12 Bible Verses About Human Sacrifice

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
Published on:

Bible verses about human sacrifice

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about human sacrifice:

1. Genesis 22:2 – “And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.”
2. Leviticus 18:21 – “And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the Lord.”
3. Judges 11:30-31 – “And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the Lord, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands, Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the Lord’s, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.”
4. 2 Kings 3:27 – “Then he took his eldest son that should have reigned in his stead, and offered him for a burnt offering upon the wall. And there was great indignation against Israel: and they departed from him, and returned to their own land.”
5. Jeremiah 19:5 – “They have built also the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings unto Baal, which I commanded not, nor spake it, neither came it into my mind.”
6. Ezekiel 20:31 – “For when ye offer your gifts, when ye make your sons to pass through the fire, ye pollute yourselves with all your idols, even unto this day: and shall I be enquired of by you, O house of Israel? As I live, saith the Lord God, I will not be enquired of by you.”

7. Deuteronomy 12:31 – “Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God: for every abomination to the Lord, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.”
8. Psalm 106:37-38 – “Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils, And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.”
9. Isaiah 57:5 – “Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks?”
10. Micah 6:7 – “Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”
11. Romans 12:1 – “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
12. Hebrews 10:10 – “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

What does the bible say about human sacrifice?

The Bible strongly condemns human sacrifice as a practice that is abhorrent to God.

It emphasizes the sanctity of human life and the belief that all individuals are created in the image of God.

The Bible teaches that God does not desire or require the sacrifice of human beings, but instead values mercy, justice, and love.

The stories of Abraham and Isaac, as well as the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, illustrate the importance of obedience and faith in God, but also demonstrate that God ultimately provides a way out of such extreme measures.

Overall, the Bible teaches that human sacrifice is not only unnecessary, but also contrary to the will of God.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about human sacrifice?

1. Genesis 22 – This chapter tells the story of Abraham being tested by God to sacrifice his son Isaac. While God ultimately provides a ram for the sacrifice instead, this chapter raises questions about the morality and ethics of human sacrifice.

2. Leviticus 18 – This chapter outlines various laws and prohibitions regarding sexual immorality, including references to child sacrifice practices of neighboring nations. It serves as a warning against engaging in such practices.

3. Judges 11 – This chapter tells the story of Jephthah making a vow to sacrifice the first thing that comes out of his house if he is victorious in battle. Unfortunately, it turns out to be his daughter, leading to a tragic example of the consequences of human sacrifice.

4. 2 Kings 16 – This chapter describes King Ahaz of Judah offering his own son as a sacrifice to the gods of the surrounding nations. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the extreme lengths people may go to in the name of religion.

Studying these chapters can provide insight into the historical context and ethical considerations surrounding human sacrifice in biblical times, as well as the consequences of such actions. It can also prompt reflection on the value of human life and the importance of ethical decision-making in religious practices.

Ideas and concepts related to human sacrifice that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

1. Atonement: In the Bible, the concept of atonement is often associated with sacrifices, both animal and human. The idea is that a sacrifice is made to appease God and make amends for sin. This concept is seen in the story of Abraham being willing to sacrifice his son Isaac as a test of faith.

2. Redemption: The idea of redemption in the Bible is closely tied to sacrifice. Sacrifices were often made to redeem or save individuals or communities from sin or punishment. Jesus is seen as the ultimate sacrifice for the redemption of humanity.

3. Covenant: Sacrifices were often made as part of a covenant or agreement between God and his people. The shedding of blood in sacrifices symbolized the seriousness of the covenant and the commitment of both parties to uphold it.

4. Substitution: In some instances in the Bible, a sacrifice was made as a substitute for a person who deserved punishment. This concept is seen in the story of the scapegoat in Leviticus, where the sins of the people were symbolically transferred to the goat, which was then sent away into the wilderness.

Overall, these concepts in the Bible related to sacrifice highlight the importance of sacrifice in the relationship between God and humanity, as well as the themes of atonement, redemption, covenant, and substitution. While human sacrifice is not condoned in the Bible, these related concepts serve to illustrate the significance and symbolism of sacrifice in the biblical narrative.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.