The Bible includes both support for and caution about capital punishment, presenting a complex view.
Old Testament Support
The Old Testament prescribes capital punishment for various offenses, including murder, kidnapping, adultery, witchcraft, and blasphemy. For example, Genesis 9:6 says, "Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed," and Exodus 21:12 commands death for murder. The Mosaic Law lists about 36 capital offenses, emphasizing the seriousness of these crimes and authorizing the death penalty as a form of justice and societal protection.
New Testament Perspective
In the New Testament, Jesus offers a message of mercy and forgiveness rather than strict retribution. The well-known story in John 8:7 where Jesus says, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her," highlights a more restorative justice approach. Jesus neither denies the law nor fully rejects capital punishment but emphasizes grace and warns against hypocrisy in judgment. The apostle Paul also endorses the state's right to punish wrongdoers, including by the use of the sword (Romans 13:1-7), while warning individuals not to seek personal revenge (Romans 12:19).
Summary
While the Old Testament clearly commands capital punishment for serious crimes, the New Testament teachings emphasize mercy, forgiveness, and caution against personal retribution. The Bible's overall stance balances the sacred dignity of human life with the need for justice, allowing room for capital punishment under God's authority but encouraging redemption and grace.
This balance leads to varied interpretations among Christians today regarding the use of the death penalty.
