50+ Bible Verses About Stoning (And What They Mean)
Stoning is a topic that appears in various parts of the Bible, often sparking intense discussions. This article compiles 50 Bible verses that mention stoning, providing a comprehensive look at how this practice is depicted in the scriptures.
Whether you're studying religious texts or just curious about biblical history, these verses offer valuable insights. Each verse is presented with its context, making it easier to understand the significance of stoning in biblical times.
What Does the Bible Say About Stoning
The Bible's teachings on stoning are complex and often challenging to understand. These verses span both the Old and New Testaments, offering a range of perspectives on justice, punishment, and forgiveness. While the practice of stoning may seem harsh by today's standards, these scriptures provide valuable lessons that can still resonate in our lives.
One key theme is the importance of community and collective responsibility. Verses like Leviticus 24:14 and Numbers 15:36 show how the community came together to uphold their values. This unity reminds us that our actions impact those around us, and we must work together to maintain a just and moral society.
Another theme is the call for justice and accountability. Deuteronomy 17:7 and Deuteronomy 19:15 emphasize the need for fairness and multiple witnesses before passing judgment. These verses teach us to seek truth and ensure that justice is served, encouraging us to be fair and just in our own lives.
Forgiveness and compassion also play a significant role. John 8:11 and Luke 23:34 highlight the power of forgiveness, even in the face of wrongdoing. These teachings encourage us to let go of resentment and extend grace to others, fostering a more compassionate and understanding world.
Finally, the Bible's messages about stoning remind us of the importance of faith and resilience. Verses like Acts 7:59 and 2 Corinthians 11:25 show that even in the toughest times, faith can provide strength and hope. These lessons inspire us to stay strong and trust in a higher power, no matter the challenges we face.
50 Bible Verses About Stoning
10 Bible Verses on Stoning in Old Testament
1) Leviticus 20:2
Again, you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘Whoever of the children of Israel, or of the strangers who dwell in Israel, who gives any of his descendants to Molech, he shall surely be put to death. The people of the land shall stone him with stones.
Meaning: This verse underscores the severity of idolatry in ancient Israel, showing how deeply the community valued their covenant with God. It's a stark reminder of the lengths to which they would go to preserve their faith and societal norms.
2) Leviticus 20:27
A man or a woman who is a medium, or who has familiar spirits, shall surely be put to death; they shall stone them with stones. Their blood shall be upon them.
Meaning: While the world often teaches us to seek answers from any source, this verse reminds us of the importance of staying true to our faith and values, even when it's challenging. It's a call to trust in a higher power rather than turning to questionable practices for guidance.
3) Leviticus 24:14
Take outside the camp him who has cursed; then let all who heard him lay their hands on his head, and let all the congregation stone him.
Meaning: This verse challenges us to consider the weight of our words and actions within a community. It invites reflection on how collective responsibility and accountability shape our shared values and beliefs.
4) Deuteronomy 13:10
And you shall stone him with stones until he dies, because he sought to entice you away from the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.
Meaning: When you face temptations that pull you away from your core beliefs, think of it as a storm trying to uproot a deeply rooted tree. Stay grounded and remember the strength that comes from your faith and history.
5) Deuteronomy 17:5
then you shall bring out to your gates that man or woman who has committed that wicked thing, and shall stone to death that man or woman with stones.
Meaning: When faced with wrongdoing, it's crucial to address it directly and uphold justice, ensuring that integrity remains a cornerstone of our community.
6) Deuteronomy 21:21
Then all the men of his city shall stone him to death with stones; so you shall put away the evil from among you, and all Israel shall hear and fear.
Meaning: How do we balance justice and mercy in our lives? This verse challenges us to consider the weight of communal responsibility and the lengths to which a society might go to uphold its values, contrasting sharply with modern views on punishment and rehabilitation.
7) Numbers 15:35
Then the Lord said to Moses, “The man must surely be put to death; all the congregation shall stone him with stones outside the camp.”
Meaning: Picture a community standing together, united in their values. This verse challenges us to consider the strength and unity that come from shared beliefs and the difficult choices we sometimes must make to uphold them.
8) Exodus 19:13
Not a hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot with an arrow; whether man or beast, he shall not live. When the trumpet sounds long, they shall come near the mountain.
Meaning: It's like when you're at a concert, and the music swells, signaling a moment of awe and reverence. This verse can stir a deep sense of respect and the importance of boundaries in our lives, reminding us of the sacredness of certain moments and spaces.
9) Joshua 7:25
And Joshua said, “Why have you troubled us? The Lord will trouble you this day.” So all Israel stoned him with stones; and they burned them with fire after they had stoned them with stones.
Meaning: Actions have consequences, and this verse is a powerful reminder of accountability. In our lives, it's crucial to recognize how our choices impact not just ourselves but our entire community.
10) 1 Kings 21:13
And two men, scoundrels, came in and sat before him; and the scoundrels witnessed against him, against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, “Naboth has blasphemed God and the king!” Then they took him outside the city and stoned him with stones, so that he died.
Meaning: We often rush to judgment based on hearsay or appearances. This verse invites us to consider the weight of our actions and the importance of seeking truth and justice in every situation.
10 Bible Verses on Punishments and Stoning
11) Deuteronomy 22:21
then they shall bring out the young woman to the door of her father’s house, and the men of her city shall stone her to death with stones, because she has done a disgraceful thing in Israel, to play the harlot in her father’s house. So you shall put away the evil from among you.
Meaning: It's a stark reminder of the weight of our actions and the values we uphold. This verse teaches us about the importance of integrity and the lengths to which a community might go to preserve its moral fabric.
12) Deuteronomy 22:24
then you shall bring them both out to the gate of that city, and you shall stone them to death with stones, the young woman because she did not cry out in the city, and the man because he humbled his neighbor’s wife; so you shall put away the evil from among you.
Meaning: It's a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking up and taking action when faced with wrongdoing. Silence can sometimes be as harmful as the act itself, urging us to be vigilant and proactive in upholding justice.
13) Leviticus 24:16
And whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall certainly stone him, the stranger as well as him who is born in the land. When he blasphemes the name of the Lord, he shall be put to death.
Meaning: This verse underscores the gravity of respecting sacred names and the collective responsibility of a community to uphold its spiritual values. It's a call to honor what is holy and to act decisively in preserving the sanctity of shared beliefs.
14) Leviticus 24:23
Then Moses spoke to the children of Israel; and they took outside the camp him who had cursed, and stoned him with stones. So the children of Israel did as the Lord commanded Moses.
Meaning: Embrace the importance of following through on commitments and responsibilities. In our daily lives, this can mean standing by our principles and taking necessary actions, even when they are difficult.
15) Numbers 14:10
And all the congregation said to stone them with stones. Now the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle of meeting before all the children of Israel.
Meaning: In moments of fear and uncertainty, remember that divine presence can bring unexpected comfort and guidance, even when the world feels against you.
16) Numbers 15:36
So, as the Lord commanded Moses, all the congregation brought him outside the camp and stoned him with stones, and he died.
Meaning: There's a profound sense of unity and purpose in this verse, highlighting the community's collective strength and commitment to their shared values. It reminds us of the power of coming together to uphold what we believe in.
17) 2 Chronicles 24:21
So they conspired against him, and at the command of the king they stoned him with stones in the court of the house of the Lord.
Meaning: When you feel betrayed or unjustly treated, remember that even in the darkest moments, there is a higher purpose and strength to be found. This verse reminds us that resilience and faith can shine through the most challenging trials.
18) Ezekiel 16:40
They shall also bring up an assembly against you, and they shall stone you with stones and thrust you through with their swords.
Meaning: In the midst of life's battles, remember that even the harshest trials can lead to growth and transformation. Hold on to the strength within you, knowing that every challenge is an opportunity to rise stronger and more resilient.
19) Ezekiel 23:47
The assembly shall stone them with stones and execute them with their swords; they shall slay their sons and their daughters, and burn their houses with fire.
Meaning: Take a moment to reflect on the power of transformation. Even in the harshest trials, there is a path to renewal and redemption, reminding us that faith can guide us through the darkest times.
20) 1 Samuel 30:6
Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
Meaning: When everything seems to be falling apart, finding strength in your faith can be a powerful source of comfort and resilience. It's about discovering an inner fortitude that helps you face even the toughest challenges.
10 Bible Verses on Stoning and Justice
21) Deuteronomy 17:7
The hands of the witnesses shall be the first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So you shall put away the evil from among you.
Meaning: When you face challenges, remember that taking the first step can inspire others to follow. Your courage and determination can lead to collective strength and positive change.
22) Deuteronomy 19:15
One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established.
Meaning: It's a gentle reminder that fairness and truth often require more than one perspective. In our lives, seeking multiple viewpoints can lead to a more balanced and just outcome.
23) Deuteronomy 19:19
then you shall do to him as he thought to have done to his brother; so you shall put away the evil from among you.
Meaning: Sometimes, the path to justice involves reflecting on our own intentions and actions. It's a reminder that true growth often comes from understanding and correcting our own missteps.
24) Deuteronomy 21:22
If a man has committed a sin deserving of death, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree
Meaning: God's justice is unwavering and timeless. It reminds us that actions have consequences, and the principles of justice and accountability are as relevant today as they were in ancient times.
25) Deuteronomy 22:24
then you shall bring them both out to the gate of that city, and you shall stone them to death with stones, the young woman because she did not cry out in the city, and the man because he humbled his neighbor’s wife; so you shall put away the evil from among you.
Meaning: How do we respond when faced with injustice? Reflect on the importance of speaking up and taking action to uphold what is right, even when it's difficult.
26) Leviticus 20:10
The man who commits adultery with another man’s wife, he who commits adultery with his neighbor’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress, shall surely be put to death.
Meaning: In a world full of uncertainties, God's words offer a steadfast promise of justice. Trust in the unwavering principles that guide us towards integrity and righteousness.
27) Leviticus 20:13
If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.
Meaning: In ancient times, societal norms were vastly different from today. This verse invites us to reflect on how cultural contexts shape our understanding of morality and justice, offering a moment to reconsider our perspectives on divine expectations and human behavior.
28) Leviticus 20:27
A man or a woman who is a medium, or who has familiar spirits, shall surely be put to death; they shall stone them with stones. Their blood shall be upon them.
Meaning: When life feels chaotic and uncertain, this verse reminds us of the importance of staying true to our core values. It's like finding a lighthouse in a storm, guiding us back to what truly matters.
29) Numbers 35:30
Whoever kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death on the testimony of witnesses; but one witness is not sufficient testimony against a person for the death penalty.
Meaning: Consider how the principles of justice and fairness are woven into the fabric of our lives. How might you ensure that truth and integrity guide your actions and decisions?
30) Joshua 7:24
Then Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, the silver, the garment, the wedge of gold, his sons, his daughters, his oxen, his donkeys, his sheep, his tent, and all that he had, and they brought them to the Valley of Achor.
Meaning: When you feel overwhelmed by your mistakes, remember that you are not alone. God's presence is a constant source of strength and forgiveness, guiding you towards a path of redemption and peace.
10 Bible Verses on Stoning in New Testament
31) John 8:7
He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.
Meaning: The word "first" carries immense weight here. It's like being in a group project where everyone is quick to point fingers, but no one wants to take the lead in solving the problem. It reminds us to reflect on our own imperfections before judging others.
32) John 8:59
Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
Meaning: In the midst of life's chaos, remember that God's presence is a constant source of peace and protection. It's a gentle reminder that even when the world feels against you, divine grace is always there to guide and shield you.
33) Acts 7:58
and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
Meaning: There's hope in recognizing that true strength often comes from humility and faith, not from worldly power or pride. This verse invites us to see beyond immediate circumstances and trust in a higher purpose.
34) Acts 7:59
And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
Meaning: When you face life's toughest moments, remember that surrendering to a higher power can bring profound peace and strength. It's a reminder that even in adversity, there's a source of unwavering support you can rely on.
35) Acts 14:19
Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.
Meaning: The vivid imagery here captures the intensity of Paul's trials, yet it also highlights the resilience and unwavering faith that can inspire us all. It's a poetic reminder of the strength found in enduring hardships with grace and conviction.
36) 2 Corinthians 11:25
Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep.
Meaning: Life's storms can be relentless, but resilience and faith carry us through. "Endure and rise" captures the essence of finding strength in every season.
37) Hebrews 11:37
They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented.
Meaning: In the face of life's harshest trials, remember the power of unwavering faith and resilience. Let this verse inspire you to hold on to what truly matters, even when the world feels against you.
38) Matthew 21:35
And the vinedressers took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another.
Meaning: It's incredible how God's wisdom shines through even in the darkest moments. This verse reassures us that His presence and grace are unwavering, offering comfort and strength no matter the trials we face.
39) Matthew 23:37
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!
Meaning: God's patience and love are boundless, always inviting us to find refuge and comfort in His embrace, even when we stray. It's a beautiful reminder of His unwavering desire to protect and nurture us.
40) John 10:31
Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him.
Meaning: In moments of uncertainty, remember that divine strength and protection are always with you. It's a gentle reminder that no matter the challenges, there is a greater purpose guiding you forward.
10 Bible Verses on Stoning and Forgiveness
41) John 8:11
Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.
Meaning: The beauty of this message lies in its power to offer a fresh start. It's a reminder that forgiveness and grace can lead to profound transformation and hope in our lives.
42) Matthew 5:39
But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.
Meaning: In a world where retaliation feels instinctive, this wisdom encourages us to rise above and respond with grace. It's a timeless reminder that true strength often lies in choosing peace over conflict.
43) Matthew 6:14
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Meaning: Forgiveness is a powerful gift that opens the door to divine grace. Trust in God's promise, knowing that as you extend forgiveness, you too will receive it abundantly.
44) Luke 6:37
Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
Meaning: When you choose to let go of judgment and embrace forgiveness, you open the door to a life filled with grace and understanding. It's about creating a space where love and compassion can flourish, both for yourself and others.
45) Luke 23:34
Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."
Meaning: The timeless truth of forgiveness invites us to embrace compassion even in the face of wrongdoing. It's a gentle call to let go of resentment and extend grace, just as we have received it.
46) Colossians 3:13
bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Meaning: Faith brings a profound sense of security, knowing that God's love and forgiveness are unwavering. It's a comforting reminder that His presence guides us through every challenge, offering peace and protection.
47) Ephesians 4:32
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Meaning: God's presence is a constant source of comfort and guidance, encouraging us to embrace kindness and forgiveness in our daily interactions. This wisdom invites us to shift our mindset towards compassion and understanding, fostering deeper connections with those around us.
48) Romans 12:19
Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.
Meaning: When you let go of the need for revenge, you open your heart to healing and peace. Trusting in divine justice brings a sense of relief and joy, knowing that you are not alone in your struggles.
49) Romans 12:21
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Meaning: Embrace the challenge of responding to negativity with kindness and integrity. It's about turning principles into actions, showing that love and faith are lived out through our choices and interactions every day.
50) 1 Peter 3:9
not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
Meaning: When life feels unfair, remember that responding with kindness can transform the situation and bring unexpected blessings your way.
How to Apply These Bible Verses About Stoning
Applying the Bible's teachings on stoning to daily life can help us grow in faith and build stronger communities. These verses offer valuable lessons on justice, forgiveness, and resilience that are still relevant today.
- Practice forgiveness: Make it a habit to forgive others, even when it's hard. This can be through daily prayers or simply letting go of grudges.
- Seek justice: Stand up for what's right in your community. This could mean volunteering for local causes or supporting those who need help.
- Reflect on your actions: Take time each day to think about how your actions affect others. This can help you make better choices and live more ethically.
- Stay connected with your faith: Read Bible verses regularly and pray for guidance. This keeps you grounded and focused on your spiritual journey.
- Build a supportive community: Surround yourself with people who share your values. Join a church group or community organization to foster a sense of belonging and mutual support.
Remember, God's presence is always with you, offering strength and guidance. Embrace these teachings and let your faith drive positive change in your life. For more prayers and Bible verses, visit PrayersFor or try our Bible Verse Generator to deepen your understanding and faith.
