Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Defending Yourself?
13 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Defending Yourself in the Bible
Explore what the Bible says about defending yourself. This collection of 15 key Scripture passages reveals God's wisdom and guidance on this important theme.
Top 10 Verses About Defending Yourself
- 1Exodus 22:1
“If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. or a sheep: or, or a goat”
KJV - 2Exodus 22:2
“If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.”
KJV - 3Psalms 46:1
“To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. for: or, of”
KJV - 4Psalms 144:1
“A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: strength: Heb. rock to war: Heb. to the war, etc”
KJV - 5Proverbs 25:26
“A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.”
KJV - 6
- 7Matthew 10:34
“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.”
KJV - 8Matthew 26:52
“Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.”
KJV - 9
- 10Luke 22:36
“Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.”
KJV
Old Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Defending Yourself? (5 Verses)
“If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. or a sheep: or, or a goat”
“If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.”
“To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. for: or, of”
“A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: strength: Heb. rock to war: Heb. to the war, etc”
“A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.”
New Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Defending Yourself? (8 Verses)
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:”
“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.”
“Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.”
“When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:”
“Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.”
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
“For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”
“A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;”
How to Study What the Bible Says About Defending Yourself
- 1
Begin by reading through every verse listed on this page, noting which ones speak most directly to your current season of life. Write them down and revisit them throughout the week.
- 2
Use a concordance or the search tools on this site to find additional passages about defending yourself. Look for patterns across both the Old and New Testaments to gain a complete picture of what God reveals on this subject.
- 3
Study the context of each verse. Read the surrounding chapter to understand who was speaking, who the audience was, and what circumstances prompted the passage. Context prevents misapplication.
- 4
Memorise at least one key verse about defending yourself and meditate on it daily. Scripture memory transforms thinking and equips you to apply God's Word in real-time situations.
Practical Application
Studying what the Bible says about defending yourself is only the beginning. Scripture is meant to be lived out in daily obedience and faith. Here are practical steps to apply these truths:
Identify one area of your life where the biblical teaching on defending yourself needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about defending yourself with a fellow believer or in a small group setting. Teaching others solidifies your own understanding and encourages mutual growth.
Pray through the key verses about defending yourself, asking God to reveal how His Word applies to your relationships, decisions, and daily habits.
How Well Do You Know What the Bible Says About Defending Yourself?
You have studied 13 verses about defending yourself. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.