Overview
The Bible addresses hanging across 6 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Genesis and Deuteronomy. Closely related themes include Punishments, Trees, Prisons and Sanitation. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Joseph.
Key Bible verses about hanging
Old Testament
Genesis
Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee. lift: or, reckon thee, and take thy office from thee
And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. lifted: or, reckoned
And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand:
But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them.
Deuteronomy
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:
His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance. accursed: Heb. the curse of God
People in the Bible and hanging
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying hanging for yourself
- Begin with Genesis 40:19, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Genesis and Deuteronomy each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Joseph and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Punishments, Trees, Prisons and Sanitation.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about hanging?
The Bible addresses hanging across 6 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Genesis and Deuteronomy. Closely related themes include Punishments, Trees, Prisons and Sanitation. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Joseph.
How many Bible verses are about hanging?
The Bible references hanging in 6 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention hanging?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Genesis 40:19: “Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee. lift: or, reckon thee, and take thy office from thee”
Which people in the Bible are associated with hanging?
Joseph.
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