What is the Bible's stance on torture?

Definition and Scope of Torture

Torture can be understood as the deliberate infliction of severe mental, physical, or emotional pain upon an individual, often to extract information or punish. Scripture does not contain a dedicated Hebrew or Greek term that translates exactly to “torture,” but it addresses practices and behaviors that align with its core definition: cruelty, deliberate harm, and oppression of the vulnerable. While specific forms varied in biblical times—ranging from scourging to physical torment in prisons—the moral principles of Scripture consistently uphold the dignity of individuals created in God’s image.

Imago Dei and the Sanctity of Human Life

From the very first chapter of the Bible, human life is set apart through the concept of Imago Dei:

“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27)

This foundational truth emphasizes the inherent value of every person, making any form of dehumanizing behavior, including torture, morally contradictory to God’s design. Because each individual bears God’s likeness, Scripture calls for respect, justice, and compassion.

Old Testament Examples and Condemnations

The Old Testament frequently warns against the oppression of the weak and the use of cruel methods to exact vengeance or confessions. Deuteronomy outlines lawful punishments but never commands gratuitous harming or relentless physical torment against criminals or enemies (Deuteronomy 25:1–3). While physical discipline existed, it was bound by limits to prevent unjust severity.

Prophetic writings also denounce cruelty and oppression. For instance, Amos rebukes neighboring nations for their brutal tactics in warfare (Amos 1:3–15), underscoring God’s disapproval of gratuitous violence. Repeatedly, the prophets challenge Israel to uphold justice, mercy, and care for the marginalized (Micah 6:8).

New Testament Perspectives on Mercy and Compassion

In the New Testament, Jesus intensifies the call to show mercy and love toward others. His instruction, famously known as the Golden Rule, stands in direct opposition to any form of cruelty:

“In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)

The ultimate example of wrongful torture in Scripture appears in accounts of Christ’s own suffering, as described in John 19:1: “Then Pilate took Jesus and had Him flogged.” While His crucifixion was central to God’s redemptive plan, it also displays the tragedy of state-sanctioned brutality. Nowhere does the Bible endorse the actions of those who tortured Christ. Instead, the New Testament portrays such acts as the height of injustice done to the most innocent individual.

Guidelines for Justice and Vengeance

Romans 12:17–19 provides a crucial teaching on how believers are to respond to wrongdoing:

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody... Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’”

This passage underscores that individuals are not authorized to take matters of punishment and revenge into their own hands through extreme measures. Instead, God’s justice is portrayed as both merciful and ultimately righteous. In a society or judicial system, proportional and just consequences may be administered, but the deliberate infliction of suffering to degrade human dignity is outside the parameters Scripture provides.

Historical, Anecdotal, and Apologetic Observations

Archaeological finds confirm the Roman practice of scourging and crucifixion, reflecting the reality of the severe tortures endured in the first century. These ancient practices, recorded in multiple historical documents and corroborated by early Church writings, align with the biblical accounts of Jesus’ suffering. Such evidence supports the reliability of the Gospels’ portrayal of Roman torture methods without suggesting that Scripture condones them.

Textual analysis of Old and New Testament manuscripts indicates consistent themes regarding the protection of the vulnerable and the condemnation of excessive cruelty. This manuscript evidence, studied and compared across centuries, reveals remarkable alignment on essential moral commands.

Love, Compassion, and Christian Ethic

The love ethic, central to the believer’s life, is incompatible with torturing another human being. Ephesians 4:32 says: “Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” Christ’s example of forgiveness under suffering provides the framework for how believers should view all interpersonal conduct—even toward enemies.

Practical Application for Today

Biblical teaching calls for Christians and broader societies to safeguard human dignity and oppose any form of violence designed to degrade. While justice systems may permissibly enforce accountability for wrongdoing, they must do so without resorting to the infliction of cruel and unusual punishments. This aligns with the broader biblical principle of loving neighbors and even enemies, exemplified by Jesus throughout His ministry.

Conclusion

Although the term “torture” does not appear verbatim in Scripture, the biblical principles of love, justice, mercy, and respect for human life clearly prohibit the kind of cruelty and dehumanization that define torture. From Genesis to Revelation, the consistent witness is that God values life and calls humanity to treat one another with dignity. Any practice that deliberately inflicts needless suffering runs counter to these foundational commands, emphasizing instead the overarching call of Scripture to love God and love neighbor in all interactions.