“"'You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people; but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am Yahweh.”
— Leviticus 19:18· God
What Does the Bible Say About Self Defense?
The Bible addresses self defense across both Old and New Testaments. These verses are organized by biblical era — from the patriarchs to the apostles — letting Scripture speak for itself.
11 verses·4 eras·3 promises
Exodus (~1400 BC)
Life of Jesus (~30 AD)
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
“Why do you see the speck of chaff that is in your brother's eye, but don't consider the beam that is in your own eye?”
— Luke 6:41· Jesus
“He called the multitude to himself with his disciples, and said to them, "Whoever wants to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
— Mark 8:34· Jesus
“A second likewise is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'”
— Matthew 22:39· Jesus
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
— Matthew 16:24· Jesus
“The second is like this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."”
— Mark 12:31· Jesus
“He said to all, "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”
— Luke 9:23· Jesus
Early Church (~50 AD)
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
United Kingdom (~1000 BC)
“I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well.”
“Also delight yourself in Yahweh, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
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