CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Outlaw</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/o/outlaw.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/john/10-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/o/outlaw.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Outlaw</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/o/outlandish.htm" title="Outlandish">◄</a> Outlaw <a href="/topical/o/outlaws.htm" title="Outlaws">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In biblical times, the concept of an "outlaw" was not explicitly defined as it is in modern legal systems. However, the Bible does provide instances and narratives that align with the idea of individuals living outside the accepted laws and norms of society. These individuals often found themselves in conflict with established authorities or societal expectations, either due to their actions or the circumstances they faced.<br><br><b>Old Testament Context</b><br><br>The Old Testament provides several examples of individuals who could be considered outlaws. One prominent figure is David, who, before becoming king, was pursued by King Saul. David and his men lived as fugitives, often hiding in caves and wilderness areas to escape Saul's attempts to capture him. In <a href="/1_samuel/22.htm">1 Samuel 22:1-2</a> , it is recorded: "So David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. And all those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him."<br><br>Another example is found in the account of Jephthah, a judge of Israel. Jephthah was initially rejected by his family and lived in the land of Tob, where he gathered a group of "worthless men" around him (<a href="/judges/11-3.htm">Judges 11:3</a>). Despite his status as an outcast, Jephthah was later called upon to lead Israel against the Ammonites, demonstrating how God can use those outside societal norms for His purposes.<br><br><b>New Testament Context</b><br><br>In the New Testament, the concept of an outlaw is less prevalent, but there are still instances where individuals are seen as living outside the law. Jesus Himself was often at odds with the religious authorities of His time, who accused Him of breaking the Sabbath and other Jewish laws. In <a href="/mark/2-23.htm">Mark 2:23-28</a> , Jesus defends His disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees' interpretation of the law.<br><br>The Apostle Paul also faced accusations and legal challenges throughout his ministry. In <a href="/acts/24-5.htm">Acts 24:5</a> , Paul is described by his accusers as "a pestilent fellow, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes." Despite these accusations, Paul continued to preach the Gospel, often from prison, demonstrating his commitment to God's law over human law.<br><br><b>Theological Implications</b><br><br>From a theological perspective, the concept of an outlaw in the Bible often highlights the tension between human laws and divine purposes. God's chosen individuals, such as David and Jephthah, sometimes found themselves outside societal norms, yet they were used by God to fulfill His plans. This underscores the biblical theme that God's ways are higher than human ways (<a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a>).<br><br>Furthermore, the New Testament emphasizes the idea of Christians as "aliens and strangers" in the world (<a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">1 Peter 2:11</a>), suggesting that followers of Christ may often find themselves at odds with worldly systems and values. This spiritual "outlaw" status calls believers to live according to God's commandments, even when it conflicts with societal expectations.<br><br><b>Conclusion</b><br><br>While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "outlaw," it provides numerous examples of individuals who lived outside the accepted norms and laws of their time. These narratives reveal the complex relationship between divine authority and human law, encouraging believers to prioritize God's will above all else.<a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>1. (<I>n.</I>) A lawbreaker; a fugitive; a habitual criminal.<p>2. (<I>v. t.</I>) To deprive of the benefit and protection of law; to declare to be an outlaw; to proscribe.<p>3. (<I>v. t.</I>) To remove from legal jurisdiction or enforcement; as, to outlaw a debt or claim; to deprive of legal force.<a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/kingsley/andromeda_and_other_poems/the_outlaw.htm"><span class="l">The <b>Outlaw</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> THE <b>OUTLAW</b>. Oh, I wadna be a yeoman, mither, to follow my father's trade,<br> To bow my back in miry banks, at pleugh and hoe and spade. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/the outlaw.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_f/a_libation_to_jehovah.htm"><span class="l">A Libation to Jehovah</span></a> <br><b>...</b> He was little different from an <b>outlaw</b> at the head of a band of 'broken men,'<br> but there were depths of chivalry and poetry in his heart. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a libation to jehovah.htm</font><p><a href="/library/kingsley/westminster_sermons/sermon_xxvii_the_beatific_vision.htm"><span class="l">The Beatific vision.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> years, and is as fresh, and mighty, and full of meaning and of power, now, here,<br> to us in England, as it was to David, when he was a poor <b>outlaw</b>, wandering in <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xxvii the beatific vision.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/the_life_of_david/iv_the_exile.htm"><span class="l">The Exile.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> We may call them "The Songs of the <b>Outlaw</b>." The titles in the psalter connect several<br> with specific events during his persecution by Saul, and besides these <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/iv the exile.htm</font><p><a href="/library/kent/the_making_of_a_nation/study_iii_the_criminal_and.htm"><span class="l">The Criminal and his Relation to Society.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> own life-blood, every injury done him. Without the tribal mark a man becomes<br> an <b>outlaw</b>. Many scholars, therefore, think that the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../kent/the making of a nation/study iii the criminal and.htm</font><p><a href="/library/judy/questionable_amusements_and_worthy_substitutes/iii_gambling_card-playing.htm"><span class="l">Gambling, Card-Playing</span></a> <br><b>...</b> resorts. Being a professional <b>outlaw</b>, and subject at any time to arrest<br> and imprisonment, usually he has an accomplice. Sometimes <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../questionable amusements and worthy substitutes/iii gambling card-playing.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/the_life_of_david/x_the_kingcontinued.htm"><span class="l">The King --Continued.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> in Scripture. How pathetically he paints his sore need in metaphors which<br> again bring to mind the songs of the <b>outlaw</b>:". The snares <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/x the kingcontinued.htm</font><p><a href="/library/kingsley/sermons_for_the_times/sermon_xix_forgiveness.htm"><span class="l">Forgiveness</span></a> <br><b>...</b> the man still, in spite of his sins, as much almost as you did when you heard of<br> him as a shepherd boy slaying the giant, or a wanderer and an <b>outlaw</b> among the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xix forgiveness.htm</font><p><a href="/library/kingsley/discipline_and_other_sermons/sermon_xxi_endurance.htm"><span class="l">Endurance</span></a> <br><b>...</b> If he will not live under discipline, if he expects to break the law with impunity,<br> he makes himself an <b>outlaw</b>; he puts himself by his rebellion outside the law <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xxi endurance.htm</font><p><a href="/library/finney/sermons_on_gospel_themes/xvii_christ_our_advocate.htm"><span class="l">Christ Our Advocate</span></a> <br><b>...</b> In this respect he is under sentence for a capital crime; consequently be is an<br> <b>outlaw</b>, and the government can not recognize him as being capable of performing <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xvii christ our advocate.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/o/outlaw.htm"><span class="l"><b>Outlaw</b> (6 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2. (vt) To deprive of the benefit and protection of law; to declare to be an <b>outlaw</b>;<br> to proscribe. <b>...</b> Multi-Version Concordance <b>Outlaw</b> (6 Occurrences). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/o/outlaw.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/bandit.htm"><span class="l">Bandit (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) An <b>outlaw</b>; a brigand. <b>...</b> Proverbs 6:11 Then loss will<br> come on you like an <b>outlaw</b>, and your need like an armed man (See NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/bandit.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/v/vagabond.htm"><span class="l">Vagabond (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> shall slay me. (KJV WBS). Proverbs 6:11 Then loss will come on you like<br> an <b>outlaw</b>, and your need like an armed man (See NAS RSV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/v/vagabond.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/o/outlandish.htm"><span class="l">Outlandish (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/o/outlandish.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/o/outlaws.htm"><span class="l">Outlaws (6 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/o/outlaws.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/gets.htm"><span class="l">Gets (122 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 10:1 Truly I say to you, He who does not go through the door into the place where<br> the sheep are kept, but gets in by some other way, is a thief and an <b>outlaw</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/gets.htm - 33k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/proclaim.htm"><span class="l">Proclaim (172 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> proclaim war or peace. 2. (vt) To <b>outlaw</b> by public proclamation. Multi-Version<br> Concordance Proclaim (172 Occurrences). Matthew 4:17 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/proclaim.htm - 36k</font><p><a href="/topical/l/loss.htm"><span class="l">Loss (90 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> open places. (See NAS). Proverbs 6:11 Then loss will come on you like an<br><b>outlaw</b>, and your need like an armed man (BBE). Proverbs 6 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/loss.htm - 37k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/cared.htm"><span class="l">Cared (25 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 30:17 For I will make you healthy again and I will make you well from your wounds,<br> says the Lord; because they have given you the name of an <b>outlaw</b>, saying, It <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/cared.htm - 14k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/scarcity.htm"><span class="l">Scarcity (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> scarcity as an armed man. (WEB NIV). Proverbs 24:34 So loss will come on you<br> like an <b>outlaw</b>, and your need like an armed man. (See NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/scarcity.htm - 7k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-slavery.html">Does the Bible condone slavery? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Martin-Luther-anti-semitic.html">Was Martin Luther anti-Semitic? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/prayer-public-schools.html">How should a Christian view prayer in public schools? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/outlaw.htm">Outlaw: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Outlaw (6 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/john/10-1.htm">John 10:1</a></span><br />Truly I say to you, He who does not go through the door into the place where the sheep are kept, but gets in by some other way, is a thief and an <span class="boldtext">outlaw</span>.<br /><span class="source">(BBE)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/john/18-40.htm">John 18:40</a></span><br />Then again they gave a loud cry, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was an <span class="boldtext">outlaw</span>.<br /><span class="source">(BBE)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/proverbs/6-11.htm">Proverbs 6:11</a></span><br />Then loss will come on you like an <span class="boldtext">outlaw</span>, and your need like an armed man<br /><span class="source">(BBE)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/proverbs/24-15.htm">Proverbs 24:15</a></span><br />Do not keep a secret watch, O evil-doer, against the fields of the upright man, or send destruction on his resting-place:<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/proverbs/24-34.htm">Proverbs 24:34</a></span><br />So loss will come on you like an <span class="boldtext">outlaw</span>, and your need like an armed man.<br /><span class="source">(BBE)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/jeremiah/30-17.htm">Jeremiah 30:17</a></span><br />For I will make you healthy again and I will make you well from your wounds, says the Lord; because they have given you the name of an <span class="boldtext">outlaw</span>, saying, It is Zion cared for by no man.<br /><span class="source">(BBE)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/o/outlaw.htm">Outlaw</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/edrei.htm">Edrei (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/outlaw.htm">Outlaw (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/outlay.htm">Outlay (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/exiles.htm">Exiles (46 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bandits.htm">Bandits (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/cave.htm">Cave (40 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah (802 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rock.htm">Rock (176 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines (224 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sleeping.htm">Sleeping (69 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/absalom.htm">Absalom (93 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/judges.htm">Judges (117 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/waste.htm">Waste (668 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/street.htm">Street (54 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/streets.htm">Streets (83 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/evil-doing.htm">Evil-doing (106 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/samuel.htm">Samuel (129 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/anem.htm">Anem (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David (1052 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/books.htm">Books (16 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/o/outlandish.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Outlandish"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Outlandish" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/o/outlaws.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Outlaws"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Outlaws" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>