Skip to main content
    In Context

    What Does the Bible Say About Racism — In Biblical Context

    The Bible condemns all racism — teaching that all humans are made in God's image, descended from one blood, and equally valued at the cross of Christ.

    Quick Answer

    The Bible condemns all racism — teaching that all humans are made in God's image, descended from one blood, and equally valued at the cross of Christ.

    "God hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth." — Acts 17:26 (KJV)

    The Biblical Context

    Racism is fundamentally opposed to biblical teaching. All humans are created in God's image (Genesis 1:27), giving every person equal inherent dignity. Acts 17:26 declares, 'God hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth.' There is no biblical basis for racial superiority. James 2:9 states, 'If ye have respect of persons, ye commit sin.' The early church struggled with Jewish-Gentile prejudice until God showed Peter, 'God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him' (Acts 10:34-35). Paul proclaimed, 'There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus' (Galatians 3:28). Heaven's vision is a 'great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues' (Revelation 7:9) worshipping together. The gospel dismantles every wall of ethnic hostility (Ephesians 2:14).

    Where It Sits in Scripture

    The core passage for this question, Acts 17:26, sits inside Acts 17. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.

    "God hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth."
    — Acts 17:26 (KJV)

    Supporting Passages

    Galatians 3:28
    "There is neither Jew nor Greek... for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
    James 2:9
    "If ye have respect of persons, ye commit sin."

    Explore this question from another angle

    Meaning

    Plain-language explanation

    Related Verses

    Cross-reference KJV verses

    Full Answer

    The complete Bible answer page

    Related Reading

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

    Q&A

    What Does the Bible Say About Racism?

    Daily Living

    Q&A

    What Does the Bible Say About Racism?

    Daily Living

    Q&A

    What Does the Bible Say About Living Together Before Marriage?

    Marriage & Family

    Commentary

    1 Corinthians 10:31 Commentary

    In-depth study • Living for God's Glory

    Situation

    Practicing Generosity

    Scriptures about giving, generosity, and the blessing of open-handed living.

    Verses About

    Bible Verses About Clean Living

    10 curated KJV verses

    Keep Going

    Continue Exploring Scripture

    You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.

    Today's Verse

    Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.

    Verses by Topic

    Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.

    Bible Miracles

    Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.

    Angels & Spiritual Warfare

    Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.

    Bible Genealogies & Family Trees

    Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.

    Women of the Bible

    Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.