In the Bible, “put to death” often refers to the act of executing judgment on a person due to sin or disobedience to God’s laws, as seen in both the Old and New Testaments. It can also symbolize the spiritual death of putting away sin and living a new life in Christ, as articulated in Romans 6:6.
Scripture
18 “If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother, and, though they discipline him, will not listen to them,
19 then his father and his mother shall take hold of him and bring him out to the elders of his city at the gate of the place where he lives,
20 They shall say to the elders, “This our son is stubborn and rebellious; he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton and a drunkard.”
21 Then all the men of the city shall stone him to death with stones. So you shall purge the evil from your midst, and all Israel shall hear, and fear.
Biblical Meaning of “Put to Death”
The phrase “put to death” in the Bible carries significant theological implications, representing both the literal execution of divine judgment and the more profound spiritual transformation that believers undergo. In the Old Testament, such phrases are often associated with the consequences of sin, where certain offenses punishable by death reflect the gravity of sin in the context of God’s covenant with Israel. For instance, Leviticus 20:10 prescribes death for adultery, underscoring the seriousness of violating God’s commandments. Such judgments illustrate not only societal order but also God’s holiness and justice against disobedience.
In contrast, the New Testament reinterprets “put to death” in a spiritual sense, emphasizing the believer’s call to renounce sin as a part of their transformation through Christ. Romans 6:6 states, “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with,” showing that believers are called to “put to death” their sinful nature and live anew. This idea is reinforced in Colossians 3:5, which advises Christians to “put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature.” Thus, while the term resonates with themes of judgment and morality in the Old Testament, it also encompasses the New Testament’s focus on grace, redemption, and the ongoing battle against sin, signaling a profound shift from the Mosaic law to living by the Spirit in Christ.
The concept of being “put to death” within the biblical narrative extends beyond the legal implications of sin, capturing the dual nature of mortality and rebirth in faith. In the wisdom literature, such as in Psalms and Proverbs, the fate of the wicked is often contrasted with the blessed state of the righteous. The “putting to death” of the wicked acts serves not merely as a warning, but also as an invitation for reflection on the values of a life aligned with God’s will. This highlights the inevitable consequences of straying from divine guidance—both physical and spiritual demise, shedding light on the moral fabric of existence where adherence to divine principles leads to life and flourishing.
Moreover, the calling for believers to “put to death” their earthly desires creates a transformative journey that mirrors Christ’s own death and resurrection. This spiritual act aligns with the concept of taking up one’s cross, a notion prevalent in the teachings of Jesus. The Gospel narratives highlight the necessity of self-denial and the relinquishment of worldly attachments as prerequisites to true discipleship. As believers engage in this inward struggle, they are not merely engaging in self-mortification, but rather embracing an ongoing process of sanctification—a process whereby the old self is continually laid to rest, paving the way for a new identity rooted in Christ. Collectively, these themes illustrate that the act of being “put to death” can be both a grim reality and a hopeful promise, signifying the believer’s passage from death to life, underscored by a profound reliance on God’s grace.
Spiritual Death and Sin
In the biblical context, “put to death” often refers to the spiritual death that occurs when one is separated from God due to sin. This concept emphasizes the need for believers to actively reject sinful behaviors and attitudes that lead to spiritual decay. The act of putting to death sin signifies a transformative process where individuals seek to align their lives with God’s will, thereby fostering a deeper relationship with Him.
The Call to Discipleship
Another broader meaning of “put to death” relates to the call to discipleship and self-denial. In the New Testament, followers of Christ are encouraged to “put to death” their old selves, which includes worldly desires and attachments. This call to self-denial is a fundamental aspect of living a life that reflects Christ’s teachings and example, highlighting the importance of sacrifice and commitment in the journey of faith.
The Eschatological Perspective
From an eschatological viewpoint, “put to death” can also refer to the ultimate defeat of death and sin at the end of times. This perspective emphasizes the hope of resurrection and eternal life, where believers are assured that death will be conquered through Christ. The phrase serves as a reminder of the transformative power of faith, leading to a future where believers are fully restored and united with God, free from the bondage of sin and death.
How to Embrace Transformation for a Stronger Faith
Embracing transformation in your faith journey is a beautiful and often challenging process, but it’s essential for deepening your relationship with God. Start by inviting the Holy Spirit into your daily life, asking for guidance and openness to change. Reflect on your current beliefs and practices—are there areas where you feel stagnant or resistant? Consider setting aside time for prayer and meditation, allowing God to reveal the parts of your heart that need renewal. Surround yourself with a community of believers who encourage growth and accountability, as iron sharpens iron. Remember, transformation is not a one-time event but a continuous journey; be patient with yourself and trust that God is at work in you, shaping you into the person He created you to be. Embrace the discomfort of change, for it often leads to a stronger, more vibrant faith that can withstand life’s storms.
Bible References to “Put to Death”:
Leviticus 20:10-16: 10 “If a man commits adultery with the wife of his neighbor, both the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.
11 If a man lies with his father’s wife, he has uncovered his father’s nakedness; both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.
12 If a man lies with his daughter-in-law, both of them shall surely be put to death; they have committed perversion; their blood is upon them.
13 If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.
14 If a man takes a woman and her mother also, it is depravity; he and they shall be burned with fire, that there may be no depravity among you.
15 If a man lies with an animal, he shall surely be put to death, and you shall kill the animal.
16 If a woman approaches any animal and lies with it, you shall kill the woman and the animal; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.
Exodus 21:12-17: 12 “Whoever strikes a man so that he dies shall be put to death.”
13 But if he did not lie in wait for him, but God let him fall into his hand, then I will appoint for you a place to which he may flee.
14 But if a man willfully attacks another to kill him by cunning, you shall take him from my altar, that he may die.
15 “Whoever strikes his father or his mother shall be put to death.”
16 “Whoever steals a man and sells him, and anyone found in possession of him, shall be put to death.
17 “Whoever curses his father or his mother shall be put to death.
Numbers 15:32-36: 32 While the people of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath day.
33 And those who found him gathering sticks brought him to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation.
34 They put him in custody, because it had not been made clear what should be done to him.
35 And the Lord said to Moses, “The man shall be put to death; all the congregation shall stone him with stones outside the camp.”
36 And all the congregation brought him outside the camp and stoned him to death with stones, as the Lord commanded Moses.
Deuteronomy 22:20-24: 20 But if the thing is true, that evidence of virginity was not found in the young woman,
21 then they shall bring out the young woman to the door of her father’s house, and the men of her city shall stone her to death with stones, because she has done an outrageous thing in Israel by whoring in her father’s house. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.
22 “If a man is found lying with the wife of another man, both of them shall die, the man who lay with the woman, and the woman. So you shall purge the evil from Israel.
23 “If there is a betrothed virgin, and a man meets her in the city and lies with her,
24 then you shall bring them both out to the gate of that city, and you shall stone them to death with stones, the young woman because she did not cry for help though she was in the city, and the man because he violated his neighbor’s wife. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.
Leviticus 24:10-16: 10 Now an Israelite woman’s son, whose father was an Egyptian, went out among the people of Israel. And the Israelite woman’s son and a man of Israel fought in the camp,
11 The Israelite woman’s son blasphemed the Name, and cursed. So they brought him to Moses. His mother’s name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan.
12 And they put him in custody, till the will of the Lord should be clear to them.
13 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
14 “Bring out of the camp the one who cursed, and let all who heard him lay their hands on his head, and let all the congregation stone him.
15 And speak to the people of Israel, saying, Whoever curses his God shall bear his sin.
16 Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him. The sojourner as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.
Deuteronomy 13:6-10: 6 “If your brother, the son of your mother, or your son or your daughter or the wife you embrace or your friend who is as your own soul entices you secretly, saying, ‘Let us go and serve other gods,’ which you have not known, you or your fathers,
7 Some of the gods of the peoples who are around you, whether near you or far off from you, from the one end of the earth to the other,
8 you shall not yield to him or listen to him, nor shall your eye pity him, nor shall you spare him, nor shall you conceal him.
9 But you shall kill him. Your hand shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people.
10 You shall stone him to death with stones, because he sought to draw you away from the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
Deuteronomy 17:2-7: 2 If there is found among you, within any of your towns that the Lord your God is giving you, a man or woman who does what is evil in the sight of the Lord your God, in transgressing his covenant,
3 And has gone and served other gods and worshiped them, or the sun or the moon or any of the host of heaven, which I have forbidden,
4 and it is told you and you hear of it, then you shall inquire diligently, and if it is true and certain that such an abomination has been done in Israel,
5 then you shall bring out to your gates that man or woman who has done this evil thing, and you shall stone that man or woman to death with stones.
6 On the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses the one who is to die shall be put to death; a person shall not be put to death on the evidence of one witness.
7 The hand of the witnesses shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.
Romans 8:12-13: 12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.
13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Colossians 3:5-6: 5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming.
Galatians 5:19-21: 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,
20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,
21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Romans 6:6-7: 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.
7 For one who has died has been set free from sin.
Ephesians 4:22-24: 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,
23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,
24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Matthew 10:28: 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
John 8:3-11: 3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst.
4 they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery.
5 Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?”
6 This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground.
7 And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”
8 And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground.
9 But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him.
10 Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.