What does the Bible say about rape?

The Bible's View on Rape: A Baptist Perspective

The Bible directly addresses the issue of rape, condemning it as a grievous violation of God’s design for humanity. Rape is consistently depicted in Scripture as a heinous act that brings devastating consequences, not only for the victims but also for the perpetrators and the communities involved. This lesson explores what the Bible teaches about rape, offering clarity, compassion, and hope rooted in God’s Word.

Biblical Accounts of Rape

Several tragic stories in Scripture highlight the evil of rape and its destructive aftermath:

1. Dinah and Shechem
   Genesis 34 tells the story of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah, who was violated by Shechem, a prince of the land. The passage describes Shechem’s lustful actions and the subsequent outrage of Dinah’s brothers, leading to a violent retribution. This account reveals the deep sorrow and familial strife caused by such a crime.

2. The Levite’s Concubine
   In Judges 19:22–30, the men of Gibeah savagely gang-raped and murdered a Levite’s concubine. This atrocity led to a civil war within Israel, showing how unchecked sin can devastate an entire nation.

3. The Men of Sodom
   Genesis 19:4–9 recounts the attempted sexual assault of two angelic visitors by the men of Sodom. Their wickedness highlights the depths of depravity in a society that rejects God’s moral order.

4. Amnon and Tamar
   In 2 Samuel 13:1–22, Amnon, a son of David, lusted after his half-sister Tamar and ultimately raped her. This act of wickedness brought ruin to Amnon and turmoil to David’s household, illustrating the far-reaching consequences of sin.

God’s Law and the Protection of Women

As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, God provided laws to protect the vulnerable and promote justice. Deuteronomy 22:13–29 addresses various offenses involving women, including rape:

1. Rape of a Betrothed Woman
   “But if a man finds a betrothed young woman in the countryside, and the man forces her and lies with her, then only the man who lay with her shall die. But you shall do nothing to the young woman; there is in the young woman no sin deserving of death, for just as when a man rises against his neighbor and kills him, even so is this matter. For he found her in the countryside, and the betrothed young woman cried out, but there was no one to save her” (Deuteronomy 22:25–27, NKJV).
   This law recognizes rape as a violent crime akin to murder, deserving the death penalty for the perpetrator while affirming the innocence of the victim.

2. Controversy Regarding Deuteronomy 22:28–29
   “If a man finds a young woman who is a virgin, who is not betrothed, and he seizes her and lies with her, and they are found out, then the man who lay with her shall give to the young woman’s father fifty shekels of silver, and she shall be his wife because he has humbled her; he shall not be permitted to divorce her all his days” (Deuteronomy 22:28–29, NKJV).
   Critics often misinterpret this passage as condoning rape, but a closer look reveals otherwise. The Hebrew word used here (taphas) suggests seduction rather than force. This law parallels Exodus 22:16–17, where a man who seduces an unbetrothed virgin must marry her unless the father refuses. This provision aimed to ensure the woman’s future security in a patriarchal society and to hold the man accountable for his actions.

3. Justice and Accountability
   The laws emphasize justice for victims and severe consequences for perpetrators. In cases where a woman could not call for help (e.g., in isolation), the law assumed her innocence (Deuteronomy 22:27). Such statutes reflect God’s care for the vulnerable and His abhorrence of injustice.

Rape in the Context of War

In Numbers 31:17–18, Moses instructed the Israelites to spare young virgin women during the conquest of Midian. Some critics claim this condones sexual exploitation, but such interpretations misunderstand the context. The women were taken as captives, not for abuse but for integration into Israelite society under strict laws of purity and marriage (Leviticus 15:16–18). Rape is never condoned, and God’s commands upheld the dignity and protection of women.

The New Testament and Sexual Immorality

While the New Testament does not directly address rape, it unequivocally condemns all forms of sexual immorality. Jesus emphasized the sanctity of marriage and purity (Matthew 5:27–28). The apostles exhorted believers to flee from sexual sin and honor God with their bodies (1 Corinthians 6:18–20). In Jewish culture, rape was understood as a grievous sin, and the early church upheld this moral standard.

Compassion for Victims

The Bible calls Christians to model Christ’s love by caring for victims of rape. Scripture consistently urges believers to defend the oppressed and support those in need (Isaiah 1:17; James 1:27). Churches must be places of refuge, offering emotional, spiritual, and practical support to those who have suffered such trauma. Healing is found in Christ, who understands our deepest pain and offers hope and restoration (Psalm 34:18).

Hope for Redemption

While rape is a grievous sin, the gospel proclaims that no one is beyond God’s grace. Those who repent and turn to Christ can find forgiveness and transformation (1 John 1:9). However, divine forgiveness does not negate earthly justice; perpetrators must face the legal consequences of their actions (Romans 13:1–4).

Conclusion

The Bible’s teaching on rape highlights God’s justice, compassion, and grace. As believers, we are called to uphold God’s standards, advocate for the vulnerable, and extend Christ’s love to all. Through the power of the gospel, there is hope for healing and renewal, even in the face of life’s darkest tragedies.