The Bible highlights the value of life even before birth, showing God’s care and purpose for the unborn. Today, we’ll learn what Scripture says about the sanctity of life from the very beginning.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Religion & Spirituality
What Does The Bible Say About The Unborn
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 powerful passage highlights the intimate involvement of God in the creation of every individual, even before birth. It emphasizes that life begins in the womb and that every unborn child is valuable and known by God. It teaches us to appreciate the intricate design of the unborn and recognizes that they have a purpose and a destiny established by God.
As believers, this verse reminds us of our responsibility to protect and value the sanctity of life from the moment of conception. It challenges us to celebrate the beauty of God’s creation in the womb and to advocate for the rights and protection of the unborn.
Jeremiah 1:5
“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.”
In this verse, God reveals to Jeremiah that his purpose and calling were established even before he was formed in the womb. It demonstrates God’s sovereign knowledge and plans for each individual before their birth. It reinforces the belief that life in the womb is significant and has a divine purpose.
As believers, this verse encourages us to trust in God’s predestined plans for our lives and for the lives of others. It reminds us that every unborn child has a unique purpose ordained by God, challenging us to advocate for the protection and nurturing of their potential.
Luke 1:41-44
“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.”
This beautiful encounter between Mary and Elizabeth demonstrates the recognition and celebration of the unborn child. Elizabeth, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, acknowledges the divine presence and significance of the unborn baby Jesus by highlighting the joyful response in her own womb.
As believers, this passage teaches us to value and celebrate the life of the unborn. It reminds us that the unborn can experience joy and connection, emphasizing their personhood and humanity. It challenges us to cultivate a culture that rejoices in the existence and potential of every unborn child.
Psalm 22:10
“From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God.”
In this verse, the psalmist acknowledges God’s presence and guidance throughout all stages of life, even from the moment of birth and beyond. It reflects the understanding that God’s love and care begin in the womb and continue as a lifelong relationship.
As believers, this verse encourages us to recognize and celebrate God’s sovereignty over our lives, including our journey from the womb. It reminds us that God’s purposes extend far beyond our physical birth, guiding and nurturing us from the earliest stages of life.
Psalm 127:3
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”
This verse emphasizes that children are a precious gift from God, given to parents as a blessing and a source of joy. It acknowledges the value and significance of every child, reinforcing the understanding that life is a divine bestowment.
As believers, this verse challenges us to view children, including the unborn, as God’s heritage and reward. It calls us to cherish and protect their lives, embracing the responsibility of nurturing them in the fear and knowledge of the Lord.
Isaiah 44:2
“This is what the Lord says—he who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.”
In this verse, God reassures His people of His constant presence and assistance throughout their lives. It includes a reference to the formation of individuals in the womb, affirming God’s involvement in their creation and His commitment to support them.
As believers, this verse reminds us of God’s faithfulness and care for us from conception onward. It encourages us to trust in His guidance and help in all aspects of life, including our advocacy for the unborn and our support for expectant mothers.
Psalm 71:6
“From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you.”
This psalmist’s declaration recognizes God as the ultimate source of life and praises Him for His continuous sustenance and guidance, commencing from the moment of birth. It acknowledges our dependency on God and His faithfulness throughout all stages of life.
As believers, this verse encourages us to rely on God’s provision and acknowledge the wonders of His creation, specifically emphasizing our humble beginnings in the womb. It inspires us to offer continual praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for the gift of life from conception.
Job 10:8-12
“Your hands shaped me and made me. Will you now turn and destroy me? Remember that you molded me like clay. Will you now turn me to dust again? Did you not pour me out like milk and curdle me like cheese, clothe me with skin and flesh and knit me together with bones and sinews? You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit.”
These verses from Job’s lamentation express his recognition of God’s active involvement in his formation and preservation. Job acknowledges God as the Creator, highlighting the intricate manner in which his body was fashioned and sustained.
As believers, this passage prompts us to reflect on the miraculous process of human development and offer gratitude to God for His craftsmanship. It reminds us that life is a precious gift, intricately designed by the Creator, giving us insight into the reverence we should have for the unborn.
Psalm 139:13
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”
In this verse, the psalmist acknowledges God as the Creator of their innermost being. The imagery of being knit together emphasizes the intentional and skillful crafting of each individual in their mother’s womb.
As believers, this verse prompts us to marvel at the creativity and skill of God in forming each person. It reinforces the belief that life begins at conception and establishes the foundation for cherishing and protecting the sanctity of the unborn.
Psalm 127:3-5
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.”
This passage highlights the role of children as a divine heritage and a source of blessing. It portrays them as valuable assets and compares them to arrows in a warrior’s hand, symbolizing their potential impact and significance.
As believers, this verse challenges us to view children, both born and unborn, as precious gifts entrusted to us by God. It promotes a perspective that recognizes the potential of children to make a positive impact on society, inspiring us to advocate for their rights and well-being.
Job 31:15
“Did not he who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same one form us both within our mothers?”
This verse from Job reflects the understanding that all individuals, regardless of their stage of development, are formed by the same Creator in the womb. It emphasizes the common origin and value of all human life.
As believers, this verse challenges us to embrace the inherent worth and dignity of every person, including the unborn. It encourages us to advocate for the protection and preservation of all life, affirming our responsibility to promote a culture that values each individual from conception.
Luke 1:13-15
“But the angel said to him: ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.’
In this passage, the angel announces the birth of John the Baptist and his unique purpose and calling. The statement that John would be filled with the Holy Spirit even before his birth highlights the spiritual significance and personhood of the unborn child.
As believers, this verse invites us to recognize that the unborn can experience God’s presence and destiny, setting them apart for His purposes. It prompts us to celebrate the value and potential of every unborn child, affirming the sacredness of their lives.
Psalm 22:9-10
“Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. From birth, I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb, you have been my God.”
The psalmist acknowledges God’s provision and care from the moment of birth, expressing trust and reliance on Him. The phrase “from my mother’s womb, you have been my God” emphasizes the steadfast love and sovereignty of God, even in the earliest stages of life.
As believers, this verse encourages us to trust in God’s faithfulness and lean on Him in all circumstances. It reminds us that God’s care begins from conception and calls us to value the lives of the unborn, recognizing and nurturing their relationship with the Lord.
Isaiah 49:1
“Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born, the Lord called me; from my mother’s womb, he has spoken my name.”
This powerful verse reveals God’s intimate knowledge and calling of Isaiah even before his birth. It demonstrates that God’s plans for individuals are established before they enter the world, highlighting the divine purpose and value of the unborn.
As believers, this verse prompts us to affirm the intrinsic worth and potential of every unborn child. It reminds us that God has a unique calling and destiny for each person, encouraging us to advocate for their protection and nurture.
Luke 1:41
“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.”
This verse recounts the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth, culminating in the recognition and response of Elizabeth’s unborn child, John the Baptist. The baby’s reaction to Mary’s greeting demonstrates a level of awareness and connection, underscoring the personhood and spiritual sensitivity of the unborn.
As believers, this passage affirms the significance and potential of the unborn to experience spiritual encounters. It prompts us to acknowledge the value and sacredness of every unborn child, encouraging us to advocate for their protection and well-being.
Jeremiah 1:4-5
“The word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘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.’
In these verses, God speaks to Jeremiah, revealing His predestined plans for his life even before his formation in the womb. It demonstrates God’s intimate knowledge and purpose for the unborn, emphasizing their significance and individuality.
As believers, this passage challenges us to reflect on the divine purpose and potential of every unborn child. It reminds us that God has a unique calling for each person, inviting us to protect and nurture the lives of the unborn, safeguarding their ability to fulfill God’s purpose.
Psalm 71:6
“From birth, I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you.”
In this verse, the psalmist declares their unwavering reliance on God from birth, acknowledging Him as the source of their existence. It reflects a deep sense of gratitude and commitment to worship God, recognizing His faithfulness from the earliest stages of life.
As believers, this verse prompts us to cultivate a spirit of dependence on God, acknowledging His providence and care from the moment of conception. It inspires us to honor and worship Him by advocating for the lives and well-being of the unborn.
Psalm 113:9
“He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord.”
This verse celebrates God’s ability to grant the desires of those who long for children. It recognizes His faithfulness in answering prayers for parenthood and portrays children as a cause for praise and joy.
As believers, this verse encourages us to rejoice with those who are granted the gift of children, including the unborn. It reminds us to celebrate the fulfillment of longings for parenthood and to support and nurture the lives of the unborn.
Proverbs 31:8-9
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
These verses from Proverbs advocate for the defense and protection of those who are unable to advocate for themselves. The unborn, being unable to speak for their rights, fall into this category of individuals deserving of advocacy.
As believers, these verses prompt us to speak up for the unborn, defending their right to life and protection. They remind us of our responsibility to champion the cause of the voiceless, standing against any injustice that threatens their well-being.
Deuteronomy 30:19
“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”
In this verse, Moses addresses the people of Israel, presenting them with a choice between life and death. He encourages them to choose life, recognizing it as a blessing not only for themselves but also for their future generations.
As believers, this verse challenges us to choose life, promoting and safeguarding the well-being of every unborn child. It reminds us of the responsibility to make choices that are aligned with God’s desire for life, advocating for the rights and protection of the most vulnerable among us.
Proverbs 6:16-17
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood.”
This passage enumerates the things that the Lord detests, including hands that shed innocent blood. It establishes God’s abhorrence toward the taking of innocent life, emphasizing the sanctity and value of all human life, particularly the innocent and defenseless.
As believers, this verse calls us to align our values with those of God, recognizing and opposing any act of violence against the unborn. It prompts us to promote a culture of love, compassion, and protection for all, valuing and defending the sanctity of every human life.
Proverbs 24:11-12
“Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering towards 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?”
In these verses, the writer exhorts individuals to intervene and save those who are being led to their death. The reminder that God perceives the intentions of the heart and will hold people accountable reinforces the responsibility to defend the defenseless.
As believers, this passage compels us to advocate and rescue the unborn from the threat of destruction. It challenges us to be aware, informed, and proactive, recognizing that God sees and judges our actions concerning the protection and preservation of life.
James 1:27
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
This verse defines true and acceptable religion as caring for orphans and widows in their distress. It highlights the call to protect and support the vulnerable, which includes advocating for the rights and well-being of the unborn.
As believers, this verse challenges us to emulate Christ’s heart for the marginalized and oppressed, recognizing the unborn as part of the vulnerable population. It compels us to actively engage in promoting and defending their rights, demonstrating a pure and faultless faith.