Biblical Basis for Physical Self-Defense
The Bible presents a complex view of self-defense, often emphasizing reliance on God for protection while also acknowledging the reality of conflict and the need for preparedness. The Psalms frequently portray God as a shield and refuge, with verses like "My defence is in God, who preserueth the vpright in heart" (Psalm 7:10, Geneva1599) and "I take refuge in God, my rock, my shield, and the ⌞strength⌟ of my salvation" (2 Samuel 22:3) [4, 5]. Similarly, Psalm 35:2 calls upon God to "Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for my help" [2].
However, other passages suggest a more active role in defense. Psalm 144:1 states, "Blessed be Yahweh, my rock, who teaches my hands to war, and my fingers to battle" [3]. This verse implies a divine sanction for learning and engaging in combat. The concept of spiritual warfare is also prominent, with the Apostle Paul urging believers to "put on the armour of God, that ye may be able to resist the wiles of the devil" [10]. John Calvin, in his Institutes of the Christian Religion, interprets biblical descriptions of Satan as a call for Christians to be "more cautious and vigilant, and more prepared for the contest" against spiritual foes [9].
While the Old Testament contains instances of physical conflict and defense, the New Testament introduces a strong emphasis on self-denial and turning the other cheek. Jesus himself is presented as an example of self-denial (Matthew 4:8-10, John 6:38, Romans 15:3, Philippians 2:6-8), and believers are called to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts (Romans 6:12, Titus 2:12) [1]. Augustine, in his Exposition on Psalms, reflects on the idea that when one realizes their own insufficiency and lack of help, "arms in him are broken in pieces, wars are made to cease" [6]. He also emphasizes finding security in God, stating, "There is not then a place whither to flee from Him, except we flee to Him" [11].
Thomas Aquinas, in his Summa Theologica, discusses the Sacrament of Confirmation as providing "strength in the spiritual combat," drawing a parallel between physical instruction and spiritual guidance for those chosen for the fight [8]. Charles Hodge, in his Systematic Theology, applies moral law to nations, arguing that they are bound to exercise forbearance and exhaust other means before resorting to war, just as individuals should in self-defense [7]. This suggests a cautious approach to physical self-defense, even when it is deemed permissible.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
- Psalms “Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for my help. -- Psalms 35:2”
- Psalms “Blessed be Yahweh, my rock, who teaches my hands to war, and my fingers to battle: -- Psalms 144:1”
- Psalms “Psalms 7:10 (Geneva1599) — My defence is in God, who preserueth the vpright in heart.”
- II Samuel “II Samuel 22:3 (LEB) — I take refuge in God, my rock, my shield, and the ⌞strength⌟ of my salvation. My stronghold and my refuge, O my savior, you will save me from violence!”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 8: Augustine — Exposition on Psalms — PSALM XLVI.[8] (part 11): a Helper in tribulations which have found us out too much"? or in another Psalm, "For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me."[8] When one learneth that in himself he is nothing, and help in himself has none, arms in him are broken in pieces, wars are made to cease. Such wars then destroyed that Voice of the Most High out of His holy clouds, whereby the earth was moved, and the kingdoms were bowed. These wars hath He made to cease unto the end of the earth. "He shall break the bow, and 160 dash in pie”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, section 48: of his neighbour’s farm is necessary to the full enjoyment 366 of his own property, and therefore that he has the right to appropriate it to himself. It is to be remembered that nations are as much bound by the moral law as individual men; and therefore that what a man may not do in the protection of his own rights, and on the plea of self-defence, a nation may not do. A nation therefore is bound to exercise great forbearance, and to adopt every other available means of redressing wrongs, before it plunges itself and others into all the d”
- theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Third Part (Tertia Pars), Of the Sacrament of Confirmation, Art. 10: Article: Whether he who is confirmed needs one to stand* for him? [*Literally, "to hold him"] I answer that, As stated above (Articles [1],4,9), this sacrament is given to man for strength in the spiritual combat. Now, just as one newly born requires someone to teach him things pertaining to ordinary conduct, according to Heb. 12:9: "We have had fathers of our flesh, for instructors, and we obeyed [Vulg.: 'reverenced']" them; so they who are chosen for the fight need instructors by whom they are inf”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 30: teaches concerning devils is to put us on our guard against their wiles and machinations, that we may provide ourselves with weapons strong enough to drive away the most formidable foes. For when Satan is called the god and ruler of this world, the strong man armed, the prince of the power of the air, the roaring lion, 114 114 2 Cor. 4:4 ; John 12:31 ; Mt. 12:29 ; Eph. 2:2 . the object of all these descriptions is to make us more cautious and vigilant, and more prepared for the contest. This is sometimes stated in distinct terms. F”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 4: Tertullian IV, Minucius Felix, Commodian, Origen — CHAP. II.--ON' THE OPPOSING POWERS. (part 3): Him. Even Judas, too, when the devil had already put it in his heart to betray Christ, afterwards received Satan wholly into him; for it is written, that after the sop "Satan entered into him."[13] And the Apostle Paul teaches us that we ought not to give place to the devil; but "put on," he says, "the armour of God, that ye may be able to resist the wiles of the devil: "[14] pointing out that the saints have to "wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against po”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 8: Augustine — Exposition on Psalms — PSALM LXXI.[6] (part 5): on a high spot of earth, how secure art thou on Him by whom heaven 317 and earth were made? I, if for myself I shall have chosen another place, shall not be able to be safe. Choose thou indeed, O man, if thou shalt have found one, a place better walled. There is not then a place whither to flee from Him, except we flee to Him. If thou wilt escape Him angry, flee to Him appeased. "For my firmament and my refuge Thou art." "My firmament" is what? Through Thee I am firm, and by Thee I am firm. "For my firmament and my refuge”