The term “bastard” is sometimes used in the Bible, but it’s important to understand the context. Today, we will explore what the Bible says about children born out of wedlock and how God’s love and grace apply to all people, regardless of their circumstances.
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What Does The Bible Say About Bastard Children
Deuteronomy 23:2
“No one of illegitimate birth shall enter the assembly of the Lord; none of his descendants, even to the tenth generation, shall enter the assembly of the Lord.”
This verse from Deuteronomy outlines the exclusion of individuals born out of wedlock, commonly referred to as “bastard children,” from entering the assembly of the Lord. It emphasizes the significance of purity and legitimacy within the community of believers.
While this verse is often misunderstood and can be seen as harsh, it is important to remember that it reflects the specific laws and cultural context of the time. God’s love and grace extend to all people, regardless of their parentage, and as Christians, we are called to show compassion and acceptance to everyone.
Psalm 69:8
“I am a foreigner to my own family, a stranger to my own mother’s children.”
David’s words in this psalm express the feeling of rejection and alienation he experienced within his own family. This verse acknowledges the pain and hardships that can be associated with being a bastard child, feeling like an outsider even among one’s own relatives.
However, as Christians, we find comfort in knowing that Jesus understands our pain, as He too experienced rejection and isolation during His earthly life. We can find solace in the fact that God accepts us unconditionally, embracing us with love and grace regardless of our past or family circumstances.
Hebrews 12:8
“If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.”
This verse speaks to the importance of discipline in the lives of believers. It highlights the idea that true children of God embrace discipline and correction, recognizing it as a sign of love and guidance from the Heavenly Father.
While this verse does not specifically mention bastard children, it emphasizes the need for all believers, regardless of their background, to submit to God’s discipline and grow in their faith. It reminds us that our legitimacy as children of God is not determined by our earthly circumstances but by our willingness to surrender to His loving correction.
John 8:41
“You are doing the works of your own father.” “We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.”
In this encounter between Jesus and the religious leaders, they falsely accused Jesus of being an illegitimate child. However, Jesus corrects them, affirming that His true Father is God Himself.
This verse reminds us that our true identity and legitimacy come from our Heavenly Father. Regardless of our earthly circumstances, we can find comfort and assurance in the fact that we are loved, accepted, and chosen by God.
Psalm 27:10
“Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.”
This psalm by David expresses the confidence and trust he had in God’s faithfulness, even in the face of abandonment and rejection by his earthly parents.
For those who may have experienced the pain of being a bastard child and feeling rejected by their parents, this verse serves as a reminder that God never forsakes His children. He is always present, ready to receive and embrace us with His unconditional love and acceptance.
1 John 3:1
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”
This verse highlights the incredible love that God has poured out on His children, bestowing upon us the honor of being called children of God. It underscores our true identity and legitimacy as believers, regardless of our earthly circumstances.
As believers, we can take comfort in knowing that our heavenly status surpasses any earthly labels or judgments. We are cherished, known, and loved intimately by God, and our true identity lies in being His beloved children.
Romans 8:15-17
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him, we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”
This powerful passage emphasizes the transformation that occurs within believers through the Holy Spirit, who adopts us into God’s family and enables us to cry out to Him as our loving Father.
Regardless of our earthly parentage, through faith in Christ, we are made legitimate heirs of God’s promises. We are invited to share in the sufferings and glory of Jesus, experiencing the fullness of our inheritance as children of God.
Ephesians 1:5
“He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”
This verse highlights the divine plan of God to adopt us as His children through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
For those who may have felt the pain and exclusion associated with being a bastard child, this verse offers assurance and comfort. It reveals that God’s desire and pleasure are to bring us into His family, offering us a place of honor and love as His legitimate children.
Isaiah 43:1
“But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”
These words of God, spoken through the prophet Isaiah, demonstrate His deep love and care for His people, assuring them that they belong to Him and need not fear.
For those who have been labeled or felt like outcasts, this verse brings hope and comfort. It reminds us that we are precious in God’s sight, known intimately by Him, and called by name to be His own.
Romans 8:37-39
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
This powerful passage affirms the indomitable love of God that surpasses all circumstances and challenges. It assures believers that nothing in all of creation can separate us from the limitless and unwavering love we have received through Christ Jesus.
Regardless of our background, including being a bastard child, God’s love is constant and unchanging. It is a source of strength and encouragement, empowering us to overcome any obstacles we may face.
Psalm 27:10
“Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.”
This psalm by David expresses the confidence and trust he had in God’s faithfulness, even in the face of abandonment and rejection by his earthly parents.
For those who may have experienced the pain of being a bastard child and feeling rejected by their parents, this verse serves as a reminder that God never forsakes His children. He is always present, ready to receive and embrace us with His unconditional love and acceptance.
1 John 3:1
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”
This verse highlights the incredible love that God has poured out on His children, bestowing upon us the honor of being called children of God. It underscores our true identity and legitimacy as believers, regardless of our earthly circumstances.
As believers, we can take comfort in knowing that our heavenly status surpasses any earthly labels or judgments. We are cherished, known, and loved intimately by God, and our true identity lies in being His beloved children.
Romans 8:15-17
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him, we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”
This powerful passage emphasizes the transformation that occurs within believers through the Holy Spirit, who adopts us into God’s family and enables us to cry out to Him as our loving Father.
Regardless of our earthly parentage, through faith in Christ, we are made legitimate heirs of God’s promises. We are invited to share in the sufferings and glory of Jesus, experiencing the fullness of our inheritance as children of God.
Ephesians 1:5
“He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”
This verse highlights the divine plan of God to adopt us as His children through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
For those who may have felt the pain and exclusion associated with being a bastard child, this verse offers assurance and comfort. It reveals that God’s desire and pleasure are to bring us into His family, offering us a place of honor and love as His legitimate children.
Isaiah 43:1
“But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”
These words of God, spoken through the prophet Isaiah, demonstrate His deep love and care for His people, assuring them that they belong to Him and need not fear.
For those who have been labeled or felt like outcasts, this verse brings hope and comfort. It reminds us that we are precious in God’s sight, known intimately by Him, and called by name to be His own.
Romans 8:37-39
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
This powerful passage affirms the indomitable love of God that surpasses all circumstances and challenges. It assures believers that nothing in all of creation can separate us from the limitless and unwavering love we have received through Christ Jesus.
Regardless of our background, including being a bastard child, God’s love is constant and unchanging. It is a source of strength and encouragement, empowering us to overcome any obstacles we may face.
In a world that often attaches labels and carries the weight of judgment, it is important to turn to the Word of God for comfort, assurance, and guidance. These Bible verses remind us that God’s love and acceptance extend to all, including those who may have been labeled as “bastard children” or who have experienced rejection or exclusion. As believers, our true identity lies in our relationship with God, not in the circumstances of our birth or the opinions of others. These verses highlight God’s desire to adopt us as His children and bestow upon us the honor and inheritance of being part of His family. Regardless of our earthly parentage, God’s love and grace are more than sufficient to overcome any feelings of illegitimacy or inadequacy. He is our loving Father who wants nothing more than to receive us, embrace us, and lavish His love upon us. Furthermore, these verses remind us that God’s love transcends earthly boundaries and limitations. His love is unconditional and unchanging, and nothing in all of creation can separate us from it. This reassurance gives us the confidence to face any challenges, knowing that we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus. It is important to approach these verses with sensitivity and understanding, recognizing that the term “bastard children” is a cultural label and not a reflection of God’s view of individuals. While some of these verses may use language from a different era, it is crucial to interpret them through the lens of God’s unending love and grace. As Christians, we are called to extend the same love and acceptance that God has shown us to everyone we encounter. We must strive to create an environment of inclusivity, where no one is judged or mistreated based on their parentage or any other external factor. May these verses serve as a reminder of God’s boundless love and inspire us to show the same love and acceptance to others, regardless of their background or circumstances.