Is the age of consent a biblical concept?

Answer

The age of consent is a legal concept that defines the age at which a person can legally consent to marriage or sexual activity. This age requirement varies from one country to another, and within the United States, it differs from state to state. For instance, the age of consent in Nigeria is 11, while in South Korea, it is 20. Islamic law sets the age of consent at 9, but this is applicable only within the context of marriage. In the United States, the age of consent ranges between 16 and 18. Globally, the average age of consent is 16. Engaging in sexual activities with someone below the age of consent is considered statutory rape, and the perpetrator can be prosecuted regardless of whether the act was consensual.

The age of consent is not a term found in the Bible, but laws that establish an age of consent are rooted in a biblical principle of safeguarding children. In the ancient Hebrew culture, children were expected to mature early. Boys typically began apprenticeships with older male relatives at the age of 13 to learn a trade. Once a girl reached puberty, she was deemed eligible for marriage and could be engaged to an older man who could provide for her (note that engagement differed from actual marriage). In ancient Israel, when conducting a census or enlisting men for military service, the minimum age requirement was 20 (Numbers 1:3;Exodus 30:14;2 Chronicles 25:5).

The purpose of age of consent laws is to shield the innocence and immaturity of children. Sexual activity is a significant life event, intended by God to seal a lifelong commitment in marriage (Genesis 2:24;1 Corinthians 7:39). Additionally, the age of consent serves to safeguard children from individuals seeking to exploit them sexually. In fact, efforts against human trafficking have been crucial in raising awareness about this issue.Historically, there has been a push for a higher age of consent as a way to safeguard vulnerable youth and promote social stability. Age of consent regulations grant authorities more power to apprehend predators and prevent the exploitation of minors.

Although the Bible does not specify an age of consent, the principle is rooted in biblical teachings. Sexual activity should always be consensual, and measures should be taken to shield those at risk of exploitation. It is biblical to curb the actions of pedophiles, safeguard children from victimization, and discourage sexual abuse in general. Age of consent laws contribute to achieving these goals.

Parents bear the responsibility of preparing their children for marriage and sexual relationships that are in line with God’s will. Ephesians 6:4 instructs parents to “bring [children] up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” When a family upholds God’s design for sexual purity, a child can mature understanding that the age of consent signifies the point in adulthood when they possess the discernment to select a spouse “for better or worse.”