Overview
The Bible addresses pity across 9 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Deuteronomy, Isaiah and Matthew. Closely related themes include Punishments, Contingencies, Alliance and Society with the Enemies of God and Friendship. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Job.
Key Bible verses about pity
Old Testament
Deuteronomy
And thou shalt consume all the people which the LORD thy God shall deliver thee; thine eye shall have no pity upon them: neither shalt thou serve their gods; for that will be a snare unto thee.
Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him:
Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee.
And thine eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
When men strive together one with another, and the wife of the one draweth near for to deliver her husband out of the hand of him that smiteth him, and putteth forth her hand, and taketh him by the secrets:
Then thou shalt cut off her hand, thine eye shall not pity her.
New Testament
People in the Bible and pity
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying pity for yourself
- Begin with Deuteronomy 7:16, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Deuteronomy, Isaiah and Matthew each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Job and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Punishments, Contingencies, Alliance and Society with the Enemies of God and Friendship.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about pity?
The Bible addresses pity across 9 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Deuteronomy, Isaiah and Matthew. Closely related themes include Punishments, Contingencies, Alliance and Society with the Enemies of God and Friendship. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Job.
How many Bible verses are about pity?
The Bible references pity in 9 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention pity?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Deuteronomy 7:16: “And thou shalt consume all the people which the LORD thy God shall deliver thee; thine eye shall have no pity upon them: neither shalt thou serve their gods; for that will be a snare unto thee.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with pity?
Job.
Preach & teach
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