What Does the Bible Say About Apathy? With Scripture References

What-Does-the-Bible-Say-About-Apathy_.jpg

Lord’s Library editors answer the question “What does the Bible say about apathy?” with specific Bible references.

Have you ever asked yourself the question “What does the Bible say about apathy?” If you have, you’re definitely not alone! And since the Bible helps Christians form a foundational understanding of important topics, it’s imperative that one know how Scripture describes apathy in different contexts. The Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines apathy as “Want of feeling; an utter privation of passion, or insensibility to pain; applied either to the body or the mind.”

Now armed with a basic definition of apathy, Lord’s Library editors thought it would be a helpful exercise to provide Biblical context. As a result, we compiled this short resource which captures all notable mentions of the word apathy, as well as its other forms. If you’ve been wondering what the King James Bible says about apathy, scroll on for additional detail.

Note: If you want to know what the Bible says about apathy and 206 other important topics (to be exact), our editors recommend Spencer Smith’s Doctrine Matters: Bible Topic Guidebook.

The Gospel

What Does the Bible Say About Apathy?


Revelation 3:15-16

“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”

Romans 12:11

“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;”

2 Timothy 4:3-4

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”

Ephesians 6:10-12

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Romans 12:9

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”

Proverbs 15:19

“The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.”

Ephesians 5:16

“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

John 5:39-40

“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.”

James 4:17

“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”

Hebrews 11:6

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

Ecclesiastes 9:10

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.”

1 John 3:17-18

“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”


Lord's Library participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.
Timothy Andrew
Follow Tim
Timothy Andrew

Timothy Andrew

Tim is the Founder of Lord's Library. He believes the Bible commands us to minister "as of the ability which God giveth" (1 Peter 4:11). Tim aspires to be as The Lord's mouth by "taking forth the precious from the vile" (Jeremiah 15:19) and witnessing The Gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4) to the whole world.

scroll to top