What is the Bible's stance on sexual assault?

Definition and Scope

Sexual assault, in the broadest sense, is any non-consensual act of a sexual nature inflicted upon another person. The Scriptures consistently depict sexual violence as a grave wrongdoing, violating both the moral law and the inherent dignity and worth of every human being (cf. Genesis 1:27). It is important to understand that the Bible’s stance on sexual assault emerges from its overarching teaching that individuals are created in the image of God and must be treated with respect and honor.

Old Testament Laws and Narratives

1. Protection and Justice in the Mosaic Law

In the Old Testament, the Law prescribes serious penalties for sexual assault. Deuteronomy 22:25–27 specifically addresses a scenario where a man forces himself upon a woman:

“25 But if in the field the man finds a betrothed young woman, forces her, and lies with her, then only the man who has done this must die. 26 Do nothing to the young woman; she has committed no sin deserving of death. This case is like that of someone who attacks and murders his neighbor. 27 For when he found her in the field, the betrothed woman cried out, but there was no one to save her.”

This passage illustrates that Israelite society was to regard sexual assault much like murder, stressing the gravity of the offense. It underscores the innocence of the victim and the full liability of the offender.

2. The Dinah Incident (Genesis 34)

An example of the Bible’s implicit condemnation of sexual assault is the account of Dinah in Genesis 34. Dinah is violated by Shechem, and although the passage narrates the aftermath (including her brothers’ extreme retaliation), the context reveals the moral outrage that surrounded such an act. The broader storyline demonstrates that sexual violence was never approved, and it served as an occasion for grave warning, social turmoil, and condemnation.

3. Amnon and Tamar (2 Samuel 13)

The narrative about Amnon—the son of King David—and Tamar is another Old Testament account highlighting sexual assault. Amnon forces himself upon Tamar, which leads to familial disintegration, violence, and ultimately death. The text shows that Amnon’s act was deplored by all who learned of it, and it sowed seeds of further tragedy within David’s household. These passages confirm that the Scriptures do not gloss over or excuse such acts but rather reveal the devastating consequences they bring.

New Testament Teachings

1. Sexual Immorality Under the Law of Christ

While the specific term “sexual assault” is not frequently named in the New Testament, the broader prohibition of sexual immorality (Greek “porneia”) covers all acts that violate the sacredness of sexual relations. First Corinthians 6:18 declares: “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.” Sexual assault—coercing another person—is the epitome of immorality and violence, starkly contradicting the biblical call to love one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:39).

2. Honor and Protection in the Community

In passages such as Ephesians 5:3—“But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality...”—the early church is instructed to uphold a culture of purity, respect, and love. The New Testament’s overarching emphasis on caring for the vulnerable, including widows and orphans (James 1:27), translates into a call to protect all from harm, which extends to preventing any form of coercion or assault.

Theological Underpinnings

1. The Sanctity of Human Life

From the very beginning, God reveals that humans are created in His image (Genesis 1:27). This endows every individual—regardless of gender or status—with inherent dignity. Sexual assault attacks that dignity and violates the divine image in another person.

2. Divine Justice and Accountability

Scripture repeatedly affirms God’s concern for justice, especially on behalf of the powerless and oppressed (Psalm 82:3–4). Sexual predators are highlighted among those who abuse the weak, placing themselves under God’s judgment. The strong Old Testament condemnations show divine wrath against such crimes, while the New Testament similarly warns of judgment for unrepentant evildoers (Hebrews 10:30–31).

3. God’s Design for Sexuality

In affluent and ancient societies alike, misuses of sexuality have been a root of deep societal and personal harm. Yet, the biblical design for sexuality—expressed within the loving commitment of marriage (Genesis 2:24, Ephesians 5:31–33)—guards against assault by requiring mutual love and consent. Any forced act is wholly outside the scriptural pattern.

Pastoral Care and Counsel

1. Pursuit of Justice and Compassion for Victims

The Scriptures consistently champion the cause of the afflicted. In the face of sexual assault, believers are to advocate for victims, help them seek justice, and ensure their safety. This includes reporting assaults to legal authorities and providing emotional and spiritual support through counseling, prayer, and engaging helpful resources in the community (Romans 13:1–4).

2. Care for Repentant Offenders

Although the Bible demands accountability for crimes, it also emphasizes that genuine repentance can bring forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Spiritual restoration does not negate legal consequences, but it offers hope of a transformed life. Churches are to handle such situations with wisdom: safeguarding the innocent, cooperating with the law, and extending rehabilitation and spiritual care to repentant offenders in a regulated context.

Application in Modern Context

1. Individual Responsibility and Societal Protection

Because sexual assault remains a serious concern in modern societies, the biblical injunction to protect the vulnerable applies more than ever. Communities of faith should educate against any form of sexual coercion or harassment, offering resources and safe platforms for victims to speak out.

2. The Role of the Church in Prevention

Many local churches have instituted programs and guidelines for the prevention of sexual misconduct, including background checks, harassment training, and accountability structures. These measures reflect the biblical mandate to “hate what is evil; cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9).

3. Hope for Healing and Restoration

Survivors of sexual assault can find hope within the biblical narrative: God redeems painful circumstances and offers comfort and transformation (Psalm 147:3). Support, counseling, and ongoing community relationships preserve human dignity and mirror the compassion exemplified by Christ throughout the Gospels.

Archaeological and Historical Corroborations

Documents from ancient Near Eastern cultures, such as the Code of Hammurabi, highlight that legal systems in biblical times punished sexual violence harshly. Similar structures reflected in Scripture confirm the cultural and historical weight of these laws. Archaeological and textual studies of Israelite settlements also show a high value on communal well-being and the protection of the most vulnerable. This cultural backdrop substantiates the biblical stance that sexual assault was abhorred and thoroughly legislated against.

Conclusion

From Genesis to Revelation, the consistent biblical teaching portrays sexual assault as a severe moral and legal offense. It violates God’s design for human relationships and assaults the image of God in a fellow person. Scriptural accounts, laws, and principles all converge to communicate God’s heart for justice, protection of the vulnerable, and restoration for the broken. Victims of sexual assault are neither at fault nor powerless; the Bible envisions a community that stands with them, seeks justice, and provides hope, counsel, and healing. Meanwhile, offenders must bear the weight of accountability, turning from sin to seek genuine repentance and transformation, without escaping the temporal consequences of their actions.