What the Bible says about capital punishment

teaching supports the death penalty and lists 36 capital offences. These include , magic and . Murder is the ultimate capital offence:

Man was made like God, so whoever murders a man will be killed by his fellow-man.

— Exodus 21:23

The Old Testament also permits limited revenge:

The punishment shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth.

— Exodus 21:23

Some would argue that the commandment “Do not commit murder” (Exodus 20:13) supports capital punishment as it affirms the seriousness of the crime of murder. However, others may argue that this commandment is against all taking of human life, whether by a murderer or by the state giving a punishment.

Jesus says it is better not to take revenge at all:

But now I tell you, do not take revenge on someone who wrongs you.

— Matthew 5:39

The idea of not taking revenge continues in the New Testament with the letters of Paul, when he writes:

Ask God to bless those who persecute you.

— Romans 12:14

However, Paul does say that the state has a right to carry out punishment on God’s behalf against wrong-doers:

Everyone must obey the state authorities, because no authority exists without God’s permission.

— Romans 13:1

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Matters of life and death: Crime, punishment and justice - CCEAWhat the Bible says about capital punishment