What is a biblical view of human rights?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

A biblical view of human rights looks very different from the world’s. The world defines rights as entitlements—freedom, equality, and self-expression—while Scripture grounds them in God’s justice and mercy (Psalm 103:6; Acts 10:34-35). The Bible rarely speaks of rights to demand, but instead gives us responsibilities: to protect life, honor truth, care for the vulnerable, and extend mercy (Isaiah 1:17; Deuteronomy 10:18‑19). Human rights rooted in God’s Word are stronger than cultural ideals because they reflect His character and not our desires (Psalm 68:5‑6; Proverbs 31:8-9). Justice reveals that our only true “right” is eternal separation from God, yet in His mercy He offers forgiveness and life through Christ (John 3:16; Romans 3:23‑24). Because of this grace, we are called to live responsibly, uphold justice, and show mercy, treating others with dignity even at personal cost (Micah 6:8; James 1:27). Ultimately, human rights from a biblical view are not privileges to cling to but opportunities to honor God by lifting up others.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The world defines human rights as entitlements rooted in freedom, equality, and self-expression—such as the right to pursue happiness, to choose one’s own path, and to live without interference. But Scripture reframes rights not as self-centered entitlements but as God-given responsibilities: to protect life (Exodus 20:13), to honor truth (Exodus 20:16), to care for the vulnerable (Deuteronomy 24:17), and to love mercy (Micah 6:8).
• In the Bible, very few rights are given by nature of our status as humans, and any of these can be taken away by impersonal circumstances. Instead, God focuses on human responsibilities. We are responsible to enforce justice and extend mercy (Micah 6:8).
• God designed society with certain patterns that can be misinterpreted when based only on nature and human bias, so it is better to look to the Bible. The rights God ordained are not universal, but they are given for our benefit—such as marriage (Genesis 2:24), family (Psalm 127:5), work (Genesis 2:15), and community (Numbers 33:54). These God-given “rights” may be taken away by the side effects of living in a sin-filled world.
• The Bible presents God's justice, which gives us certain rights, such as the right to life (Exodus 20:13), fidelity (Exodus 20:14), and freedom (Exodus 21:16), among others.
• Our human rights of justice are threatened by sins such as murder, theft, insult, kidnapping, adultery, lying, disrespect, cheating, neglecting the needy, rape, commercializing worship, violence, grudges, and mistreating foreigners. Yet justice is absolute, and God intends everyone to receive it (Isaiah 30:18).
• Scripture rarely mentions what rights we should demand. Instead, God tells us our responsibilities. He also tells us to go beyond justice and show mercy. Justice alone would require we all go to hell. However, God is merciful, so He calls us to be merciful too. We are told to return another’s possessions (Exodus 23:4), help another's need (Exodus 23:5), feed the needy (Deuteronomy 24:19), and to sacrifice our investment for another's safety (Deuteronomy 24:17)

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• In response to Jesus’ sacrifice, which shows us mercy instead of giving us what we deserve (Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:4–5), we are called to emulate Him and extend mercy to others (Luke 6:36; Matthew 5:7).
• In the passage that is popularly known as the “golden rule,” Jesus teaches that “whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them” (Matthew 7:12). Following this one teaching helps us to honor others’ dignity as image-bearers of God (see Genesis 1:27).
• Even in disagreement with unbelievers, believers are called to engage them “with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).
• Paul discusses the error of caring only for our rights without concerning ourselves over our responsibilities toward others. In discussing how some issues are a matter of conscience, he notes that even when a certain behavior is technically lawful, we shouldn’t do it if it will make a brother or sister stumble: “‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things build up. . . . So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. . . . just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved” (1 Corinthians 10:23, 31, 33).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The topic of human rights is subject to personal opinion, historical precedent, and situational ethics. "Human rights" denote rights that people naturally deserve because of being made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). But ethically, our only right is that of eternal damnation because of our sinful nature.

Biblically, there is no "right." There are responsibilities and goods that God has graciously given us such as to reflect Him, to be saved by trusting in Him, and to experience what is good (although that is tainted by sin).

Our sense of “rights” should never begin with what we think we deserve but with gratitude for what God has already given us. We are called to live responsibly before God and others, ensuring that our words and actions uphold justice and protect life, dignity, and truth. When we focus on responsibility over entitlement, we begin to reflect God’s character more clearly in our lives and relationships.

We also learn that justice is something of a “right.” Because of God’s justice, if we continue in sin and reject Jesus’ sacrifice, we deserve punishment, which is eternal separation from Him and all that is good. Justice alone would condemn us. However, because God is not only just but also merciful, we can receive what we do not deserve–grace, forgiveness, and eternal life. Because of this we, too, can express justice and mercy as human “rights.” Whether it’s standing against dishonesty, caring for the vulnerable, or protecting those who cannot defend themselves, our choices either uphold or threaten the justice God intends. We are called to treat others not only with justice but with mercy, offering forgiveness, compassion, and help even when it comes at personal cost. This mindset reshapes how we see rights today: not as privileges to cling to but as opportunities to honor God by lifting up others.

UNDERSTAND

• The world sees human rights as entitlements; the Bible frames them as responsibilities.
• Our only natural “right” is judgment for sin, but God offers forgiveness and life through Christ.
• Biblical human rights call us to live in a way that honors the Lord, upholding justice and mercy.

REFLECT

• How do you currently view your “rights”—as entitlements or as responsibilities before God and others?
• In what ways can you actively show justice and mercy in your interactions with others?
• Where might you need to shift from seeking what you think you deserve to embracing gratitude for what God has already given you?

ENGAGE

• How can our understanding of biblical human rights reshape the way we address societal issues today?
• In what practical ways can we balance justice and mercy when dealing with people who have wronged us or others?
• What are some areas of Christian life where rights and responsibilities may clash?