What Does the Bible Say About Rap Music?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary holds a degree in theology and she has a deep understanding of biblical texts. She works as an elementary school teacher in Alabama.

The Bible does not specifically mention rap music, as it predates contemporary music genres. However, it does provide principles for evaluating music and artistic expression. The Bible emphasizes the importance of words and their impact, encouraging expressions that are uplifting, truthful, and honor God.

Ever wondered what the Bible might say about rap music? Dive into an exploration of biblical principles for understanding modern music genres like rap.

What Does the Bible Say About Rap Music?

While the Bible does not directly address rap music, it offers principles that can guide Christians in their engagement with this and other music genres. Rap, like all forms of art, can be evaluated through the lens of biblical teachings on creativity, expression, and morality.

Firstly, the Bible acknowledges the power of words. Proverbs speaks extensively about the impact of our speech, a principle that can be applied to song lyrics as well. Rap music, known for its lyrical density and poetic expression, can be a powerful medium for conveying messages and emotions. The Bible encourages us to use words in a way that is uplifting, edifying, and in line with God’s truth.

Creativity is celebrated in the Bible as a reflection of God, the Creator. The artistic and creative elements in rap music, including its rhythms, rhymes, and storytelling, can be seen as expressions of this God-given creativity.

However, the Bible also cautions against content that promotes sin, immorality, or that is harmful in nature. This includes any form of artistic expression that leads us away from God, promotes violence, or devalues others. Christians are encouraged to engage with music that aligns with their values and to avoid content that contradicts their faith and convictions.

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God’s view, as presented in the Bible, is that all forms of expression, including music, should honor Him and reflect the values of the Christian faith. This does not necessarily exclude any particular genre, like rap, but it does call for discernment about the content and message of the music we consume and create.

In the New Testament, Paul’s writings, particularly in Philippians, remind us to focus on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. This can be applied to evaluating music: considering the lyrical content, the intention behind it, and its impact on our thoughts and attitudes.

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly mention rap music, it provides guidelines for Christians to assess and engage with it. This includes considering the power of words, the expression of creativity, and ensuring that our music choices align with Christian values and promote what is good and edifying.

Bible Verses About Rap Music

Since the Bible does not directly address contemporary music genres like rap, there are no specific verses about rap music. However, we can look at verses that talk about speech, creativity, and moral discernment:

  1. Proverbs 18:21: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” This emphasizes the impact of our words.
  2. Ephesians 5:19: “Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.” This verse encourages making music that honors God.
  3. Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” This can guide us in choosing music that aligns with these values.
  4. Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” This verse suggests that all forms of expression, including music, should honor God.
  5. James 3:5-6: “Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire…” This speaks to the power of words, relevant to rap lyrics.
  6. Psalm 150:3-5: “Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.” This psalm celebrates various forms of musical expression.
  7. Psalm 33:3: “Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.” This encourages creativity and skill in music.
  8. Ephesians 4:29: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” This is applicable to the content of music lyrics.
  9. 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” This suggests that all activities, including the arts, should glorify God.
  10. Psalm 101:3: “I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.” This verse speaks to avoiding content that is contrary to Christian values.
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The principles outlined in these verses provide a framework for Christians to engage thoughtfully with rap music or any form of artistic expression. It’s about being mindful of the content and its influence on our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. The Bible encourages us to seek out artistic expressions that uplift, edify, and reflect our values, while being cautious of those that could lead us away from a godly path.