Christians often read the Bible and encounter commands, instructions, warnings, and promises. Some passages sound absolute and binding, while others appear more general and situational. This leads to an important question for serious Bible study. What is the difference between a biblical law and a biblical principle? Understanding this distinction helps believers rightly divide Scripture, avoid confusion, and apply God’s Word faithfully in daily life.

This topic matters because many doctrinal errors and unnecessary divisions arise when laws are treated like principles, or principles are enforced as laws. The Bible itself models a careful distinction between the two.

What Is a Law in the Bible?

A law in Scripture is a direct command given by God, often accompanied by specific expectations, obligations, and sometimes penalties for disobedience. Laws are authoritative, objective, and binding upon the people to whom they are given.

In the Old Testament, laws are most clearly seen in the Mosaic Law, given to Israel through Moses. Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy contain hundreds of explicit commands that governed Israel’s worship, civil life, and moral conduct.

For example, Exodus 20:13 states plainly, “Thou shalt not kill.” This is not advice or wisdom. It is a command. Similarly, Leviticus 11 outlines dietary laws, and Deuteronomy 12 regulates worship practices. These were laws given to a specific covenant people at a specific time.

Laws are often marked by direct language such as “thou shalt” or “thou shalt not.” They are not suggestions. They are requirements.

In the New Testament, laws still exist, though they are understood within the New Covenant. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” The apostles also issued commands to the churches, such as moral prohibitions against sexual immorality, idolatry, and false teaching.

Biblical laws answer the question, What must be obeyed?

What Is a Biblical Principle?

A principle is a general truth or pattern revealed in Scripture that reflects God’s character and how He designed life to function. Principles are not always stated as commands. Instead, they are observed through narrative, wisdom literature, and repeated themes across Scripture.

A principle teaches how things normally work according to God’s order, not necessarily what must be done in every circumstance.

For example, Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This verse is not a law with guaranteed outcomes. It is a principle. It describes a general pattern. Godly training tends to produce godly fruit, but it does not function as an unconditional promise.

Another example is Galatians 6:7, “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” This is a principle of moral cause and effect. It teaches that actions have consequences, but it does not specify exact timing or form.

Principles answer the question, What is wise and consistent with God’s design?

Laws Are Covenant Bound, Principles Are Universal

One key distinction is this. Laws are often tied to a covenant, while principles transcend covenants.

The Mosaic Law was given to Israel under the Old Covenant. Christians are not under that law as a legal system. Romans 6:14 states, “For ye are not under the law, but under grace.” This does not mean God’s moral standards disappeared. It means the legal framework governing Israel as a nation is no longer binding on the Church.

However, principles embedded within the law still reveal God’s character. For example, ceremonial laws about cleanliness pointed to holiness. Sacrificial laws pointed to atonement. Though Christians no longer practice animal sacrifice, the principle that sin requires atonement remains, fulfilled in Christ.

Jesus Himself demonstrated this distinction. In Matthew 12, He challenged Pharisees who rigidly enforced Sabbath laws while ignoring the principle of mercy. He said, “I will have mercy, and not sacrifice.” He was not abolishing God’s law, but showing that principles guide proper application.

Laws Require Obedience, Principles Require Discernment

A law leaves little room for interpretation. Obedience is the issue. A principle requires wisdom and discernment in application.

For example, the command not to commit adultery is a law. It is universally binding and morally absolute. There is no context in which adultery becomes righteous.

By contrast, the principle of submission to authority, taught in Romans 13, must be applied with discernment. Scripture also shows instances where believers disobeyed authorities when obedience would have required sin, such as in Acts 5:29, “We ought to obey God rather than men.”

Misunderstanding this leads to legalism on one hand and license on the other. Treating principles like laws can produce harshness and judgment. Treating laws like optional principles leads to moral compromise.

Narrative Often Teaches Principles, Not Laws

Much of the Bible is narrative. Stories of Abraham, Joseph, David, Ruth, and the early church describe what happened, not always what must be repeated.

For instance, Acts records believers selling possessions and sharing resources. This reveals a principle of generosity and mutual care. It is not a law requiring all Christians to sell everything. When some attempt to enforce it as law, they go beyond Scripture.

Likewise, Gideon’s use of a fleece in Judges is descriptive, not prescriptive. It shows God’s patience, not a recommended method of discerning God’s will.

A helpful rule is this. Narratives illustrate principles. Commands establish laws.

Jesus Fulfilled the Law but Reinforced Principles

Jesus did not abolish the law. He fulfilled it. Matthew 5:17 records His words, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.”

In fulfilling the law, Jesus also emphasized the principles beneath it. He taught that murder begins in the heart with anger, and adultery begins with lust. He moved obedience from external conformity to internal transformation.

The Sermon on the Mount is a prime example. Jesus takes known laws and exposes the deeper principles of righteousness, humility, mercy, and love. He did not lower the standard. He revealed its true intent.

Why This Distinction Matters for Christians Today

Understanding the difference between law and principle protects believers from several errors.

First, it guards against legalism, the practice of imposing rules God has not commanded. When cultural preferences or personal convictions are elevated to the level of divine law, division follows.

Second, it prevents selective obedience, where clear commands are dismissed as cultural or symbolic. Moral laws regarding holiness, integrity, and love remain binding under the New Covenant.

Third, it enables wise application. Principles allow Scripture to be faithfully applied across cultures, generations, and circumstances without distorting God’s Word.

Paul modeled this balance in 1 Corinthians 9. He voluntarily limited his freedoms for the sake of others. This was not commanded by law. It flowed from the principle of love.

Law and Principle Work Together

Law and principle are not enemies. They serve different purposes. Laws define boundaries. Principles guide living within those boundaries.

A Christian who loves God will obey His commands and also seek to live wisely according to His principles. Jesus summarized the law in two commands, love God and love your neighbor. Those commands are laws. How they are lived out day by day depends on principles like humility, patience, and discernment.

The Bible speaks with both authority and wisdom. Laws reveal what God requires. Principles reveal how God’s truth operates in real life. Confusing the two leads to error. Understanding their difference leads to maturity.

A faithful Christian does not ask only, “Is this commanded?” but also, “Does this reflect the heart and wisdom of God?” When laws are obeyed and principles are embraced, Scripture is honored as it was meant to be, not merely followed, but lived.