Human Rights in the Bible
Leon SteenkampA Biblical Perspective on Justice and Dignity
Human Rights Day in South Africa, celebrated on 21 March, is a time to reflect on the dignity, freedom and equality all human beings are entitled to. While human rights are often discussed in legal and political terms, their foundation can be traced back to the Bible, which offers a powerful framework for justice, equality and the inherent worth of every individual.
The Scriptures emphasise that all human beings are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and deserve respect, justice and love. This article explores the biblical basis for human rights and how these principles align with the ideals we uphold in modern society.
At the heart of human rights is the recognition of the intrinsic value of every person. The Bible establishes this truth in Genesis 1:27: “So God created human beings, making them to be like himself. He created them male and female,” This foundational verse teaches us that human beings reflect God’s divine nature, reinforcing their innate dignity and worth.
Psalm 139:13-14 emphasises that each person is “fearfully and wonderfully made”. The concept of human dignity in Scripture is rooted not in social status, wealth or power, but in the act of creation by a loving and just God. This understanding aligns with modern human rights principles that advocate for the equal worth of all people, regardless of their background.
One of the most radical messages in the Bible is the equality of all people before God. The apostle Paul writes in Galatians 3:28: “So there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and free people, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus.” This verse challenges social divisions and calls for unity, breaking down barriers that separate people based on race, gender or economic status.
James 2:1-9 warns against favouritism and discrimination, emphasising that everyone should be treated fairly and respectfully. The biblical call for impartiality aligns with the principles of non-discrimination and equality enshrined in human rights laws today.
Justice is a central theme in the Bible, and God is consistently portrayed as a defender of the oppressed. When the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, God responded to their cries for help: “I have seen how cruelly my people are being treated in Egypt; I have heard them cry out to be rescued from their slave-drivers. I know all about their sufferings” (Exodus 3:7). The story of the Exodus serves as an important reminder that God stands against oppression and seeks freedom for those bound by injustice.
Isaiah 1:17 commands: “… learn to do right. See that justice is done — help those who are oppressed, give orphans their rights, and defend widows.” This verse highlights the active role believers must take in advocating for justice and protecting the vulnerable.
Jesus declared his mission in Luke 4:18-19: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has chosen me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind; to set free the oppressed and announce that the time has come when the Lord will save his people.” His ministry was centred on uplifting the marginalised, emphasising that justice and mercy go hand in hand.
Language is an essential aspect of human identity, and accessing God’s Word in one’s native language is a fundamental right that resonates profoundly with the Bible Society of South Africa’s theme for 2025 – “My Bible, My Heritage”.
Just as human rights affirm individuals’ dignity and identity, so does the Bible affirm the importance of people encountering God’s Word in their own language.
In Acts 2, during Pentecost, the Holy Spirit enabled people from different nations to hear the Gospel in their own languages. This moment underscores God’s desire for all people to understand His Word personally and intimately. Likewise, Deuteronomy 6:6-7 calls on believers to pass down God’s teachings to future generations in ways that resonate with them, reinforcing the significance of heritage and language.
The Bible Society of South Africa plays a crucial role in ensuring that every person has access to the Bible in their own language. Having Scripture in one’s mother tongue is not merely a privilege but a right that preserves cultural identity and strengthens faith. As we celebrate Human Rights Day, we must recognise that linguistic inclusion is vital to ensuring justice, dignity, and equality for all.
Human rights are not merely about legal frameworks; they are deeply rooted in love and service. Jesus emphasised this in Matthew 22:37-39, stating that the greatest commandments are to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. … Love your neighbour as you love yourself.”
Micah 6:8 encapsulates this divine expectation: “No, the LORD has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God.” True justice is accompanied by mercy and humility, reflecting God’s character in human interactions.
Throughout the Bible, there is a consistent call to stand up for those who cannot defend themselves. Proverbs 31:8-9 urges: “Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless. Speak for them and be a righteous judge. Protect the rights of the poor and needy.”
Jesus also demonstrated this principle when he defended the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11), challenging those who sought to condemn her and instead offering grace and justice. This episode underscores the importance of fair treatment, compassion, and rejecting unjust punishment.
In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus identifies himself with the marginalised: “I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you received me in your homes, naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me.” This passage highlights that how we treat the most vulnerable reflects our faith and commitment to justice.
As we commemorate Human Rights Day in South Africa, we are reminded that the fight for justice, dignity, and equality is not just a political or social endeavour but a deeply spiritual one. The Bible provides a compelling foundation for human rights, emphasising that every person is made in God’s image and deserving of love, justice, and freedom. Access to Scripture in one’s mother tongue is a vital part of preserving dignity and identity, as captured in the theme “My Bible, My Heritage.”
By aligning our actions with biblical values, we contribute to a society that recognises human rights in theory and lives them out in practice.
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