What Does the Bible Say About Sexual Harassment, Assault and Rape?

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What Does the Bible Say About Sexual Harassment, Assault and Rape?

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What Does the Bible Say About Sexual Harassment, Assault and Rape?

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Today, many live in fear for their sexual security, especially women. We live in an unsafe world. Rape and sexual assault have been problems throughout history. However, the Bible reveals a loving and caring God who will intervene to fix this condition. Throughout God’s Word, He shows special concern for the oppressed, disadvantaged and victimized. In every account of sexual assault or rape in the Bible, these acts are not swept under the rug but regarded as serious tragedies that demand action.

God promises to administer justice to all who have been mistreated or abused (Exodus 22:22-24) and ultimately offers them everlasting comfort and complete emotional healing (Revelation 21:4). God promises a future free from sexual assault, rape and harassment, when “no one shall make them afraid” (Micah 4:4).

From beginning to end, the Bible condemns sexual harassment, assault and rape and includes them in a list of “works of the flesh” (Galatians 5:19-21). Paul’s letter to the Ephesians proves that sexual harassment, even in the form of lewd or suggestive “jokes,” have no place in the life of a Christian and are totally prohibited: “…fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks” (Ephesians 5:3-4, emphasis added). Paul goes on to write in verse 5 that those who practice, say or even think such things, and refuse to change their ways, cannot be part of God’s Kingdom (Ephesians 5:5).

In contrast to the failings of human courts and institutions, God’s Law gave complete protection and deference to victims, with high punishments for offenders. This would promote a culture that allows victims to come forward without guilt or shame, and without the fear that they wouldn’t be believed, or nothing would be done.

The primary law concerning rape is found in Deuteronomy 22:25-26, which describes a situation when a man “finds a betrothed young woman in the countryside, and the man forces her and lies with her.” The use of the word “force” conveys a clear meaning of rape that distinguishes this passage from the surrounding verses that share a similar structure. A careful examination shows that verses 23-24 deal with a case of consensual adultery, while verses 28-29 concern consensual sex before marriage—neither of these describe a man using “force.”

According to Deuteronomy 22:25-26, a man found guilty of rape would be put to death, and such a terrible act is equivalent to murder:

“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” (Deuteronomy 22:26).

Not only was the man punished, but the woman was proclaimed entirely guiltless.

A close look at the circumstances presented in the law reveals great deference to the victim. It describes a young woman “in the countryside” who “cried out, but there was no one there to save her” (Deuteronomy 22:27). By “crying out” the woman warned her attacker that this sex was not consensual and reminded him of the penalty of the law. Despite the horrific nature of the assault, she at least could have confidence of her full protection under God’s Law and that justice would be done. The law gave the woman the benefit of the doubt, and, when the matter was investigated, her testimony would be taken seriously. 

Given the increasingly evident failures of today’s system, it is hard to overstate the significance of this last point: the law of God sides with a woman even when she is the only witness to the crime committed against her. She knew she would be taken seriously and given justice.

Throughout the entire Bible, sexual violence—including rape, assault and harassment of either women or men—is outlawed and condemned. Our loving Father will bring about a future Kingdom that is free from these evil acts. At that time, He will also heal and restore those who have been victimized when He “will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). But for victims of sexual assault, the healing process can begin now.

More resources to help you or someone you know cope with sexual assault: “Healing and Hope For a Victim of Sexual Abuse”; “Why Am I Suffering?”; Breaking Free; rainn.org (or call 1-800-656-HOPE); “Life Beyond Abuse” at joycemeyer.com.