Bible Verses About Self Defense
Ranked by the OpenBible.info topical community
These are the Bible verses most often cited for self defense, ranked by the OpenBible.info topical community across 106,264 votes, led by Exodus 22:2-3. Each passage links to its verse page or the interactive map; scripture is the King James Version.
Top verses about Self Defense
Exodus 22:2-33,785 votes
If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.
Psalms 144:12,864 votes
Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:
Romans 12:192,853 votes
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Luke 22:362,707 votes
Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
Luke 11:212,704 votes
When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:
Psalms 82:42,679 votes
Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.
1 Timothy 5:82,652 votes
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
Romans 13:42,499 votes
For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Matthew 5:38-392,206 votes
Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
Proverbs 25:262,195 votes
A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.
Matthew 26:52-542,138 votes
Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
Nehemiah 4:17-182,011 votes
They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.
Matthew 5:391,730 votes
But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Romans 12:181,661 votes
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Numbers 31:31,623 votes
And Moses spake unto the people, saying, Arm some of yourselves unto the war, and let them go against the Midianites, and avenge the Lord of Midian.
Exodus 22:1-311,596 votes
If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.
Romans 12:171,555 votes
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Proverbs 24:111,526 votes
If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;
Exodus 22:21,415 votes
If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.
Genesis 9:5-61,345 votes
And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man.
Revelation 1:11,333 votes
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
Mark 3:271,321 votes
No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.
Proverbs 20:221,301 votes
Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.
Exodus 20:131,233 votes
Thou shalt not kill.
Nehemiah 4:141,173 votes
And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.
What does the Bible say about self defense?
Readers most often cite Exodus 22:2-3 on the subject of self defense. Across 106,264 votes, 25 passages are commonly cited for this topic, including Psalms 144:1, Romans 12:19, Luke 22:36. This page lists all 25 in ranked order, quoted in the King James Version, with each linked to its cross-references.