The concept of an “age of consent” – a minimum age at which a person can legally consent to sexual activity – is not directly addressed in the Bible. However, the Bible does provide principles and examples that can inform a Christian perspective on this issue.
Biblical principles related to age of consent
The value of childhood innocence
Several passages emphasize the innocence and vulnerability of children. Jesus used children as an example of the kind of humble faith required to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3). He also warned against causing children to stumble morally, saying it would be better to have a millstone hung around one’s neck (Matthew 18:6). The Psalmist proclaimed that God enables children and infants to offer praise (Psalm 8:2). These and other verses indicate that childhood is precious and should be protected.
The importance of consent in sexual ethics
Though the term “consent” is not used, the Bible promotes the importance of mutual agreement between partners in sexual ethics. Adultery and rape are strongly prohibited because they violate consent (Exodus 20:14, Deuteronomy 22:25-27). Marriage involves leaving parents and cleaving to one’s spouse, implying choice and consent (Genesis 2:24). Paul instructs married couples not to deprive each other sexually except by mutual consent (1 Corinthians 7:5). While consent alone does not make sex moral, these verses show that it is a relevant ethical factor.
Parental authority over children
Multiple passages affirm parental authority over children, especially when they are young (Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:1-3). This suggests parents have a responsibility to protect their minor children from exploitation. The Bible gives parents a leading role in arranging marriages for their daughters (Exodus 21:7-11, Deuteronomy 7:3). While this custom is not practiced today, it shows the level of parental authority over dependent children.
Developmental growth from childhood to adulthood
Biblical narratives depict growth in wisdom and maturity from childhood to adulthood. Jesus grew in wisdom, stature and favor with God and men (Luke 2:52). Jewish boys underwent bar mitzvah at age 13 to mark the transition to spiritual adulthood. Such passages acknowledge a developmental process that may impact capacity to consent.
Relevant Biblical examples regarding age and sexual ethics
Example of Dinah (Genesis 34)
Dinah was the daughter of Jacob. At a young age, likely in her early to mid teens, she was romantically approached, alone, by an adult man named Shechem. He had sex with her (the passage says he “defiled” her), though there is no mention of consent. Afterwards, Shechem asked to marry her. Dinah’s brothers were angered by this situation and deceitfully took revenge. This story paints Shechem’s actions in a negative light. He took advantage of Dinah’s youth and isolation. This example demonstrates concerns about adult advances on minors who may not be capable of giving full consent.
Example of royal maidens (Esther 2:1-18)
This passage describes a search for a new queen for King Xerxes. Beautiful young virgins across the land were taken to the king’s harem. After undergoing beauty treatments, each girl would go to the king, and he would have sex with her. If he was pleased, she would become queen. One of those chosen was Esther, who did not disclose her Jewish identity. While there is no explicit condemnation of this practice, taking teenage girls to the king’s bed without their meaningful consent raises ethical concerns from a modern perspective.
Example of Herod and Salome (Mark 6:17-29)
The daughter of Herodias danced provocatively before Herod, the ruler of Galilee, at his birthday party. Herod was pleased and offered her a reward. At her mother’s urging, the girl (likely a young teen based on historical records) asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Herod reluctantly had John executed. Though Salome and Herodias choreographed this manipulative seduction, Herod showed poor judgment in his interactions with Salome, allowing himself to be entrapped by her youthful sensuality.
Example of Mary’s betrothal (Matthew 1:18)
Mary was a young virgin, likely 12-14 years old, when she became betrothed to Joseph. Betrothal was as legally binding as marriage at the time. When Mary became pregnant by the Holy Spirit, Joseph sought to end the betrothal, even though the marriage had not been consummated. This demonstrates how youth and impending marriage were factors relevant to sexual consent and contract law at the time.
Synthesis and conclusion
While the Bible does not provide age criteria for consent, relevant principles can be drawn from Scripture. Parental responsibility, childhood innocence, development from youth to adulthood, the importance of consent, and problematic biblical examples all suggest that age is a relevant factor in evaluating sexual ethics and consent capacity. An ethical approach would consider both prevailing cultural norms regarding maturation, as well as individual circumstances, maturity, and sound parental guidance. Christians can thoughtfully engage the question of age of consent, while upholding biblical values of justice, compassion, personal responsibility and parental authority.