Bible Verses About Capital Punishment

Bible verses related to capital punishment, the death penalty, and taking human life as judgment.

King James Version
6Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.
Genesis 9:6
12He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.
Exodus 21:12
17And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death.
Leviticus 24:17
30Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die. 31Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death.
Numbers 35:30-31
11But if any man hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth into one of these cities: 12Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die. 13Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee.
Deuteronomy 19:11-13
1Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Romans 13:1
4For 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.
Romans 13:4
38Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Matthew 5:38-39
7So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
John 8:7
19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Romans 12:19
11Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Ezekiel 33:11

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Bible say about capital punishment?

The Bible contains both support and challenge to capital punishment. Genesis 9:6 and Old Testament law prescribed death for murder. However, Jesus showed mercy (John 8:7) and taught nonretaliation (Matthew 5:38-39). Christians disagree on how to apply these passages today.

Does the New Testament support the death penalty?

Romans 13:4 says governing authorities bear the sword as God's servant. However, Jesus intervened against a lawful execution (John 8:7), and the NT emphasizes mercy, forgiveness, and leaving vengeance to God (Romans 12:19).

What are the main Christian positions on capital punishment?

Christians hold three main views: some support it as divinely authorized in Genesis 9:6 and Romans 13:4. Others oppose it based on Jesus's teachings on mercy and the sanctity of life. Still others take a middle position, allowing it in principle but questioning its application in a fallen justice system.