It is a common misconception that the Bible supports abortion. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the Bible does not explicitly condone or promote abortion.
In fact, many Christians and scholars argue that the Bible supports the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death.
While there are some passages that are ambiguous or have been misinterpreted to support abortion, they can be explained in a way that aligns with the overall message of the Bible.
In this article, we will explore the commonly cited verses that some people use to argue in favor of abortion, and provide a deeper understanding of their true meaning.
Bible Verses Supporting Abortion
It is important to note that the Bible does not explicitly mention abortion, as we understand it today.
However, there are some verses in the Bible that have been interpreted in different ways to support or oppose the practice of abortion.
Some people argue that the Bible is silent on the issue of abortion, while others believe that there are certain passages that imply a stance on the issue. In this response, we will focus on verses that have been interpreted to support abortion.
It is worth noting that these interpretations are not universally accepted, and there are many Christians who oppose abortion based on their interpretation of the Bible.
Genesis 1:27 (NIV) – We Are The Image Of God
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them
Job 3:16 (NIV) – We Are The Light Of The World
“Or like a miscarriage which is discarded, I would not be,
As infants that never saw light.
Psalm 51:5 (NIV) – God Is Ready to Forgive All Our Sins
“Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me”
Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV) – God Knew Us Before We Were Formed
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Matthew 6:33 (NIV) – Seek First Gods kingdom
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”
Psalm 103:12 (NIV) – God Is Faithful
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us”
1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) – God Cares
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you”
Bible Verses Referring To Abortion
There are several passages that refer to the sanctity of human life and the value of unborn children.
These passages have been the subject of much debate and interpretation among Christians and scholars, with some arguing that they support a pro-life stance, while others maintain that they can be interpreted to support a pro-choice view
. In this section, we will explore some of the most significant Bible verses that relate to abortion and examine their meanings in their respective contexts.
By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of the Bible’s teachings on the value of human life, and how these teachings apply to the issue of abortion.
Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV) – God Created Us For a Purpose
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Isaiah 44:24 (KJV) God Is Our Redeemer
Thus saith the Lord, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the Lord that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself
Psalms 139:13 (NIV)
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb
Exodus 20:13 (NIV)
“You shall not murder
Numbers 5:27-28 (NIV)
If she has made herself impure and been unfaithful to her husband, this will be the result: When she is made to drink the water that brings a curse and causes bitter suffering, it will enter her, her abdomen will swell and her womb will miscarry, and she will become a curse.
Bible Verse About Unwanted Pregnancy
Unwanted pregnancy is a complex issue that has been a subject of debate in various societies and cultures throughout history.
While the Bible does not explicitly address the issue of unwanted pregnancy, there are several verses that speak to the value of human life and the responsibility that comes with bringing a child into the world
Luke 1:43-44 (NIV)
And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy
Genesis 1:27 (NIV)
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them
Exodus 20:13 (NIV)
“You shall not murder
Psalm 51:5 (NIV)
“Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me”
Psalm 22:10 (NIV)
From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God
Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV)
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Bible Verses Referring To Abortion
The Bible does not explicitly mention the word “abortion,” but there are several verses that refer to the value of human life and the sacredness of the unborn.
Christians have different interpretations of these verses, and there is no consensus among them regarding the morality of abortion.
However, these verses provide insight into the biblical perspective on life and the unborn.
Genesis 9:6 (NIV)
“Whoever sheds man’s blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made man.
Job 3:16 (NIV)
“Or like a miscarriage which is discarded, I would not be,
As infants that never saw light.
Psalm 127:3 (NIV)
Behold, children are a gift of the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Deuteronomy 5:17 (NIV)
‘You shall not murder.
Isaiah 44:24 (KJV)
Thus saith the Lord, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the Lord that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself
What Does The Bible Say About Supporting Abortion
It is important to understand that the Bible does not explicitly mention abortion, so it can be difficult to determine its stance on the issue. However, some people have interpreted certain verses to support their position on abortion. Here are seven verses that are sometimes used as excuses for abortion, along with explanations of their true meanings.
(Exodus 21:22-25) “If people are fighting and hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman’s husband demands and the court allows. But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life.”
This passage is sometimes used to argue that the unborn child is not considered a fully formed human being, and therefore can be aborted without consequence.
However, the context of this passage is about punishment for injuring a pregnant woman, not about the value of the unborn child.
The fact that the punishment for causing the death of the unborn child is “life for life” implies that the unborn child is considered to have value and worth.
(Psalm 139:13-16) “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
This passage is sometimes used to argue that God creates each person in the womb, but it can also be used to argue that life begins at conception and should be protected. The language of this passage emphasizes the wonder and value of human life, and the fact that God knows us even before we are born.
(Proverbs 24:11-12) – “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, ‘But we knew nothing about this,’ does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?
This passage is often used to argue that Christians have a duty to protect the innocent and helpless, including unborn children. The language of this passage emphasizes the urgency of taking action to save those who are in danger, and the idea that God will hold us accountable for our actions or inaction.
(Isaiah 49:15 ) “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!”
This passage is often used to emphasize the motherly love and compassion that God has for all of his children, including unborn children.
It can be argued that this love and compassion extends to the unborn, and that therefore we have a duty to protect them.
Matthew 19:14 “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'”
This passage is often used to argue that Jesus values children and that we should protect them from harm, including the harm of abortion. The fact that Jesus specifically mentions children and encourages them to come to him implies that they are important to him and should be valued.
Romans 14:23 “But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.”
This passage is sometimes used to argue that Christians should not do anything that they are unsure about, and that includes having an abortion. If a Christian is uncertain about whether abortion is morally permissible, they should err on the side of caution and not engage in it.
Finally, while the Bible does not explicitly mention abortion, there are many verses that have been interpreted in different ways to support or oppose the practice.
It is important to consider the context and true meaning of these verses before using them as excuses for abortion.
Further more, the decision of whether or not to have an abortion is a deeply personal and complex one, and should be made after careful consideration of all the factors involved.
Conclusion
It is important to note that the Bible does not explicitly support abortion, and there is no clear consensus among Christians regarding the morality of the practice.
While some verses in the Bible emphasize the value of human life and the sanctity of the unborn, the interpretation of these verses can vary.
The decision of whether to have an abortion is a personal and complex one, and Christians approach this issue with a range of perspectives and opinions.
