self defense
What does the Bible say about self defense? These are the passages readers found most helpful — tap any citation to read it in context.
17 passages · most helpful first
2If a thief will have been discovered breaking into a house, or digging under it, and he has received a mortal wound, he who struck him down will not be guilty of blood. 3But if he did this when the sun was risen, he has perpetrated a homicide, and he shall die. If he does not have the means to make restitution for the theft, he shall be sold.
1A Psalm of David versus Goliath. Blessed is the Lord, my God, who trains my hands for the battle and my fingers for the war.
19Do not defend yourselves, dearest ones. Instead, step aside from wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is mine. I shall give retribution, says the Lord.”
36And they said, “Nothing.” Then he said to them: “But now, let whoever has money take it, and likewise with provisions. And whoever does not have these, let him sell his coat and buy a sword.
21When a strong armed man guards his entrance, the things that he possesses are at peace.
4Rescue the poor, and free the needy from the hand of the sinner.
8But if anyone has no concern for his own, and especially for those of his own household, he has denied the faith, and he is worse than an unbeliever.
4For he is a minister of God for you unto good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid. For it is not without reason that he carries a sword. For he is a minister of God; an avenger to execute wrath upon whomever does evil.
38You have heard that it was said: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39But I say to you, do not resist one who is evil, but if anyone will have struck you on your right cheek, offer to him the other also.
26The just falling down before the impious is like a fountain stirred up by feet and like a corrupted spring.
52Then Jesus said to him: “Put your sword back in its place. For all who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. 53Or do you think that I cannot ask my Father, so that he would give me, even now, more than twelve legions of Angels? 54How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must be so?”
17As for those building the wall, and carrying the burdens, and setting things in place: one of his hands was doing the work, and the other was holding a sword. 18For each one of the builders was girded with a sword at the waist. And they were building, and they were sounding a trumpet beside me.
39But I say to you, do not resist one who is evil, but if anyone will have struck you on your right cheek, offer to him the other also.
18If it is possible, in so far as you are able, be at peace with all men.
3And immediately Moses said: “Arm the men among you for a battle, so that they may be able to fulfill the retribution of the Lord on the Midianites.
1“If anyone will have stolen an ox or a sheep, and if he kills it or sells it, then he will restore five oxen for one ox, and four sheep for one sheep. 2If a thief will have been discovered breaking into a house, or digging under it, and he has received a mortal wound, he who struck him down will not be guilty of blood. 3But if he did this when the sun was risen, he has perpetrated a homicide, and he shall die. If he does not have the means to make restitution for the theft, he shall be sold. 4If whatever he stole should be found with him, a living thing, either an ox, or a donkey, or a sheep, he shall repay double. 5If there is any damage to a field or a vineyard, when he has released his cattle to pasture on the land of a stranger, he shall repay the best of what he has in his own field, or in his own vineyard, according to the estimation of the damage. 6If a fire will have been discovered departing from brush, and taking hold in stacks of grain, or in crops standing in the fields, whoever ignited the fire shall repay the damages.
13You shall not murder.