The topic of birth control often stirs questions among Christians about its moral and biblical implications. While Scripture does not directly address modern forms of contraception, it offers principles about life, family, and stewardship. Today, we’ll examine what the Bible might say about birth control and how believers can make informed, prayerful decisions.
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What Does The Bible Say About Birth Control
Genesis 1:28
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.”
This verse reveals God’s desire for humanity to procreate and multiply, indicating that birth control may be contrary to His original design for marriage.
It is important to acknowledge that the Bible does not specifically address birth control methods, as they were not available during biblical times. However, scripture does emphasize the significance of children and the role of fruitfulness in the context of marriage.
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.
This passage highlights the positive view of children in the Bible, depicting them as a blessing and a reward from the Lord.
While birth control methods may allow couples to plan or space out their pregnancies in accordance with their current circumstances, it is essential to consider the biblical perspective that children are a gift and a source of blessing.
Psalm 128:3
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
This verse portrays the image of abundant children as a symbol of a blessed and flourishing household.
Although this verse implies that fertility is desirable, it does not explicitly address the use of birth control. However, it underscores the biblical belief that children bring joy, life, and richness to the family unit.
Proverbs 17:6
Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.
This passage expresses the significance of multiple generations in a family, emphasizing the honor and pride that children and grandchildren bring.
While birth control allows couples to limit the number of children, this verse suggests that a larger family can provide a sense of legacy and fulfillment, both for the elderly and for subsequent generations.
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 reflects the sanctity of life and God’s involvement in the formation of every individual in the womb.
While birth control can prevent the conception of a child, this verse encourages believers to recognize the intricate design and divine purpose behind each human life, affirming the sacredness of unborn children.
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.”
These words spoken by God to the prophet Jeremiah reveal His personal knowledge and plan for an individual’s life even before their physical existence.
This verse prompts believers to consider the potential destiny and purpose that each child might have, reinforcing the idea that the prevention of conception through birth control may hinder God’s intended plan.
Matthew 19:4-6
“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
This passage records Jesus’ response when questioned about divorce, but it provides a framework for understanding God’s intention for marriage.
While not directly addressing birth control, this verse emphasizes the unity and inseparable nature of the marital union. It suggests that procreation and the physical, emotional, and spiritual bond between a husband and wife are interconnected aspects of marriage.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
This verse reminds believers that their bodies are sacred dwelling places of the Holy Spirit, purchased by Christ’s sacrifice.
While not directly referencing birth control, this passage encourages Christians to treat their bodies with reverence and use them to honor God. It encourages thoughtful consideration of sexual choices, including the use of birth control methods.
1 Corinthians 7:3-5
The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
This scripture addresses the marital relationship, highlighting the importance of mutual consent and shared responsibility within the union.
While this passage does not explicitly mention birth control, it emphasizes the conjugal duty between spouses and the importance of sexual intimacy within the confines of marriage.
1 Timothy 5:8
Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
This verse underscores the responsibility of believers to care for their families, ensuring their well-being and meeting their needs.
While it does not directly address birth control, it could be argued that responsible family planning and considering the financial and emotional capacity to provide for children are integral to fulfilling this scriptural mandate.
Psalm 103:17-18
But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.
This passage emphasizes the enduring love of the Lord for those who fear Him and keep His commandments, extending that love to future generations.
While not directly discussing birth control, this verse encourages parents to raise their children in accordance with God’s principles, recognizing the potential impact on future generations.
1 Timothy 2:15
But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love, and holiness with propriety.
In this verse, the apostle Paul is addressing the role and conduct of women in the church.
While it is important to interpret this verse in its specific context, it suggests that motherhood can be a pathway to spiritual maturity and salvation. However, it is essential to consider that salvation ultimately comes through faith in Christ alone, and bearing children is not the sole means of salvation.
Ruth 4:13-17
So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the LORD, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.” Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. The women living there said, “Naomi has a son!” And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.
This passage recounts the story of Ruth and Boaz, emphasizing God’s blessing of fertility and the lineage leading to King David.
While this passage does not directly address birth control, it highlights the significance of children in fulfilling God’s redemptive plan and the role they play in shaping future generations.
Psalm 78:5-7
He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.
This scripture emphasizes the responsibility of parents to pass down God’s teachings and commandments to their children and future generations.
While not explicitly addressing birth control, this verse highlights the importance of considering how family planning decisions impact the transmission of faith and the generational continuity of God’s truth.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die.
This well-known passage reflects the cyclical nature of life and the existence of appointed times for various activities.
While it does not specifically discuss birth control, this verse encourages individuals and couples to consider the timing and seasons of life when making decisions regarding family planning.
Matthew 18:5-6
“And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
Jesus declares the importance of welcoming children and warns against causing them to stumble in their faith.
While this verse does not directly address birth control, it reminds believers of the need to cherish and nurture the faith of children, considering the potential impact of decisions that affect their existence and upbringing.
Proverbs 22:6
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
This verse highlights the significance of early spiritual training and guidance in the lives of children.
While birth control decisions are not specifically addressed in this passage, it encourages parents to give careful thought to child-rearing, including considerations of faith and values, as they play a pivotal role in shaping a child’s future.
1 Corinthians 6:13
“Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, but God will destroy them both. The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.”
In this scripture, Paul addresses the misuse of the body, specifically in the context of sexual immorality.
While not directly referencing birth control, this verse reminds believers of the purpose of their bodies, which is to glorify and serve the Lord. It encourages a thoughtful and righteous approach to decisions regarding sexual intimacy and reproductive choices.
Psalm 78:1-8
My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old—things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. They would not be like their ancestors—a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose hearts were not loyal to God, whose spirits were not faithful to him.”
This passage emphasizes the responsibility of passing down God’s teachings and faithfulness to future generations.
While it does not specifically address birth control, it highlights the importance of considering how family planning decisions impact the continuation and transmission of God’s truth to subsequent generations.
1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
This verse admonishes believers to do everything, including their actions and decisions, with the intention of glorifying God.
Though it does not explicitly mention birth control, this passage encourages Christians to make decisions about family planning in a manner that reflects their commitment to honoring God and seeking His guidance.