The Biblical View of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence has always been a thorny issue in society. This is an issue that everyone feels outraged about when hearing the phrase "domestic violence". So what does the Bible say about domestic violence? Find out with me what the Bible says about domestic violence.

Domestic violence is narrowly defined as a violent act or behavior threatening someone with whom the perpetrator has or has had a close relationship with that person. The term domestic violence often refers to the concept of a "beaten wife" or perhaps a verbal argument between the spouses that escalates to a violent assault. Domestic violence is also often linked to child abuse. Even if a child is not physically injured, seeing or hearing a parent being abused can have serious psychological effects.

In the Bible, all violence is considered an offense against God and against mankind. The Bible is full of repeated condemnations of violence associated with wickedness and condemned as “abominable to the Lord” (Ps 11, Proverbs 3 & 10).

Usually, the most common domestic violence is violence against women. In Jewish law, rape was considered the equivalent of murder (Deuteronomy 22:26), as was forcing a woman physically (Deut 22:25-27) or psychologically (Deuteronomy 22:25-27) (Deut. Deuteronomy 22:28-29) about sex. The Bible recounts many stories of horrific sexual abuse against women. In the Old Testament narratives, rape is considered "indignation"- A term that appears only 13 times in the Old Testament and is reserved for extreme transgressions against God and humans, including the rape of Dinah, Tamar, and the woman of Bethlehem.

Domestic abuse can be viewed in terms of the “cycle of violence”. Tension is built, and the victim tries to appease the abuser, but eventually, it happens. The abuser apologizes and tries to make amends to the victim, perhaps by promising the incident will never happen again or by offering many gifts. This is followed by a period of calm before the stress begins to stop. The phases of this cycle may take only a few minutes or may develop over many years. Without intervention, the “compensation” and “calm” phases often go away.

Domestic violence completely goes against God's plan for the family. Genesis chapters 1 and 2 describe marriage as a helping, co-parenting relationship. Ephesians 5:21 speaks of mutual obedience. Ephesians 5:22-24 explains a wife's obedience to her husband, while verses 25-33 speak of a husband's sacrificial love for his wife. 1 Peter 3:1-7 gives similar instructions. 1 Corinthians 7:4 says, “The wife has no authority over her body, but the husband; Nor does the husband have authority over his own body, but the wife." two people belong together and are called to love one another as Christ loved us. Marriage is an image of Christ and the church. Domestic violence is far from the character of Jesus.

Domestic violence involving children is also condemned by God. Psalm 127:3 says: “Behold, children are an inheritance from the Lord. The fruit of the womb is the reward.” God entrusts children to their parents, and parents are to love, care for, and teach them. Ephesians 6:4 says, “Fathers who make their children angry but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Colossians 3:21), and discipline is very important. But discipline is distinctly different from abusive violence.

Even after the victims are physically safe and the physical wounds have healed, the psychological and emotional scars remain severe. Domestic violence can also have serious spiritual consequences. The victim may not believe in God. Why did He allow that to happen? Is he trustworthy? Does He really love me? Where was He when I was persecuted? Going through the healing process takes time. Emotional reactions to the situation must occur. Great for expressing anger over mistreatment. If we don't acknowledge the seriousness of the situation, the anger, the chaos, the hurt, the shame, etc., we can't cure it. Often, the victim soon rushes to forgive. Ultimately, forgiveness is what sets the victim free. But sincere forgiveness cannot last if the wounds of abuse are not first acknowledged and resolved. Victims of domestic violence may need the support of a well-trained Christian counselor to accompany them through the healing process.