What does the Bible say about sexual harassment?

Definition and Context

Sexual harassment, in broad terms, involves unwelcome sexual advances, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, or any behavior that demeans, humiliates, or violates another person based on their gender or sexual identity. While the Bible does not use the phrase “sexual harassment” specifically, Scripture consistently affirms the sanctity and dignity of every individual, commanding believers to treat one another with honor, purity, and respect.

The Old and New Testaments contain principles regarding human conduct that clearly oppose behaviors aligning with sexual harassment. These principles illustrate God’s care for personal boundaries and moral order within relationships.

Scriptural Principles Upholding Dignity

1. Human Beings Created in God’s Image

Genesis 1:27 states, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” This foundational truth affirms the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Because each individual bears God’s image, any form of degrading behavior—such as sexual harassment—violates this God-given value.

2. The Call to Love One Another

The biblical teaching, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18, reaffirmed by Jesus in Matthew 22:39), underscores the importance of treating others with kindness, empathy, and respect. Sexual harassment is incompatible with the command to love; it inflicts harm and demonstrates a lack of empathy.

Biblical Examples and Illustrations

1. Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife

In Genesis 39:7–12, Joseph is repeatedly pressured by Potiphar’s wife to engage in sexual misconduct. Although Scripture typically references her actions as “temptation” or “seduction,” it clearly depicts a form of harassment. Joseph’s refusal, saying, “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9), reflects a strong commitment to moral boundaries. This passage shows that the Bible does not excuse persistent, unwanted sexual advances, but rather upholds integrity in the face of them.

2. Amnon and Tamar

Second Samuel 13:1–14 recounts the tragic story of Amnon harassing and ultimately assaulting his half-sister Tamar. This account highlights the biblical condemnation of exploitative sexual behavior. Tamar voices a clear protest—“No, my brother!”—and expresses that such an act is “a wicked thing” (2 Samuel 13:12–13). In the aftermath, Amnon’s action is revealed as a gross violation and is condemned as unrighteous.

Moral Directives and Purity

1. Avoiding Lustful Intent

Matthew 5:28 quotes Jesus saying, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” While lust is not identical to harassment, intentional lustful thoughts feed behaviors that degrade others into objects rather than treating them as image-bearers of God. The heart attitude behind harassment begins with wrongful lust or a disregard for others’ dignity.

2. Fleeing Sexual Immorality

First Thessalonians 4:3–5 instructs believers: “For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God.” The exhortation to flee sexual immorality is a proactive command that covers a broad spectrum of sinful sexual behavior, including harassment. Scripture demands that one’s conduct be defined by self-control and respect.

3. Respect and Self-Control

Ephesians 5:3 says, “But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed.” A Christian community should be free of attitudes and behaviors that coerce, demean, or harass. In other words, believers are to maintain a culture of respect, purity, and protection for one another.

Consequences of Violations

1. Broken Relationships

Throughout Scripture, sin damages one’s relationship with God and with others. Sexual harassment, as sin, introduces shame, guilt, and broken trust. The story of David’s household, including Amnon and Tamar (2 Samuel 13), is a sobering example of how sexual misconduct wreaks havoc in families and communities.

2. God’s Judgment on Injustice

The Bible frequently warns of God’s judgment against those who oppress or harm others (e.g., Psalm 72:4; Proverbs 6:16–19). While these passages address various forms of wrongdoing, the overarching principle of divine justice applies to sexual harassment as well. The Lord who “executes justice for the oppressed” (Psalm 146:7) assures that unrepentant wrongdoing will not remain unaccounted for.

Practical Application for Believers

1. Promoting a Culture of Honor

Romans 12:10 encourages believers to “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.” Cultivating a spirit of healthy fellowship in church and society includes zero tolerance for abuse or harassment. When individuals truly seek to honor one another, sexual harassment cannot flourish.

2. Speaking Out and Offering Support

Galatians 6:2 exhorts Christians to “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” This principle extends to supporting victims who have experienced any form of sexual wrongdoing. Compassion, advocacy, and practical help demonstrate love to those wounded by harassment.

Repentance and Redemption

1. Acknowledging the Sin

First John 1:9 proclaims, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” For individuals who have participated in harassment, the biblical call is to recognize such acts as sin and to seek forgiveness from God and, where possible, from the victim.

2. Pursuing Restoration

Scripture upholds the possibility of transformation for those who repent and turn away from harm, believing that Christ can redeem every sinner. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 states, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!” True repentance includes genuine sorrow, changed behavior, and willingness to undergo necessary accountability.

Summary

While the Bible does not use the modern phrase “sexual harassment,” its teachings consistently value each person as an image-bearer of God. Believers are guided to seek purity, to treat one another with love and respect, and to uphold one another's dignity in both thought and action. Historical accounts within Scripture, like those of Joseph and Tamar, highlight the condemnation of unwelcome sexual advances and violence. Across both Old and New Testaments, God’s Word commands honorable behavior, ensuring that any form of sexual harassment stands against His design for holy and respectful relationships.

The Bible’s overarching message—from God’s creative design to the redemptive work of Christ—establishes a moral code that condemns exploitative behaviors and extends grace to those who seek forgiveness and transformation. As believers continuously deepen their relationship with God and grow in love toward others, sexual harassment finds no place among those committed to living out the life-giving commands of Scripture.