Does the Bible condone abortion? The answer is a resounding ‘no’. The Bible is composed of texts that consistently condemn the practice. In the ESV version of the Bible, God has clearly expressed his moral condemnation of taking the life of the unborn child, explicitly stating that it is sin. So, what does the Bible say about abortion more explicitly?
What does the Bible say about Abortion? ESV
The Bible speaks out against abortion in numerous passages and verses. For instance, Psalm 127:3-5 (ESV) states: “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” This passage is particularly compelling because it illustrates the great value God places on human life, even from the womb.
The Bible also explicitly reveals God’s stance on the taking of innocent life in Exodus 21:22-25 (ESV): “When men strive together and hit a pregnant woman, so that her children come out, but there is no harm, the one who hit her shall surely be fined, as the woman’s husband shall impose on him, and he shall pay as the judges determine. But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life.” This verse makes it crystal clear that God treats the taking of a life in the uterus the same as he does the taking of a life outside of the womb.
The Bible also speaks against abortion in Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV), where God says: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” This passage reveals that God’s plan for each of us is formed before we are born. This implies that no human has the right to terminate the life of someone His hands have crafted.
The Bible also states in Job 31:15 (ESV): “Did not he who made me in the womb make him? And did not one fashion us in the womb?” This passage further emphasizes how God forms every person from the moment it is conceived. It states that God is the creator of every person, and therefore aborting a child is denying God’s ultimate authority.
Finally, the Bible is full of examples in which God has intervened to save the unborn. One of the most famous examples of this is when God commands Moses in Exodus 4:19 (ESV) to save the baby he carried — even though Pharaoh had issued a decree to kill all firstborn male Hebrew children. Here, once again, we see how important the life of an unborn baby is to God.
Bible Verses on Abortion
The Bible contains numerous verses that have been interpreted to express how God views the taking of innocent life in the womb. It is clear from these verses that God is strongly opposed to abortion and considers it a sin. Some of the more prominent Bible verses on abortion include Isaiah 44:24 (ESV): “Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, who formed you from the womb: I am the Lord, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself;”
Romans 9:10-13 (ESV) also speaks out against abortion: “And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who call— she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”
Leviticus 20:1-3 (ESV) also condemns the practice of taking innocent life in the womb: “The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Say to the people of Israel, Any one of the people of Israel or of the strangers who sojourn in Israel who gives any of his children to Molech shall surely be put to death. The people of the land shall stone him with stones. I myself will set my face against that man and will cut him off from among his people, because he has given one of his children to Molech, to make my sanctuary unclean and to profane my holy name.”
God’s Stance on Abortion
From the passages discussed above, it is clear that God does not condone abortion. He is always unconditional in extending His mercy and grace towards us, yet we must accept and obey His will for us. Aborting a child not only goes against God’s purpose for his creation, but it also ends the life of an innocent who God set out to have a life full of potential, blessings, and joy.
God extends grace and mercy to all who repent of their sins, including those who have had an abortion. Abortion is a serious sin and consequences do exist, however, forgiveness is always available through repentance and true faith in God. While some may argue that forgiveness is a passive form of approval for the sin, it is not. God does not condone any sin, only provides forgiveness and restoration if we come to Him for it.
God takes the sanctity of life and His authority as the creator of all people seriously. From the very act of conception, He has a purpose and a plan for all people. Any disruption of that plan by terminating a life in the uterus is sin. We must remember to revere God’s authority and recognize that life is precious, even from conception.
Abortion in the Bible Compared to Today
Today, abortion is a very divisive issue and many people have intense opinions about it. Some believe it is a valid medical option that should be accessible to all, while others, such as those of the Christian faith, believe it should not be allowed in any form. Comparing abortion in the Bible and today is important in understanding the current complexity of the debate.
In the past, the Hebrew society allowed abortion in very specific circumstances. This included if a husband suspected his wife of infidelity, if the pregnancy resulted from adultery, or if the life of the mother was in danger. If these conditions were met, the baby could be aborted, however, this did not make it acceptable in the eyes of God. Despite the exceptions, it was still seen as a grave sin and was never condoned by God.
Today, many of the same conditions still apply, however, there are more liberal abortion laws and a much wider acceptance of the practice. This has caused a great deal of debate among Christian circles and even among individual congregations and denominations. It is clear that there is still a sizable contingent of Christians who are opposed to abortion in any circumstance.
Biblical Principles on Abortion
While the Bible does not explicitly address abortion, it contains several principles that can help us discern God’s stance on the matter. First, we can look to the passages that speak of protecting life and defending the innocent, as discussed above. These passages clearly indicate God’s opposition to abortion.
Another principle found in the Bible is the concept of stewardship, which taught that we are responsible for taking care of our bodies and using them according to God’s will. Aborting a child would go against this principle, as it abandons what God has entrusted to us.
The third principle is that God is the ultimate author of life, with the power to giver life and take it away. Terminating a life that He has formed goes against His authority and His will for us. Finally, God values human life, regardless of how it began. Aborting a child removes this life without conscience, which God considers a grave sin.
Conclusions
From what has been discussed above, it is clear that God strongly opposes abortion. He views it as sin and has expressed his annoyance with those who take innocent life in the womb. God has set out a plan for each child, and aborting a child goes against His plan and purpose. Therefore, we must recognize God’s commandment to protect life and obey His will in all things, including the lives of the unborn.
A husband of one wife, father of two beautiful girls, laborer of Lord, Jesus Christ, and a servant to God’s His saints. I hope to encourage you by God’s grace. Thank you for stopping by.
