The death penalty has been a contentious issue for centuries, and many turn to the Bible for guidance. This raises a fundamental question: does God support capital punishment? The Scriptures provide a wide range of insights, from the Old Testament’s laws prescribing death for various offenses to the New Testament’s emphasis on mercy and forgiveness.
Though sometimes conflicting, these passages offer a deeper understanding of God’s perspective on justice, vengeance, and redemption.
What is Capital Punishment?
Capital punishment refers to the process where a government or legal authority imposes the death penalty on an individual found guilty of a severe crime. This practice is carried out following a judicial process, distinguishing it from unlawful killings by non-state entities, which would be classified as murder rather than an execution.
Understanding the nature of authority in such decisions is essential. The Bible emphasizes the significance of authority, as outlined in scriptures on authority, providing a foundation for discussing governance and justice.
Genesis: God’s First Response to Murder
In Genesis 4:12-16, the Bible recounts the story of Cain, the first murderer, and God’s reaction to his crime. After Cain killed his brother, Abel, God chose not to sentence him to death.
Instead, He marked Cain to protect him from others seeking vengeance, declaring, “Whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold” (v.15).
This pivotal passage demonstrates that God, even in the face of murder, exercised mercy rather than retribution. This raises important questions about God’s stance on the death penalty and whether His judgment in this instance reflects a broader principle of divine justice.
By forbidding others from taking vengeance on Cain, God also emphasized His role as the ultimate arbiter of justice. This principle can be further explored in topics about overcoming adversity, where the focus shifts to dealing with challenges in alignment with God’s teachings.
Romans 12:19 (Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.)
Deuteronomy 32:35 (To me belongeth vengeance, and recompense)
Matthew 5:38-48 (Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:..)
John 8:7-11 (The woman was guilty of a capital offence-adultery-yet Jesus did not impose the death penalty.)
NOTE: Are those who would use the Old Testament as a guide to the use of capital punishment willing to use the entire Old Testament? Should people be put to death for adultery, working on the sabbath day, false prophecy, etc..
Capital Punishment in the Old Testament
Exodus 21:12-14; Leviticus 24:17, 21 (Murder)
Exodus 21:15, 17 (Attacking or cursing a parent)
Deut 21:18-21 (Disobedient to parents)
Exodus 21:16 (Kidnapping)
Exodus 21:28-29 (Failure to confine a dangerous animal, resulting in death)
Exodus 22:18, Leviticus 20:27; Deut 13:5; 1 Samuel 28:9 (Witchcraft and sorcery)
Leviticus 20:2-5 (Human sacrifice)
Exodus 22:19; Lev 20:16 (Sex with an animal)
Exo 31:14, 35:2; Numbers 15:32-36 (Doing work on the Sabbath)
Lev. 18:6-18; 20:11-12; etc.. (Incest)
Lev. 20:10, Deut 22:22 (Adultery)
Lev. 20:13 (Homosexual acts)
Lev. 21:9 (Prostitution by a priest’s daughter)
Lev. 24:14, 16, 23 (Blasphemy)
Deut 18:20 (False prophecy)
Deut 19:16 (Perjury in capital cases)
Deut 17:12 (Refusing to obey a decision of a judge or priest)
Deut. 22:13-21 (False claim of a woman’s virginity at the time of marriage)
Deut:22:23-24 (Sex between a woman pledged to be married and a man other than her betrothed)
The Old Testament is replete with instances of capital punishment for various offenses. These laws reflect the gravity of sin and the societal need for justice.
However, they also highlight how far humanity has come in understanding redemption and forgiveness through Christ. Studying these laws in connection with Bible study topics offers a structured way to understand God’s evolving covenant with His people.
Understanding of the Old Testament Law
Heb. 10:1 (Law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things…)
Galatians 3:24 (… the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ…)
Luke 9:54-56 (command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them…? …not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them…)
Who is determining capital punishment today? Righteous people of God? Or ungodly people, prone to corruption? Is the law applied equally to all by impartial people? Or is the deck stacked against the poor allowing the wealthy to go free?
Even in Jesus’ day, the religious authorities, the supposed righteous, an institution set up by God, were not equitable in their application of the law.
What did the law do? It showed us that we couldn’t keep it!
Galatians 3:20-27 KJV – 20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. 21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. 22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterward be revealed. 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Daniel Lantis has been a pastor and professional speaker for over 41 years, dedicating his life to serving Christ. Throughout his journey, he has given generously, whether it’s money, cars, or buildings, and has never lacked anything in return. He encourages others to give their resources to Jesus, trusting that He will provide abundantly.
