In the biblical context, kidnapping is considered a grave offense, reflecting the high value placed on human life and freedom. The act of kidnapping is explicitly condemned in the Scriptures, and it is often associated with theft and violence, which are contrary to the commandments of God.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament law explicitly prohibits kidnapping, equating it with a capital offense. In Exodus 21:16 , it is stated: "Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession." This verse underscores the severity of the crime, indicating that the act of forcibly taking someone against their will is a violation of God's law and order.

Deuteronomy 24:7 further reinforces this prohibition: "If a man is caught kidnapping any of his brothers among the Israelites and treats him as a slave or sells him, the kidnapper must die. You must purge the evil from among you." This passage highlights the importance of maintaining justice and righteousness within the community of Israel, emphasizing that such acts are considered evil and must be eradicated.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not specifically address kidnapping in the same legalistic terms as the Old Testament, the principles of love, respect, and the inherent value of each individual are emphasized throughout. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles promote the dignity and worth of every person, which inherently opposes any form of exploitation or abuse, including kidnapping.

In 1 Timothy 1:9-10 , Paul lists "kidnappers" among those who act contrary to sound doctrine: "We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders, for liars, for perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching." Here, "slave traders" can be understood to include those who kidnap others for the purpose of selling them into slavery, thus condemning the practice as sinful and contrary to Christian teaching.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The biblical condemnation of kidnapping reflects a broader ethical stance that values human life and freedom. The act of kidnapping is not only a violation of personal autonomy but also an affront to the image of God in which every person is created (Genesis 1:27). The biblical narrative consistently upholds the sanctity of life and the importance of treating others with dignity and respect.

Throughout Scripture, the call to love one's neighbor (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39) and to do unto others as you would have them do unto you (Matthew 7:12) serves as a guiding principle that inherently opposes any form of coercion or abduction. The biblical worldview promotes justice, mercy, and humility (Micah 6:8), which stand in stark contrast to the violent and oppressive nature of kidnapping.

In summary, the biblical perspective on kidnapping is clear: it is a serious violation of God's commandments and an affront to the dignity of human beings. The Scriptures call for justice and the protection of the vulnerable, reflecting God's heart for righteousness and the well-being of all people.405. andrapodistes -- a slave dealer
... kidnapper. Word Origin from andrapodon (a slave) Definition a slave dealer
NASB Word Usage kidnappers (1). kidnapper, slave trader. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/405.htm - 6k

This HomilyWas Delivered on the Occasion of the Prefect Entering ...
... Thus for example:"Kidnappers, when they intend to steal and carry off little children,
do not promise them blows and stripes, or any other thing of that kind ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xvi this homily was.htm

Dangerous Effects to Religion and Morality of the Doctrine of So ...
... fear as your teacher. [2662] Kidnappers [2663] indeed are loved after
this fashion, but they are not feared. For power will not ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxvii dangerous effects to religion.htm

Acts ii. 22
... Since fathers also enjoin disagreeable tasks; but for this [169] they are fathers:
and so again do masters to slaves: but kidnappers and destroyers (lumehones ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily vi acts ii 22.htm

The Battle of the Books, 1749-1755.
... whose sake he had sacrificed his fortune were held up before the British public
as political conspirators, atheists, robbers of the poor, kidnappers of children ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xiii the battle of.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... 481. Justice, courts of, originated in the natural moral law, [1444]423.
Kidnappers entice by pleasant things, [1445]449. Kings ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

Kidnappers (1 Occurrence)
...Kidnappers (1 Occurrence). 1 Timothy 1:10 fornicators, sodomites, kidnappers, liars,
perjurers; and if any other thing is opposed to sound teaching, (DBY NAS). ...
/k/kidnappers.htm - 6k

Kidnapping (1 Occurrence)

/k/kidnapping.htm - 7k

Kidnapper (1 Occurrence)

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