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What the Bible Says About Punishment

Overview

The Bible addresses punishment across 35 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Proverbs, Jeremiah and Ecclesiastes. Closely related themes include Call of God, the, Obduracy, Counsel and Impenitence. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Moses and Samuel.

Key Bible verses about punishment

Old Testament

Proverbs

Proverbs 1:24

Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;

Proverbs 1:25

But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:

Proverbs 1:26

I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;

Proverbs 1:27

When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.

Proverbs 1:28

Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

Proverbs 1:29

For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

Proverbs 1:30

They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.

Proverbs 1:31

Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

Proverbs 11:21

Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

Proverbs 16:5

Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. unpunished: Heb. held innocent

Proverbs 29:1

He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. He: Heb. A man of reproofs

Jeremiah

Jeremiah 11:11

Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon them, which they shall not be able to escape; and though they shall cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them. to escape: Heb. to go forth of

Jeremiah 15:1

Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind could not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth.

Jeremiah 25:28

And it shall be, if they refuse to take the cup at thine hand to drink, then shalt thou say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ye shall certainly drink.

Jeremiah 25:29

For, lo, I begin to bring evil on the city which is called by my name, and should ye be utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished: for I will call for a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, saith the LORD of hosts. which: Heb. upon which my name is called

New Testament

People in the Bible and punishment

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying punishment for yourself

  • Begin with Job 11:20, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how Proverbs, Jeremiah and Ecclesiastes each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of Moses and Samuel and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Call of God, the, Obduracy, Counsel and Impenitence.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about punishment?

The Bible addresses punishment across 35 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Proverbs, Jeremiah and Ecclesiastes. Closely related themes include Call of God, the, Obduracy, Counsel and Impenitence. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Moses and Samuel.

How many Bible verses are about punishment?

The Bible references punishment in 35 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention punishment?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Job 11:20: “But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost. they shall: Heb. flight shall perish from them the giving: or, a puff of breath”

Which people in the Bible are associated with punishment?

Moses and Samuel.

Preach & teach

Outline a sermon or build a study series on punishment.

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