.
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What Does The Bible Say About Sexual Assault
Genesis 34:2
And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her and lay with her and violated her.
This verse recounts the account of the sexual assault of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, by Shechem. It highlights the devastating consequences of sexual assault and shows that such actions go against God’s plan for human relationships.
Deuteronomy 22:25-27
But if out in the country a man happens to meet a young woman pledged to be married and rapes her, only the man who has done this shall die. Do nothing to the woman; she has committed no sin deserving death. This case is like that of someone who attacks and murders a neighbor, for the man found the young woman out in the country, and though the betrothed woman screamed, there was no one to rescue her.
This passage emphasizes the seriousness of sexual assault and the responsibility of the perpetrator. It clarifies that the victim is not at fault and should not be blamed for the assault. God’s justice demands punishment for the offender, highlighting the importance of protecting the vulnerable and standing against sexual violence.
2 Samuel 13:11-14
But when she brought them near him to eat, he took hold of her and said to her, “Come, lie with me, my sister.” She answered him, “No, my brother, do not force me, for no such thing should be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing! But he would not heed her voice; and being stronger than she, he forced her and lay with her.
This passage describes the tragic story of Tamar, who was sexually assaulted by her own half-brother, Amnon. It exposes the devastating consequences of sexual violence within families and highlights the importance of respecting boundaries and consent.
Isaiah 58:6-7
Is this not the fast I choose: to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to untie the straps of the yoke, to set the oppressed free, and to tear off every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your house, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
This passage calls for believers to actively address oppression and injustice. It reminds us that part of our responsibility as Christians is to stand against any form of violence, including sexual assault. We are called to support and help those who have been victimized and actively work towards a more just and compassionate society.
Matthew 5:27-28
You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
This verse emphasizes the importance of purity and self-control. It teaches that sexual sin begins in the heart, even before any physical action is taken. It reminds us to guard our thoughts and desires, recognizing that objectifying others and indulging in lustful thoughts is contrary to God’s design for human relationships.
Matthew 18:6
But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
This verse emphasizes the seriousness of causing harm or leading others into sin, especially vulnerable individuals. It serves as a stern warning against any form of sexual assault, particularly involving children. God’s heart is for the protection and well-being of the innocent, and those who harm them face severe consequences.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
This passage stresses the importance of fleeing from sexual immorality and honoring God with our bodies. It reminds us that as believers, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we should strive to keep them pure and holy. This includes respecting the boundaries and consent of others and rejecting any form of sexual assault or abuse.
Galatians 5:13
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
This verse encourages believers to use their freedom in Christ to serve and love one another. It reminds us that our freedom should never be an opportunity to exploit or harm others, including sexually. Instead, we are called to use our freedom to promote love, justice, and respect for all.
Ephesians 5:3
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.
This verse underscores the importance of avoiding not only sexual immorality but any form of impurity. It reminds believers to strive for holiness, recognizing that sexual assault is a grave violation of God’s standards for His people. Christians are called to uphold purity in their thoughts, words, and actions, rejecting any behavior that disrespects or harms others.
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 glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such 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 passage emphasizes the sacrificial nature of love, particularly within the marital relationship. It calls husbands to love their wives selflessly, just as Christ loved the church. Sexual assault is a complete betrayal of this love and contradicts the biblical mandate for husbands to nurture, protect, and honor their wives.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God.
This verse emphasizes the importance of sanctification and self-control in the context of sexual morality. It urges believers to flee from sexual immorality and instead exercise self-discipline, honoring God with their bodies. Sexual assault directly violates God’s will and underscores the need for individuals to exercise self-control and respect the bodily autonomy and consent of others.
Hebrews 13:4
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.
This verse emphasizes the sacredness of marriage and the importance of honoring the marriage covenant. It calls believers to keep the marriage bed pure and free from any form of sexual immorality, including assault. God’s judgment awaits those who engage in such immoral acts, highlighting the severity of sexual assault in the eyes of God.
James 1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
This verse reminds believers that true religion is not marked by worldly corruption but by compassionate care for the vulnerable. Sexual assault directly contradicts the call to protect and support those in need, and it defiles the purity and integrity of individuals and communities. Christians are called to defend the defenseless and promote justice and healing for victims of sexual assault.
1 Peter 2:16
Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.
This verse encourages believers to live as free individuals but with a mindset of servitude towards God. It cautions against using freedom as an excuse to engage in sinful actions, including sexual assault. Christians are called to live in a way that reflects their identity as slaves of God and to use their freedom to promote righteousness, protecting the vulnerable and treating others with love and respect.
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 underscores the importance of honor, respect, and consideration within the marital relationship. It reminds husbands to treat their wives with dignity, recognizing their equal status as heirs of God’s gift of life. Sexual assault is a direct violation of this command and dishonors both the victim and God. Husbands are urged to foster an environment of love and respect, promoting the well-being and flourishing of their wives.
1 John 3:15
Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.
This verse teaches that hatred towards others is akin to murder. Sexual assault is a deplorable act of hatred, as it violates and dehumanizes the victim. Believers are called to love one another and to contribute to the preservation of life, rejecting any form of violence or harm towards their fellow human beings.
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 highlights the mutual responsibility and authority within the marital relationship. It teaches that spouses should mutually submit to one another and fulfill their sexual responsibilities within the boundaries of consent and respect. Sexual assault within marriage contradicts this teaching, violating the sacred trust and covenant between husband and wife.
Proverbs 31:8-9
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
This verse urges believers to be advocates for those who are unable to advocate for themselves. Sexual assault often leaves victims feeling voiceless and powerless. As Christians, we are called to amplify their voices, speak up against injustice, and work towards a society that upholds the dignity and well-being of all individuals.