Dictionary of Bible Themes
The lawful taking of human life by the civil or military authorities. The death penalty was inflicted by all nations in the ancient world. In Israel, the main method was stoning, amongst other nations, other forms such as hanging, beheading and crucifixion were used.
Exodus 12:29The ultimate authority for the death penalty lies with God alone
See also
Examples of God taking human life
Numbers 16:351 Samuel 6:19; 25:382 Samuel 6:7Acts 12:23pp 1Ch 13:10
Genesis 9:6Joshua 7:15,25God may delegate his authority to human beings
1 Samuel 15:3,32-33Acts 25:11Romans 13:1,3-4The role of the civil authority
Exodus 19:12-13Causes of the death penalty
Sacrilege
Exodus 21:15,17Deuteronomy 21:18-21Serious abuse of one's parents
Matthew 15:4Leviticus 20:10Deuteronomy 22:22Adultery
John 8:5Leviticus 24:16John 19:7Blasphemy
Leviticus 20:2Idolatry
Leviticus 20:11-16Deuteronomy 22:21-25Immorality
Exodus 21:16Kidnapping
Genesis 9:6Exodus 21:12Murder
Deuteronomy 17:12Rebellion
Exodus 31:14-15Numbers 15:32-36Sabbath-breaking
Leviticus 20:271 Samuel 28:9Witchcraft
Deuteronomy 22:23-29Rape of a betrothed virgin
Exodus 22:19Bestiality
Leviticus 20:2-5Child sacrifice
Genesis 40:19Means of executing the death penalty
Mark 6:27Beheading
Daniel 3:6pp Mt 14:9-10
Burning
Matthew 27:26Crucifixion
Matthew 27:38pp Mk 15:15
pp Jn 19:16
pp Mk 15:27
Genesis 40:22pp Lk 23:33
Deuteronomy 21:22-23Hanging
Acts 5:30Galatians 3:13Ezra 6:11Esther 2:23 fn; 5:14; 7:9-10; 9:12-13Impalement
Leviticus 24:23Deuteronomy 21:18-21Stoning
Leviticus 20:2; 24:14Numbers 15:35Stoning was the duty of the whole community:
Leviticus 24:23Numbers 15:36Stoning carried out lawfully:
Joshua 7:251 Kings 21:11-132 Chronicles 24:21Stoning carried out unlawfully:
Acts 7:54-59John 8:58-59; 10:31-33John 8:3-11The attempted stoning of Jesus Christ:
Exodus 32:27Jesus Christ refuses to carry out a stoning.
1 Samuel 15:33; 22:18-19The sword
1 Kings 2:29,462 Chronicles 23:14-15Daniel 2:5Acts 12:2Hebrews 11:37Daniel 6:16Wild beasts
Genesis 4:15The commutation of the death penalty
Exodus 21:13,29-30Numbers 35:6Deuteronomy 4:42; 19:1-10See also
5026 knowledge5040 murder5277 criminals5281 crucifixion5323 gate5333 healing5364 key5558 storing5574 tablet8450 martyrdom9020 death 
