Bible Verses About Capital Punishment

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.

Main New Testament passage on the sword

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.

Sword saying from Luke 22:36, used in the early Christian discussion.

At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.

Two or three witnesses rule

And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree:

Hanging on a tree after death sentence

What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Describes sins as deserving death

Then spake the priests and the prophets unto the princes and to all the people, saying, This man is worthy to die; for he hath prophesied against this city, as ye have heard with your ears.

Death sentence for prophetic offense

The hands of the witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So thou shalt put the evil away from among you.

Two-witness rule for death penalty

Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die.

Death penalty after witness testimony

Be ye afraid of the sword: for wrath bringeth the punishments of the sword, that ye may know there is a judgment.

Sword and judgment language

And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp.

Stoning for Sabbath-breaking type offense

Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death.

No ransom for a murderer

Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, even that man or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die.

Stone to death wording

But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people.

Hand first in death penalty law

And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

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.

Matthew 26:52 parallel to the sword saying.

Because it is a trial, and what if the sword contemn even the rod? it shall be no more, saith the Lord GOD.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And he that killeth a beast, he shall restore it: and he that killeth a man, he shall be put to death.

Generic death penalty law

Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

Genesis text used for life-for-life logic

When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Thou therefore, son of man, prophesy, and smite thine hands together. and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the slain: it is the sword of the great men that are slain, which entereth into their privy chambers.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

The sword of him that layeth at him cannot hold: the spear, the dart, nor the habergeon.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

A sword is upon the liars; and they shall dote: a sword is upon her mighty men; and they shall be dismayed.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Ye have feared the sword; and I will bring a sword upon you, saith the Lord GOD.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Thou shalt not kill.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

Murder and judgment passage often cited

That all flesh may know that I the LORD have drawn forth my sword out of his sheath: it shall not return any more.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.