Topical Bible: Punishments: Capital Kinds of Stoning

◄ Punishments: Capital Kinds of Stoning ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Stoning is one of the most severe forms of capital punishment mentioned in the Bible, primarily found in the Old Testament. It was a communal act, often involving the entire community in the execution of the sentence, symbolizing collective responsibility in upholding the law. The practice of stoning served as a deterrent against grave sins and transgressions, reflecting the seriousness with which the Israelite community regarded the holiness and justice of God.

Biblical Instances and Laws

1. Blasphemy and Idolatry: Stoning was prescribed for those who blasphemed the name of the LORD or engaged in idolatry. Leviticus 24:16 states, "Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD must surely be put to death. The whole congregation must surely stone him. Whether he is a foreigner or a native, when he blasphemes the Name, he must be put to death."

2. Sabbath Violations: The violation of the Sabbath was another offense punishable by stoning. In Numbers 15:32-36, a man found gathering wood on the Sabbath was brought before Moses, and the LORD commanded that he be stoned by the congregation.

3. Adultery and Sexual Immorality: Adultery and certain forms of sexual immorality were also punishable by stoning. Deuteronomy 22:22-24 outlines the punishment for a betrothed virgin who is found to have committed adultery: "If a man is found lying with a woman who is married to a husband, then both of them shall die... If there is a betrothed virgin, and a man meets her in the city and lies with her, then you shall bring them both out to the gate of that city, and you shall stone them to death with stones."

4. Rebellion and Disobedience: A rebellious son, who was stubborn and disobedient to his parents, could also be stoned. Deuteronomy 21:18-21 describes the process: "If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother... all the men of his city shall stone him to death with stones. So you shall purge the evil from your midst, and all Israel shall hear and fear."

5. False Prophets and Apostasy: Those who led others away from the worship of the true God were subject to stoning. Deuteronomy 13:6-10 warns against false prophets and those who entice others to serve other gods, commanding that they be stoned to death.

Theological Significance

Stoning as a form of capital punishment underscores the gravity of sin and the necessity of maintaining purity within the community of God's people. It reflects the holiness of God and His intolerance of sin, especially sins that directly challenge His authority and covenant relationship with Israel. The communal aspect of stoning also highlights the collective responsibility of the community to uphold God's laws and the seriousness with which they were to be enforced.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the practice of stoning is referenced but not prescribed as a form of punishment for the Christian community. The most notable instance is the attempted stoning of Jesus in John 8:59 and the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, in Acts 7:58-60. These instances illustrate the tension between the old covenant practices and the new covenant established through Christ, who emphasized mercy, forgiveness, and the transformation of the heart over the strict enforcement of the law.

Stoning, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the justice of God, while also pointing forward to the grace and redemption offered through Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 24:14
Bring forth him that has cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands on his head, and let all the congregation stone him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 13:10
And you shall stone him with stones, that he die; because he has sought to thrust you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.
Torrey's Topical Textbook