The Best 50+ Bible Verses About Self Defense

Ever wondered what the Bible says about self-defense? This article brings together 50 verses that touch on the topic.

From Old Testament stories to New Testament teachings, these verses offer a range of perspectives. Whether you're looking for guidance or just curious, you'll find something here.

50 Bible Verses About Self Defense

10 Bible Verses on Self Defense and Justice

• "If the thief is found breaking in, and he is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt for his bloodshed. If the sun has risen on him, there shall be guilt for his bloodshed. He should make full restitution; if he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft." — Exodus 22:2-3
• "Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, 'Surely we did not know this,' does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?" — Proverbs 24:11-12
• "Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy; free them from the hand of the wicked." — Psalm 82:3-4
• "Learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow." — Isaiah 1:17
• "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" — Micah 6:8
• "For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil." — Romans 13:4
• "Or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good." — 1 Peter 2:14
• "A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;" — Ecclesiastes 3:3
• "Then He said to them, 'But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one.'" — Luke 22:36
• "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also." — Matthew 5:38-39

10 Bible Verses on Spiritual Warfare and Protection

• "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." — Ephesians 6:10-11
• "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds." — 2 Corinthians 10:3-4
• "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.'" — Psalm 91:1-2
• "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,' says the Lord." — Isaiah 54:17
• "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." — 1 John 4:4
• "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" — Romans 8:31
• "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." — James 4:7
• "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." — 2 Timothy 1:7
• "The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them." — Psalm 34:7
• "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." — Philippians 4:13

10 Bible Verses on Self Defense in Faith

• "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." — Hebrews 11:1
• "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." — 1 Timothy 6:12
• "Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one." — Ephesians 6:16
• "But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one." — 2 Thessalonians 3:3
• "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." — Romans 15:13
• "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith." — 1 John 5:4
• "Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it." — Colossians 2:15
• "For we walk by faith, not by sight." — 2 Corinthians 5:7
• "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" — Psalm 27:1
• "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage." — Galatians 5:1

10 Bible Verses on God’s Guidance in Defense

• "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." — Proverbs 3:5-6
• "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye." — Psalm 32:8
• "Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left." — Isaiah 30:21
• "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." — Jeremiah 29:11
• "Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day." — Psalm 25:4-5
• "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." — James 1:5
• "A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." — Proverbs 16:9
• "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." — Psalm 119:105
• "The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail." — Isaiah 58:11
• "Therefore I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me." — Micah 7:7

10 Bible Verses on Courage in Self Defense

• "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." — Joshua 1:9
• "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." — 2 Timothy 1:7
• "Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord." — Psalm 31:24
• "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." — Deuteronomy 31:6
• "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." — Isaiah 41:10
• "And David said to his son Solomon, 'Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.'" — 1 Chronicles 28:20
• "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!" — Psalm 27:14
• "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." — Romans 8:37
• "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong." — 1 Corinthians 16:13
• "Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), in God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?" — Psalm 56:3-4

What Does the Bible Say About Self Defense

The Bible offers a lot of wisdom on self-defense, touching on various aspects of life. From physical protection to spiritual warfare, these teachings provide guidance and hope. They remind us that while we may face challenges, we are not alone. God's word is there to guide and support us.

One key theme is justice. Verses like Exodus 22:2-3 and Proverbs 24:11-12 show that defending oneself and others is sometimes necessary. They emphasize that protecting the vulnerable and standing up against wrongdoing is important. This can inspire us to act justly in our own lives, helping those in need and standing up for what is right.

Another theme is spiritual protection. Ephesians 6:10-11 and 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 remind us that our battles are not just physical but also spiritual. Putting on the "armor of God" helps us stand strong against evil. This encourages us to rely on our faith and trust in God's power to protect us.

Faith is also a crucial element in self-defense. Hebrews 11:1 and 1 Timothy 6:12 highlight the importance of faith in overcoming challenges. Believing in God's promises gives us the strength to face difficulties. This can motivate us to hold onto our faith, even when times are tough.

Lastly, courage is essential. Joshua 1:9 and Psalm 31:24 encourage us to be brave and trust that God is with us. Knowing that we are not alone can give us the courage to face our fears. This can help us approach life's challenges with confidence and hope.

How to Apply These Bible Verses About Self Defense

Applying Bible teachings on self-defense to daily life can be both practical and transformative. These verses offer not just spiritual guidance but also actionable steps for everyday situations.

• Start your day with a prayer for protection and guidance. Ask God to help you make wise decisions and to keep you safe.
• Practice kindness and justice in your interactions. Stand up for those who are vulnerable and speak out against wrongdoing.
• Stay spiritually strong by reading the Bible regularly. Verses like Ephesians 6:10-11 remind us to put on the "armor of God."
• Join a community group or church that focuses on mutual support and protection. Being part of a community can provide both physical and spiritual safety.
• Teach your children or younger family members about these principles. Encourage them to rely on their faith in challenging situations.

Remember, God is always with you. Trust in His presence and let your faith guide you through life's challenges. For more prayers and Bible verses, visit PrayersFor or try our Bible Verse Generator to deepen your understanding and faith.