Topical Bible: Defense

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In the biblical context, "defense" encompasses both physical protection and spiritual safeguarding. The concept of defense is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating God's role as a protector, the believer's responsibility to stand firm in faith, and the use of wisdom and righteousness as a means of defense.

God as Defender

The Bible frequently portrays God as the ultimate defender of His people. In the Old Testament, God is depicted as a shield and fortress for those who trust in Him. Psalm 18:2 declares, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." This imagery emphasizes God's strength and reliability as a protector against both physical and spiritual threats.

In the New Testament, the theme of God as a defender continues. Romans 8:31 states, "What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" This assurance of divine protection is foundational for believers, encouraging them to trust in God's sovereignty and care.

Human Responsibility in Defense

While God is the ultimate source of defense, Scripture also calls believers to take an active role in their own defense, particularly in spiritual matters. Ephesians 6:11-13 instructs believers to "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand."

This passage highlights the importance of spiritual preparedness and the use of divine resources—truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer—as means of defense against spiritual adversaries.

Wisdom and Righteousness as Defense

The Bible also teaches that wisdom and righteousness serve as forms of defense. Proverbs 2:7-8 states, "He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity, to guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His saints." Here, wisdom and integrity are depicted as protective measures that align with God's will and provide safety.

Moreover, righteousness is portrayed as a defense in Isaiah 54:17 : "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me, declares the LORD." Righteous living, in accordance with God's commands, offers a defense against accusations and spiritual attacks.

Defense in Warfare and Conflict

In historical narratives, the Bible records instances of physical defense in warfare. The Israelites often relied on God's guidance and intervention in battles. For example, in 2 Chronicles 20:15 , during the reign of King Jehoshaphat, the Lord reassures the people, "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s." This underscores the belief that God fights on behalf of His people, providing victory and protection.

Defense of the Faith

The New Testament also emphasizes the defense of the Christian faith. 1 Peter 3:15 exhorts believers, "But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you to explain the hope you have, but do so with gentleness and respect." This call to apologetics highlights the importance of being ready to articulate and defend one's faith in a respectful and thoughtful manner.

In summary, the biblical concept of defense encompasses divine protection, personal responsibility in spiritual warfare, the protective power of wisdom and righteousness, and the defense of the faith. Through these various aspects, Scripture provides a comprehensive understanding of defense as both a divine provision and a human responsibility.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (n.) Alt. of Defence.

2. (v. t.) To furnish with defenses; to fortify.

Greek

627. apologia -- a speech in defense
... a speech in defense. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: apologia Phonetic
Spelling: (ap-ol-og-ee'-ah) Short Definition: a verbal defense Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/627.htm - 7k

626. apologeomai -- to give an account of oneself, hence to defend ...
... to defend oneself. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: apologeomai Phonetic Spelling:
(ap-ol-og-eh'-om-ahee) Short Definition: I give a defense, defend myself ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/626.htm - 8k

379. anapologetos -- without excuse
... Phonetic Spelling: (an-ap-ol-og'-ay-tos) Short Definition: indefensible, inexcusable
Definition: without (ground of) defense, indefensible, inexcusable. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/379.htm - 8k

3794. ochuroma -- a stronghold, fortress
... fortress. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: ochuroma Phonetic Spelling:
(okh-oo'-ro-mah) Short Definition: a fortress, strong defense Definition: a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3794.htm - 7k

1557. ekdikesis -- vengeance, vindication
... vindication. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: ekdikesis Phonetic
Spelling: (ek-dik'-ay-sis) Short Definition: a defense, vengeance, full ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1557.htm - 7k

Strong's Hebrew

4535. massach -- perhaps repulse, defense
... 4534, 4535. massach. 4536 . perhaps repulse, defense. Transliteration: massach
Phonetic Spelling: (mas-sawkh') Short Definition: defense. ...
/hebrew/4535.htm - 6k

6110. atsumah -- perhaps defense
... 6109, 6110. atsumah. 6111 . perhaps defense. Transliteration: atsumah
Phonetic Spelling: (ats-tsoo-maw') Short Definition: strong. ...
/hebrew/6110.htm - 6k

4693. Matsor -- a country Southwest of the Red Sea
... besieged places, defense, fortified. The same as matsowr in the sense of a limit;
Egypt (as the border of Palestine) -- besieged places, defense, fortified. ...
/hebrew/4693.htm - 6k

4692. matsor -- siege enclosure, siege, entrenchment
... Word Origin from tsur Definition siege enclosure, siege, entrenchment NASB Word
Usage besieged (3), defense (1), fortified (1), fortress (1), rampart (1 ...
/hebrew/4692.htm - 6k

4686. matsuwd -- net, prey
... tsood') Short Definition: castle. castle, defense, fortress, strong hold,
be hunted, net, snare, strong place Or (feminine) mtsuwdah ...
/hebrew/4686.htm - 5k

5526. cakak -- to overshadow, screen, cover
... saw-kak') Short Definition: cover. cover, defense, defend, hedge in, join
together, set, shut up Or sakak (Exod. 33:22) {saw-kak'}; a ...
/hebrew/5526.htm - 5k

1220. betser -- precious ore, an ingot
... gold defense. From batsar; strictly a clipping, ie Gold (as dug out) -- gold defence.
see HEBREW batsar. 1219, 1220. betser. 1221 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/1220.htm - 6k

4539. masak -- a covering, screen
... Word Origin from sakak Definition a covering, screen NASB Word Usage covering
(2), defense (1), screen (16), screening (1), veil (5). ...
/hebrew/4539.htm - 6k

4043. magen -- a shield
... 1), scales (1), shield (41), shields (16). armed, buckler, defense, ruler,
scale, shield. Also (in plural) feminine mginnah {meg-in ...
/hebrew/4043.htm - 6k

2646. chuppah -- a canopy, chamber
... chamber, closet, defense. From chaphah; a canopy -- chamber, closet, defence. see
HEBREW chaphah. 2645, 2646. chuppah. 2647 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/2646.htm - 6k

Library

Defense of Eusebius Pamphilus.
... Book II. Chapter XXI."Defense of Eusebius Pamphilus. But since some have
attempted to stigmatize even Eusebius Pamphilus himself ...
/.../chapter xxi defense of eusebius pamphilus.htm

The Apologists that Wrote in Defense of the Faith During the Reign ...
... Book IV. Chapter III."The Apologists that wrote in Defense of the Faith
during the Reign of Adrian. 1. After Trajan had reigned ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter iii the apologists that wrote.htm

Quotations from Athanasius' Defense of his Flight. '
... Book III. Chapter VIII."Quotations from Athanasius' Defense of his Flight.'.
On this occasion Athanasius read to those present ...
/.../chapter viii quotations from athanasius defense.htm

Whether it is Lawful to Kill a Man in Self-Defense?
... OF MURDER (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether it is lawful to kill a man in self-defense?
Objection 1: It would seem that nobody may lawfully kill a man in self-defense. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful to 10.htm

Paul Having Been Sent Bound from Judea to Rome, Made his Defense ...
... Book II. Chapter XXII."Paul having been sent bound from Judea to Rome, made
his Defense, and was acquitted of every Charge. 1. Festus ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxii paul having been sent.htm

How During Antipater's Abode at Rome, Herod Brought Alexander and ...
... Before Caesar And Accused Them. Alexander's Defense Of Himself Before Caesar
And Reconciliation To His Father. 1. And now what happened ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how during antipaters.htm

An Account of the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church ...
... 1773, TO THE ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH IN 1784 CHAPTER 3 An account of the
organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with some arguments in its defense. ...
/.../chapter 3 an account of.htm

The Preparations of the Greeks for Defense.
... CHAPTER VII. THE PREPARATIONS OF THE GREEKS FOR DEFENSE. BC480 ... A thousand different
plans of defense were proposed and eagerly discussed. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter vii the preparations of.htm

How Alexander, Upon the League of Mutual Defense which Cleopatra ...
... How Alexander, upon the League of Mutual Defense Which Cleopatra Had Agreed with
Him, Made an Expedition Against Coelesyria, and Utterly Overthrew the City of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 13 how alexander upon.htm

When the Bishops Will not Listen to Athanasius' Defense on the ...
... Book I. Chapter XXXI."When the Bishops will not listen to Athanasius' Defense
on the Second Charge, he betakes himself to the Emperor. ...
/.../chapter xxxi when the bishops will.htm

Thesaurus

Defense (49 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Defense (49 Occurrences). ... Alexander beckoned with his hand,
and would have made a defense to the people. (WEB ASV WBS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/d/defense.htm - 20k

Answer (2099 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) To speak in defense against; to reply to in defense; as, to answer a charge;
to answer an accusation. ... 19. (n.) A reply to a change; a defense. 20. ...
/a/answer.htm - 10k

Fence (12 Occurrences)
... Amos 5:19). Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) That which fends off attack or
danger; a defense; a protection; a cover; security; shield. ...
/f/fence.htm - 15k

Stephen (13 Occurrences)
... His Character and Activity 3. His Teaching 4. His Arraignment before the Sanhedrin
5. His Defence before the Sanhedrin (1) Personal Defence (2) Defense of His ...
/s/stephen.htm - 33k

Wall (227 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A work or structure of stone, brick, or other materials, raised to some
height, and intended for defense or security, solid and permanent inclosing ...
/w/wall.htm - 49k

Motioned (7 Occurrences)
... putting him forward. Alexander beckoned with his hand, and would have made
a defense to the people. (See NAS RSV NIV). Acts 21:40 ...
/m/motioned.htm - 8k

Protection (19 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The act of protecting, or the state of being protected; preservation from
loss, injury, or annoyance; defense; shelter; as, the weak need protection. ...
/p/protection.htm - 12k

Arm (110 Occurrences)
... 12. (n.) A weapon of offense or defense; an instrument of warfare; -- commonly in
the pl. 13. (vt) To take by the arm; to take up in one's arms. 14. ...
/a/arm.htm - 42k

Defence (48 Occurrences)
... 1. (n. & vt) See Defense. ... 6. (n.) Act or skill in making defense; defensive plan
or policy; practice in self defense, as in fencing, boxing, etc. ...
/d/defence.htm - 20k

Gideon (45 Occurrences)
... of sustenance became a serious problem (Judges 6:4). The multitude of these desert
hordes and the cruelty of their depredation rendered defense difficult, and ...
/g/gideon.htm - 36k

Resources

What does the Bible say about self-defense? | GotQuestions.org

What is Plantinga's free will defense, and how does it address the problem of evil? | GotQuestions.org

What is the principle of double effect? | GotQuestions.org

Defense: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Defense (49 Occurrences)

Luke 12:11
When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, don't be anxious how or what you will answer, or what you will say;
(See NAS)

Acts 7:24
and having seen a certain one suffering injustice, he did defend, and did justice to the oppressed, having smitten the Egyptian;
(See NIV)

Acts 19:33
They brought Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. Alexander beckoned with his hand, and would have made a defense to the people.
(WEB ASV WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Acts 22:1
"Brothers and fathers, listen to the defense which I now make to you."
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Acts 24:10
When the governor had beckoned to him to speak, Paul answered, "Because I know that you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I cheerfully make my defense,
(WEB ASV NAS RSV NIV)

Acts 25:8
while he said in his defense, "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar, have I sinned at all."
(WEB ASV NAS RSV NIV)

Acts 25:16
To whom I answered that it is not the custom of the Romans to give up any man to destruction, before the accused has met the accusers face to face, and has had opportunity to make his defense concerning the matter laid against him.
(WEB ASV NAS RSV)

Acts 26:1
Agrippa said to Paul, "You may speak for yourself." Then Paul stretched out his hand, and made his defense.
(WEB NAS RSV NIV)

Acts 26:2
"I think myself happy, King Agrippa, that I am to make my defense before you this day concerning all the things that I am accused by the Jews,
(WEB ASV NAS RSV NIV)

Acts 26:24
As he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are crazy! Your great learning is driving you insane!"
(WEB ASV NAS RSV NIV)

1 Corinthians 9:3
My defense to those who examine me is this.
(WEB NAS RSV NIV)

2 Corinthians 7:11
For behold, this same thing, that you were made sorry in a godly way, what earnest care it worked in you. Yes, what defense, indignation, fear, longing, zeal, and vengeance! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be pure in the matter.
(WEB)

2 Corinthians 12:19
You are imagining, all this time, that we are making our defense at your bar. In reality it is as in God's presence and in communion with Christ that we speak; but, dear friends, it is all with a view to your progress in goodness.
(WEY)

Philippians 1:7
It is even right for me to think this way on behalf of all of you, because I have you in my heart, because, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Good News, you all are partakers with me of grace.
(WEB WBS NAS RSV)

Philippians 1:16
These latter preach Him from love to me, knowing that I am here for the defence of the Good News;
(See NAS RSV NIV)

Philippians 1:17
but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the Good News.
(WEB WBS)

2 Timothy 4:16
At my first defense, no one came to help me, but all left me. May it not be held against them.
(WEB NAS RSV NIV)

1 Peter 3:15
and the Lord God sanctify in your hearts. And 'be' ready always for defence to every one who is asking of you an account concerning the hope that 'is' in you, with meekness and fear;
(See NAS RSV)

1 John 2:1
My little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. If anyone sins, we have a Counselor with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous.
(See NIV)

Jude 1:3
Dear friends, since I am eager to begin a letter to you on the subject of our common salvation, I find myself constrained to write and cheer you on to the vigorous defense of the faith delivered once for all to God's people.
(WEY)

Numbers 14:9
Only don't rebel against Yahweh, neither fear the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense is removed from over them, and Yahweh is with us. Don't fear them."
(WEB KJV WBS)

2 Kings 11:6
A third part shall be at the gate Sur; and a third part at the gate behind the guard. So you shall keep the watch of the house, and be a barrier.
(See NAS)

2 Chronicles 11:5
Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem, and built cities for defense in Judah.
(WEB KJV WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Job 22:25
Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defense and thou shalt have plenty of silver.
(WBS)

Job 31:35
oh that I had one to hear me! (behold, here is my signature, let the Almighty answer me); let the accuser write my indictment!
(See NIV)

Psalms 7:10
My defense is from God, who saveth the upright in heart.
(WBS)

Psalms 27:1
By David. Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?
(See NAS)

Psalms 28:8
Yahweh is their strength. He is a stronghold of salvation to his anointed.
(See NAS)

Psalms 31:2
Bow down your ear to me. Deliver me speedily. Be to me a strong rock, a house of defense to save me.
(WEB WBS)

Psalms 35:23
Wake up! Rise up to defend me, my God! My Lord, contend for me!
(See NIV)

Psalms 48:3
God has shown himself in her citadels as a refuge.
(See RSV)

Psalms 59:9
Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defense.
(WBS)

Psalms 59:16
But I will sing of thy power; yes, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble.
(WBS)

Psalms 59:17
To thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defense, and the God of my mercy.
(WBS)

Psalms 60:7
Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine. Ephraim also is the defense of my head. Judah is my scepter.
(WEB)

Psalms 62:2
He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.
(WBS)

Psalms 62:6
He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved.
(WBS)

Psalms 89:18
For the LORD is our defense; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.
(WBS)

Psalms 94:22
But the LORD is my defense; and my God is the rock of my refuge.
(WBS)

Ecclesiastes 7:12
For wisdom is a defense, even as money is a defense; but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.
(WEB WBS YLT)

Isaiah 4:5
And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defense.
(WBS)

Isaiah 19:6
And they shall turn the rivers far away; and the brooks of defense shall be emptied and dried up: the reeds and flags shall wither.
(WBS)

Isaiah 22:8
He took away the cover of Judah; and in that day you were looking with care at the store of arms in the house of the woods.
(See NAS NIV)

Isaiah 25:4
For thou hast been a defense to the poor, a defense to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.
(WBS NAS)

Isaiah 33:16
he will dwell on high. His place of defense will be the fortress of rocks. His bread will be supplied. His waters will be sure.
(WEB WBS RSV)

Jeremiah 33:4
For thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city, and concerning the houses of the kings of Judah, which are broken down to make a defense against the mounds and against the sword;
(WEB NAS RSV)

Jeremiah 41:9
Now the pit in which Ishmael cast all the dead bodies of the men whom he had killed, by the side of Gedaliah (the same was who which Asa the king had made for fear of Baasha king of Israel), Ishmael the son of Nethaniah filled it with those who were killed.
(See RSV NIV)

Nahum 2:5
He shall recount his worthies: they shall stumble in their walk; they shall make haste to the wall thereof, and the defense shall be prepared.
(WBS)

Nahum 3:8
Are you better than No-Amon, who was situated among the rivers, who had the waters around her; whose rampart was the sea, and her wall was of the sea?
(See NIV)

Subtopics

Self-Defense: Accused Persons Heard In

Related Terms

Answer (2099 Occurrences)

Fence (12 Occurrences)

Stephen (13 Occurrences)

Wall (227 Occurrences)