Topic
Self-defense
1 answer, with the passages behind it
Our answers on Self-defense
Is killing in self-defense a sin? What does the Bible teach?
The Bible condemns murder and celebrates peace, yet it also recognizes that using force to stop immediate, unjust violence may be morally permitted when it is necessary, restrained, and not driven by revenge.
- Genesis 9:6 Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind.
- Matthew 5:38–39 You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;
- Exodus 22:2–3 If a thief is caught breaking in and is beaten to death, no one shall be guilty of bloodshed. But if it happens after sunrise, there is guilt for his bloodshed. A thief must make full restitution; if he has nothing, he himself shall be sold for his theft.
More passages on this topic
From Nave’s Topical Bible (1896), a historical reference index. The groupings are Nave’s; the verses are shown in the text used across this site.
Accused persons heard in
- Matthew 27:11–14 Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, who questioned Him: “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer. Then Pilate asked Him, “Do You not hear how many charges they are bringing against You?”
- Mark 15:2–5 So Pilate questioned Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. And the chief priests began to accuse Him of many things. Then Pilate questioned Him again, “Have You no answer? Look how many charges they are bringing against You!” But to Pilate’s amazement, Jesus made n…
- Luke 23:3 So Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.
- John 7:51 “Does our law convict a man without first hearing from him to determine what he has done?”
- Acts 2:37–40 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This…
- Acts 22 “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.” When they heard him speak to them in Hebrew, they became even more quiet. Then Paul declared, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our f… (whole chapter)
- Acts 23 Paul looked directly at the Sanhedrin and said, “Brothers, I have conducted myself before God in all good conscience to this day.” At this, the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit… (whole chapter)
- Acts 24:10–21 When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he began his response: “Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense. You can verify for yourself that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. Yet my accusers did not find me debati…
- Acts 26 Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense: “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today to defend myself against all the accusations of the Jews, especially since you are acquainted with all the… (whole chapter)
Scripture text: Berean Standard Bible.