What is the Bible's view on child molestation?

Definition and Scope

Child molestation is the act of an adult or older individual engaging in any sexual behavior—coercive or exploitative—toward a minor. Although Scripture does not employ the modern term "child molestation," the consistent tenor of its moral laws and teachings about sexual purity and care for the vulnerable makes clear that such actions are intolerable. Sexual wrongdoing of any kind is universally condemned in the Bible (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:9–10), and the exploitation of children falls under the grave warning issued against those who harm the defenseless.

Biblical Foundations of Moral Law

From the earliest biblical writings, we see a moral framework that categorically rejects any form of sexual immorality, including egregious acts such as incest and abuse (Leviticus 18:6–17). While these passages primarily enumerate specific forbidden relationships, the broader principle is that sexuality must never violate the dignity or sacred value of another person.

Scripture links such forbidden sexual conduct to societal corruption, stating that these actions defile both the perpetrator and the community (cf. Leviticus 18:24–29). By logical extension, harming a child through sexual exploitation is among the most reprehensible violations imaginable under the biblical moral code.

God’s Heart for Children

Throughout Scripture, there is a consistent emphasis on God’s special care and concern for children. They are recognized as gifts and blessings (Psalm 127:3–5) and are representative of innocence and trust. Jesus famously took children into His arms and blessed them (cf. Mark 10:13–16). He further issued a stern warning regarding their protection:

“But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea” (Matthew 18:6).

While this verse directly addresses any stumbling block put in a child’s path, it can certainly be applied to any harm—spiritual, emotional, or physical—inflicted upon them.

Judgment and Accountability

Scripture is unambiguous that God’s judgment is severe on those who commit grievous sins, particularly when the vulnerable are victimized (cf. Psalm 10:17–18). The Mosaic Law includes rigorous statutes to protect individuals who have little power or social standing (Deuteronomy 27:19). Abuse of any kind toward a child stands in direct opposition to the love and care mandated by God’s law:

“Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:10).

Child molestation is not only a violation of this command to love; it is a direct assault on a child’s body, mind, and soul. Within biblical teaching, such an offense should be met with appropriate stern legal and communal response (cf. Romans 13:4, regarding governmental authority to punish wrongdoing).

Call to Repentance and Restoration

While acknowledging the enormity of this sin, Scripture also upholds the principle of repentance and redemption (1 John 1:9). Genuine repentance involves confession of wrongdoing, a break from sin, and a willingness to accept the earthly consequences of one’s offenses. In cases of child molestation, true repentance involves not only seeking forgiveness from God but also cooperating with legal authorities, making amends where possible, and taking protective measures to prevent any recurrence.

Victims, on the other hand, are urged throughout Scripture to seek healing in God’s compassionate care (Psalm 34:18). The church is biblically mandated to offer support and protection, ensuring that those who have been hurt are comforted and aided in every way (cf. Galatians 6:2).

The Broader Biblical Context

Beyond direct moral instructions, biblical history and narratives consistently portray God as One who defends the cause of the powerless. Ancient Israel’s legal code was unique among Near Eastern cultures for its strong moral stance on protecting the vulnerable, including children. Archaeological findings such as the discovery of ancient Israelite city laws and epigraphic evidence reveal a countercultural ethic that diverged from surrounding nations, many of which condoned practices harming children (e.g., child sacrifice in the worship of Molech was explicitly forbidden, Leviticus 20:1–5).

The consistency of ancient manuscripts—affirmed by ongoing textual scholarship—highlights a preservation of these moral teachings across generations. The Dead Sea Scrolls, for instance, bear witness to the care taken in transmitting the Law and its righteous prohibitions. This consistency undergirds the enduring Christian conviction that the God of Scripture has never shifted in His moral stance: protecting the innocent is paramount.

Practical Steps and Community Responsibility

1. Vigilance: Scripture repeatedly exhorts believers to watch over one another with love and discernment (Hebrews 10:24–25). Manifesting this vigilance includes noticing signs of abuse and taking swift protective action.

2. Obedience to Authority: Romans 13:1–5 teaches that governing authorities serve a God-ordained function to maintain order and punish wrongdoing. Reporting child molestation to the legal authorities is both a legal and moral duty.

3. Church Discipline: In a congregational setting, church discipline (Matthew 18:15–17) is warranted to address persistent sin and protect the congregation from harm. Child molestation demands immediate and decisive action to protect victims and to expose sin for the safety of all.

4. Prevention and Education: The Bible extols wisdom and prudence (Proverbs 1:1–5). Churches, families, and communities can work proactively to educate adults and children about appropriate boundaries, safeguarding procedures, and support systems.

Conclusion

The Bible’s overarching view on child molestation is clear: it is a grievous sin that violates God’s moral law, especially His deep concern for the well-being of children. Rooted in Scripture’s unchanging standards of love, purity, and justice, the directives are uncompromising. Such abuse finds no place within a life devoted to reflecting God’s character.

Any instance of harming a child is met in Scripture with stark warnings of divine and earthly consequences. Yet, while recognizing the severity of this sin, the biblical message offers hope through repentance and the possibility of restoration—for perpetrators who truly repent and for victims in need of profound healing. The church is called to champion the vulnerable, ensure justice, and extend God’s compassion to those hurt by such grave wrongdoing.