Overview
The Bible addresses apostasy across 18 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Hebrews, Zephaniah and 1 Timothy. Closely related themes include Apostates, Backsliders, Reprobacy and Commandments. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Moses and Jesus.
Key Bible verses about apostasy
Old Testament
Zephaniah
I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests;
And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham; by the: or, to the LORD
And them that are turned back from the LORD; and those that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him.
New Testament
Matthew
1 Timothy
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
Hebrews
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
2 Peter
For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
People in the Bible and apostasy
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
Studying apostasy for yourself
- Begin with Zephaniah 1:4, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Hebrews, Zephaniah and 1 Timothy each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Moses and Jesus and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Apostates, Backsliders, Reprobacy and Commandments.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about apostasy?
The Bible addresses apostasy across 18 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Hebrews, Zephaniah and 1 Timothy. Closely related themes include Apostates, Backsliders, Reprobacy and Commandments. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Moses and Jesus.
How many Bible verses are about apostasy?
The Bible references apostasy in 18 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention apostasy?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Zephaniah 1:4: “I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests;”
Which people in the Bible are associated with apostasy?
Moses and Jesus.
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