Innocence, examples of

Innocence is displayed most purely in Jesus Christ but is also ascribed to others.

Examples of innocence

Innocence before the fall

Genesis 2:25

And the man and his wife were both naked, and they were not ashamed.

The innocence of Jesus Christ

1 Peter 2:22 See also Isaiah 53:9; Matthew 27:19; Luke 23:41; John 8:46; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 1 John 3:4–5

“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.”

Innocence in others

Job 9:21; John 1:47 See also Genesis 6:9 Noah; Judges 21:20–22 the assembly of Israel; 2 Samuel 11:6–13 Uriah; Job 9:15 Job; Daniel 6:22 Daniel; 2 Corinthians 7:10–11 the Corinthians

Though I am blameless, I have no concern for myself; I despise my own life.

When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, He said of him, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit.”

The varied experiences of innocence

Loss of innocence

Genesis 3:1–13

The innocent wronged

Isaiah 5:22–23 See also 1 Samuel 19:4–5; 2 Samuel 13:1–14; Isaiah 29:20–21; Matthew 2:16, Matthew 12:1–7; James 5:6

Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine and champions in mixing strong drink, who acquit the guilty for a bribe and deprive the innocent of justice.

Admissions of lack of innocence

2 Kings 10:9 See also Genesis 44:1–16

The next morning, Jehu went out and stood before all the people and said, “You are innocent. It was I who conspired against my master and killed him. But who killed all these?

Claims to innocence

Job 34:5–6 See also Genesis 20:1–5; 2 Samuel 3:26–28; Isaiah 50:8–9; Acts 20:25–27

For Job has declared, ‘I am righteous, yet God has deprived me of justice. Would I lie about my case? My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.’

False claims to innocence

Jeremiah 2:34–35 See also Matthew 27:24

Moreover, your skirts are stained with the blood of the innocent poor, though you did not find them breaking in. But in spite of all these things you say, ‘I am innocent. Surely His anger will turn from me.’ Behold, I will judge you, because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’

Washing hands to signify innocence

Matthew 27:24 See also Psalm 26:6, Psalm 73:13

When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “You bear the responsibility.”

A distorted view of innocence

Proverbs 16:2 See also Job 4:7, Job 9:23, Job 9:28

All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed out by the LORD.