Chivalry refers to the medieval institution of knighthood and the ideals and practices of knightly virtues. The word comes from the French word “chevalerie” meaning horseman. In its origins, chivalry was the code of conduct for knights during the Middle Ages. It evolved to become an idealized code of ethics, behaviors and lifestyle embraced by the nobility and upper classes.
At its core, chivalry emphasized martial prowess, individual training and service to others. It included gallantry, bravery, honor and courtesy, especially toward women. The knight was expected to serve and protect the weak, poor and defenseless and maintain the values of faith. Loyalty, courage and honor were the pillars of chivalric ethics.
The Bible does not directly discuss chivalry as an institution, since it developed in Medieval times long after the biblical period. However, the Bible speaks extensively to many of the virtues and values that became associated with chivalry.
Courage
Courage was a primary virtue of the knightly class. The Bible extols courage as a noble virtue in those who trust and follow God.
Joshua 1:9 says “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” This verse encourages strength and bravery in the face of adversity.
Esther displayed courage when she risked her life to save her people, declaring “if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). Jesus regularly told His followers to “take heart” and “fear not” in the face of danger and persecution (Matthew 14:27, John 16:33).
The Bible celebrates those who show courage and boldness in standing up for what is right (Proverbs 28:1). At the same time, Scripture warns against foolish courage motivated by pride rather than faith and wisdom (Proverbs 14:16).
Honor
Honor was core to the knightly code. Knights strove to uphold a high standard of moral excellence and integrity.
The Bible commands all believers to clothe themselves with honor and live lives worthy of respect (Romans 12:10, Philippians 4:8). Followers of Christ are called to demonstrate honor to everyone and avoid hypocrisy and pridefulness (Romans 12:10, Romans 12:16).
Scripture calls on Christians to honor those in authority over them, whether kings, governors, masters or parents (1 Peter 2:17, Colossians 3:22, Ephesians 6:2-3). This translates into a chivalric mandate to honor nobility and rank. At the same time, the Bible instructs those in power to lead with integrity and servitude, rather than exploiting their position (Matthew 20:25-28).
Loyalty
A knight’s duties included unwavering loyalty to his liege lord. Knights vowed fidelity to their rulers and comrades-in-arms.
Loyalty is portrayed as a noble virtue throughout the Bible. Proverbs 20:6 declares “Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?” Loyalty is the mark of the righteous (Proverbs 11:13).
Scripture praises loyalty in friendships (Proverbs 17:17) and commitments (Psalm 15:4). Followers of God are called to demonstrate absolute allegiance to Him above all else (Luke 16:13, Deuteronomy 13:4). At the same time, the Bible instructs believers to disobey state authorities when commanded to act against God’s word (Acts 5:29).
The Old Testament book of Ruth shiningly exemplifies loyalty in the moving story of Ruth remaining steadfastly faithful to her mother-in-law Naomi after both their husbands passed away.
Service
Knights were expected to protect the weak and defenseless and fight boldly against oppressors. This ethic of service to others translated into the chivalric ideal.
The Bible clearly extols selfless service as a virtue. Jesus modeled servant leadership, declaring “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). Throughout His ministry Jesus displayed compassion to the poor, sick and marginalized. He commanded His followers to do the same.
Scripture calls on Christians to serve the underprivileged and vulnerable (Isaiah 1:17, James 1:27). The early church embodied service, collecting offerings to help the poor and widows (Acts 11:27-30). God’s word condemns oppression and injustice, while urging generosity and care for others (Isaiah 58:6-7, Micah 6:8).
Valor
The knightly code prized boldness and valor in battle against enemies. Knights were expected to prove their mettle and masculinity in combat.
The Bible too celebrates valor among God’s people in spiritual battles. Paul praised the courageous testimony of believers in Macedonia (2 Thessalonians 1:4). He wrote that Christians struggle not against flesh and blood enemies but against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12), summoning believers to “be strong in the Lord” (Ephesians 6:10).
The Old Testament recounts David’s bold triumph against the giant Goliath, demonstrating God granting victory to the valiant (1 Samuel 17). Yet Scripture also warns against looking to military valor for deliverance, urging trust in God instead (Hosea 1:7).
Courtesy and Gallantry
Respect and courtesy toward others were key chivalric duties. Special consideration was to be shown toward ladies and the weak.
Scripture commands all Christians, both men and women, to demonstrate courtesy, humility and deference toward others (Ephesians 4:2, Philippians 2:3, 1 Peter 3:8). The Bible instructs the strong to treat the vulnerable and disadvantaged with compassion (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
Specific to relations between men and women, the Bible calls on husbands to love and sacrifice for their wives just as Christ did for the church (Ephesians 5:25). Wives are urged to respect their husbands (Ephesians 5:33). Scripture upholds ladies as “weaker vessels” deserving of honor (1 Peter 3:7). However, the Bible does not condone the degradation or disempowerment of women.
Nobility and Virtue
Chivalry was an aspirational moral code for knights to live lives of virtue, holiness and nobility in service to God.
The Bible too calls all Christians to pursue moral excellence and righteousness (2 Peter 1:5-8, Romans 12:2). Followers of Christ are exhorted to meditate on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely and commendable (Philippians 4:8) and to “let your light shine before others” (Matthew 5:16).
However, the Bible roots virtue not in human effort but in Christ’s redemptive work. Scripture teaches that believers are counted righteous through faith alone by God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). The moral life flows out of gratitude to God (Colossians 3:12-17). Therefore, the motivation for chivalric nobility in the Christian life is thankfulness for salvation.
Romanticization
Chivalry became highly romanticized during the late Medieval period. Knights were idealized as gallant heroes and paragons of virtue in literature and song. The realities often fell short.
Likewise, the Bible contains many narrative accounts of flawed heroes that fell short of righteousness. For example, David committed adultery and murder (2 Samuel 11). Noah became drunk after the flood (Genesis 9:21). Peter denied knowing Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69-75). Their stories reveal human frailty and the need for God’s grace.
Scripture provides a realistic perspective on human nature and behavior. The Bible paints humanity as universally fallen, unable to live up to high moral standards apart from Christ (Romans 3:9-20). The only true and perfect knight described in Scripture is the Lord Jesus Christ himself.
Historical Context
While the Bible does not directly address medieval knighthood, it provides relevant principles that intersect with chivalric virtues against its ancient Middle Eastern context.
Scripture celebrates courage among Old Testament warriors like Joshua, Gideon and David. Loyalty and valor were prized in military champions who defended Israel. Courtesy was shown to foreigners like Ruth who sought refuge under God’s covenant.
Yet biblical warfare was unique. Israel’s soldiers were often outnumbered and won battles supernaturally empowered by God rather than through skill or might (2 Chronicles 20:15). Even the great heroes of Scripture pointed to their need for divine help rather than human prowess alone (Psalm 18:32-36).
Criticisms
The romanticized ideals of chivalry in the late Middle Ages ultimately papered over the corruption and abuses that were rampant, from political treachery to moral license among the nobility. The glittering façade did not accurately reflect realities.
Here too the Bible offers piercing insight. Scripture confronts pious hypocrisy and empty external righteousness, insisting on authentic faith and inward transformation by God’s Spirit (Matthew 23:25-28, John 3:5-8). The Bible judges human nature as universally sinful; chivalry could not overcome this.
While aspects of the knightly code enshrined biblical virtues, Christ and the gospel were sorely missing. Only through restoring relationship with God can humanity reflect His moral goodness. The Bible critiques morality detached from true spirituality.
Conclusion
In summary, chivalry as practiced during the Middle Ages embodied many principles congruent with biblical teachings on courage, loyalty, valor, service, honor and virtue. Yet Scripture provides a more realistic perspective on fallen human nature and need for divine grace. The Bible reserves its highest praise for spiritual heroes who walked humbly with God in faith. Jesus Christ perfectly modeled what knighthood ideally strived toward – moral excellence, self-sacrifice, justice and redemption.