What Does the Bible Say About Abuse?

The scriptures do not use the word “abuse” to describe what we consider to be abuse, as in family violence. Language usage has changed greatly since the Bible was originally written in the languages of those days. Translation plays a huge part as well.
Consider the following:

Definition of abuse today: to treat a person with cruelty or violence, especially regularly or repeatedly; action that intentionally causes harm or injuries to another person.

Now, look at the definition of the word oppress: to load or burden with unreasonable impositions; to treat with unjust severity, rigor or hardship; to crush or burden by abuse of power and authority.

The scriptures use the word “oppress” to describe what we call “abuse” in today’s culture. There are no verses in the Bible that may be read as supporting or approving of domestic/family violence. God hates violence. Scripture is full of verses that condemn violence—-time and time again violence is associated with wickedness and condemned as displeasing to the Father.

For example:
Psalm 11:5: The Lord tests the righteous, but the wicked and the ones who love violence, His soul hates.
Proverbs 3:31: Do not envy the oppressor* and choose none of his ways; for the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord.
Psalm 9:9: The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
Psalm 72:4: He shall judge the poor of the people, He shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor*.

*Oppressor means a person who exercises authority or power over another in a harsh and burdensome way, subjecting to cruel or unjust impositions/restraints.

Our Father has a lot to say about oppression and violence. His word tells us how He feels about abuse/oppression and how He deals with it.
Abuse/oppression of the vulnerable by the powerful is sadly prevalent in our world. The underlying motive/objective of violence is the need to find some exercised level of power and control in how the abusers see themselves and their place in the world. The need for power can only be fulfilled by acquiring more. Abusers believe that they have the right to power, and the threat of losing this power and control fuels their violence. They view a marriage as a pyramid of power with them on top! They are constantly trying to maintain the position they feel they should have by controlling the other family members, especially the spouse. They are easily angered, critical and cruel as they try to isolate their spouses from friends and family in fear of losing their control.

This is not the way God uses power! This is the complete opposite of how God tells us to interact in our relationship with others, no matter who they are!

Many acts of violence are against the law. We can and should look to the God-given authorities of human government and law enforcement to stop abuse and bring offenders to justice.

Keep in mind as you read the Scriptures that context is important. The verses that have to do with violence and oppression cover a large scope of violence and mistreatment of people in various and numerous circumstances, but family/domestic violence is certainly included.

Now, with this information and these definitions in mind, search the Scriptures for yourself to have a better understanding of how God deals with violence/abuse/oppression and how He expects us to deal with it as well. I think you will be greatly surprised!