Self-Defense and the New Testament
The Bible and Self-Defense
by Senior Instructor Paul Karleen
Western legal and ethical principles surrounding self-defense have been enunciated and studied at length, especially, since the 17th century. However, there is an ancient and respected source of authority that speaks to these issues—the Bible, with its expressions of Judeo-Christian behavior and morality. Those who see at least some authority in the Bible’s statements about self-defense need to know that in both the Old and New Testaments there are many texts that give general as well as specific commands and principles.
These all contradict the casual and somewhat popular idea that individuals should essentially roll over and accept whatever violence comes their way. Under this kind of erroneous thinking, the offensive and defensive warfare in the Old Testament is often seen as barbaric and not an expression of God’s will. This view of Israel’s history is supposedly buttressed by the teaching of Jesus that is viewed as raising humanity to a higher plane of behavior, where it is an individual’s duty before God to absorb injury (physical or otherwise) and “turn the other cheek.”
It is significant, however, that both Testaments contain a variety of injunctions and canons that cover many contemporary situations in determining our strategies against violence. These texts share a common, basic idea: Some people do evil things to others, and innocent parties have a right and duty to stop them, even to the point of taking life. Here are just a few of the principles in the and commands in the Bible that apply to strategic thinking for Krav Maga and self-defense situations in general:[1]
Sanctioning the use of force in defense of self or property[2]
Luke 11:21: When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe.
Here in one of his parables Jesus shows approval of the principle of the use of force to defend one’s property.
Preparation for attacks and possession of instruments of defense
Luke 22:35-36: Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” “Nothing,” they answered. 36 He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.
Luke 22:38-39: The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That’s enough!” he replied.
It is important to notice that Jesus approved of his disciples’ carrying swords and even commanded them to purchase them! This shows that pacificism, often ascribed to Jesus, was not part of his teaching.
The need for pre-emptive defense
Matthew 12:29: Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.
In context, Jesus applies this aphorism to himself, asserting that achieving a final victory involves a sequence of steps that includes first neutralizing the enemy. When this book on Krav Maga strategies emphasizes the use of attack-blocking defensive techniques that open the way to offensive movements, we are carrying out this pre-emptive principle.
Legitimacy of third-party protection
1. Psalm 82:4: Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
2. Proverbs 24:11: Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
The importance of training in anticipation of violence
1. Psalm 144:1: Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.
2. Psalm 18:34: He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
Distinction between defense and unwarranted aggression
Exodus 22:2-3: “If a thief is caught breaking in at night and is struck a fatal blow, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed; 3 but if it happens after sunrise, the defender is guilty of bloodshed.
In this Old Testament text self-defense that occurs in darkness and leads to the death of the intruder is differentiated from a daytime situation where recognition and restraint are possible. In mentioning such restraint, these verses are parallel to what we present in this book concerning the judicious use of force in compliance with the law.
Prohibition of revenge
In this book we emphasize the need to be self-controlled, so that a defender goes only as far as is necessary to stop an attack. Anger that carries the defender to the point of exacting revenge—either on the spot or after the incident—has no place in legitimate Krav Maga practice.
1. Proverbs 24:29: Do not say, “I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.”
2. 1 Peter 3:9: Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult.
3. Matthew 5:38-39: You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[a] 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.
In context, these words of Jesus are not promoting pacifism, but rather the principle that we are not to come back at our attacker with a desire to exact revenge.
Consciousness of and obedience to legal restrictions
The kravist must know legal principles and certain features of legal regulations. Krav Maga must never be used in a legal vacuum.
Romans 13:1-7: Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. . . .5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. . . .7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
[1] Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
[2] Organization of these points is drawn in part from https://biblereasons.com/defending-yourself/, accessed on April, 28, 2020.
