The Bible speaks about unborn babies in a variety of ways. In regards to who these little ones are, the Bible describes them simply as life, with the same potential and purpose that any other human being would have. What the Bible stresses is that each unborn baby is a gift from God and should be treasured and loved.
Psalms 127:3 (ESV) ” Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
The passage speaks of how special and valued babies are, even those unborn. God’s view of unborn life is one of great protection. Not only does He recognize that the unborn is living, but He emphasizes that the unborn needs to be taken care of and nurtured.
Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV) “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.”
This verse is a clear illustration of how God not only views unborn babies in a special way, but also that He has a special plan for them. His Word emphasizes that the hearts of the unborn are equally valuable to Him as the hearts of those who are born.
Proverbs 6:17 “Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood–”
This particular verse takes a firm stance on any attempts to harm the innocent or unborn. This is further backed up in Exodus 21:22-24 (ESV), which speaks specifically about unborn babies as being worthy of life and protection. In God’s eyes, before a baby has been born, He still sees them as living beings. This is further reason why abortion is deemed wrong by Him and why unborn lives should be proudly respected.
Personhood
Having spoken about how unborn babies as life, the bible also looks into the idea of personhood. This is the point at which a fetus has “humanness” and develops self-consciousness and feels pain. Several bible passages suggest the age of a fetus in terms of personhood is during his/her mother’s sixth or seventh month of pregnancy.
Psalms 139:13-16 (KJV) “For you formed my inward parts; you stressed and clothèd me in my mother’s womb. Even before that, I was formed, and before I was born, you had set me apart; you had appointed me as a prophet to the nations. When my mother had conceived me, she did so with awe-filled joy. You knew every aspect of me even before I was born”
At the moment of conception, God already knows every part of the infant. This includes the person’s hair color, skin color, eye color, body form, personality etc. In other words, the conception should be seen as a new person with his/her own personality.
Job 3:3 “Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was said, ‘A man child is brought forth.’”
This is a helpful verse to refer to in regards to personhood. Here, Job is expressing frustation, but in his words he demonstrates personhood. Job, in his mouth, acknowledges his humanity as being from a particular time – the day he was born. This is further evidence to suggest that personhood is imparted at birth.
Sentimental and Emotional Value
The bible also emphasized the sentimental and emotional value of unborn babies. Even though the bible does not denote any particular value to the unborn, still it talks about the special place of unborn babies as far as sentiment is concerned.
Psalms 113:9 (ESV) “He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord”.
This particular verse speaks of how having an unborn baby is seen as a joyous event in the Bible. Even though some couples may be going through struggles or may not be able to have children naturally, having an unborn baby is still a source of joy in God’s eyes. This is regardless of what His plan for the life of the unborn will be.
Psalms 127:3-5 (ESV) “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 particular passage speaks to the value of children and how an unborn baby still carries special significance. Just as a warrior has his arrows in his hand, having an unborn baby is such a blessing to any parents. It is part of God’s reward to His people.
Morality
The bible also speaks of the moral importance of unborn babies. In the Bible, God puts a high value on human life, regardless of the stage of age. He values everybody equally, and He prohibits the taking of innocent life. This applies for the fetus, who He also views as innocent.
Genesis 9:6 (ESV) “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.”
This verse speaks of the importance of not taking life, no matter the age. This rule applies to the unborn as well. In God’s eyes, they are just as important to not take life of as any other human being.
Exodus 21:23-25 (ESV) “But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.”
This is a rule in the Bible that speaks of the importance of not taking lives of any kind, including the unborn. This furthers the point that God views the unborn in high moral dignity.
Samaritan Woman’s Perspective
In John 4:5, the Samaritan woman has a perspective that provides insight into the sentiment of unborn babies: “For even the son of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, but the son of the free woman through the promise.”
In her speech, she acknowledges that the unborn carries the same rights and claim as those who are born. This further speaks of the importance placed on unborn babies as valuable members of the society.
Luke 1:41,44 (ESV) “And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit…”
This particular verse speaks to the idea of the unborn being able to respond to external stimuli. This is an important concept within the literature, as it speaks to the point of personhood and the idea that the unborn can feel on some level. Thus, the unborn deserves respect and protection regardless of their individual views.
The Bible’s Conviction on Unborn Babies
The Bible is clear in its conviction on unborn babies. They are living human beings who have been created by God, and so should be treated as such. They have a potential and purpose, which should be respected by those around them. Furthermore, the Bible speaks towards personhood, moral importance, and sentiment, all of which emphasize the importance and value of unborn babies.
Psalms 8:2 (ESV) “Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.”
This verse speaks of the strength and importance of children, including the unborn. It emphasizes the importance of protecting the innocent, of providing a safe home and life for them, and of respecting the rights of unborn babies.
Isaiah 44:2 (ESV) “Thus says the Lord who made you, who formed you from the womb…”
This verse speaks to the idea that unborn babies have been formed according to God’s will, and that they are special to Him. It emphasizes the idea that each unborn baby has a special value, and that they should be respected as such.
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.
