“You shall not give up to his master a slave who has escaped from his master to you.” – Deuteronomy 23:15
Bible Verses About Human Trafficking And Slavery
Compassion for the Oppressed
As a community of faith, we are called to show compassion to the oppressed, including those involved in human trafficking and slavery. The Bible reminds us that God has a special love for those who are marginalized, and He hears their cries for help. Our hearts should break for those suffering under oppression, and we should respond with love and support.
Exodus 22:21
“You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.” – Exodus 22:21
Psalm 82:3
“Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the rights of the afflicted and the destitute.” – Psalm 82:3
Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” – Isaiah 1:17
Jeremiah 22:3
“Thus says the LORD: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed.” – Jeremiah 22:3
Lamentations 3:34
“For the Lord will not forsake forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love.” – Lamentations 3:34-32
Our Role in Justice
We are called to be advocates for justice, standing against human trafficking and slavery in all its forms. The Bible teaches us that true religion involves caring for those in distress, and as a united force, we can challenge the systems that allow these injustices to thrive. We are not merely passive observers; we are agents of change.
Isaiah 58:6
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?” – Isaiah 58:6
Micah 6:8
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” – Micah 6:8
Proverbs 31:8-9
“Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” – Proverbs 31:8-9
Proverbs 21:15
“When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.” – Proverbs 21:15
Ephesians 5:11
“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” – Ephesians 5:11
God’s Call for Freedom
In God’s eyes, freedom is a sacred right. He aims for everyone to live without the binds of slavery or trafficking. The scriptures consistently affirm His desire for us to break free from the chains that hold us captive, whether physical or spiritual. As believers, we have a responsibility to bring this message of freedom to those who are suffering.
Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” – Luke 4:18
John 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36
Galatians 5:1
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1
Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.” – Isaiah 61:1
2 Peter 2:19
“They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.” – 2 Peter 2:19
Empowerment and Advocacy
As believers, we have a crucial role in empowering those trapped in human trafficking and slavery. By using our voices, resources, and prayers, we can help bring change. We must remember that advocating for the oppressed is a way of showing God’s love. Our words and actions can uplift those who feel powerless.
Psalm 34:17
“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” – Psalm 34:17
James 1:27
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” – James 1:27
1 John 3:17
“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” – 1 John 3:17
Philippians 2:4
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:4
Proverbs 11:25
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” – Proverbs 11:25
Unity Against Injustice
We can accomplish so much more when we stand united against the injustices of human trafficking and slavery. The Bible encourages us to come together as one body, working in harmony to fight for what is right. Together, we can raise awareness and support those in need, and God’s power will manifest through our collective actions.
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” – Matthew 18:20
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Romans 12:4-5
“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” – Romans 12:4-5
1 Corinthians 12:26
“If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” – 1 Corinthians 12:26
Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
The Transformational Power of Love
At the heart of our fight against human trafficking and slavery is love. We are called to love as Christ loved us, seeking to empower and uplift those who are broken. Love can change hearts and communities, transforming lives and removing the shackles of oppression for good. Let us carry this love into action.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Romans 13:10
“Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” – Romans 13:10
John 15:12
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
1 John 4:7
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” – 1 John 4:7
Galatians 5:13
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” – Galatians 5:13
Final Thoughts
As we explore the Bible’s teachings about human trafficking and slavery, we find a strong call to action. We are reminded of God’s deep love for the oppressed and the importance of showing compassion and justice to those who are suffering. Each verse encourages us to strive for justice and to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves.
It is our duty as Christians to empower one another and unite against the injustices present in our communities. The call to freedom rings loud and clear throughout scripture, urging us to fight for all people trapped in slavery and trafficking. Love should be our guiding force, leading us in practical ways to address these issues.
In addition to praying, we can take tangible steps to address these important matters. Let’s educate ourselves on these issues and support organizations working to end human trafficking. As we do this, we can confidently be a beacon of hope and love. If you’re interested in learning about further biblical insights related to unfair treatment, you can check out Bible Verses About Unfair Treatment or explore principles about treating others in Bible Verses About Mistreating Others.