Surrogacy is a modern concept, but the Bible speaks to the importance of children, family, and God’s plan for life. Scripture encourages compassion and responsibility, guiding us in caring for the next generation.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About ego
What Does The Bible Say About surrogacy
Genesis 16:2
“And Sarai said to Abram, “Behold now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.”
This verse introduces the concept of surrogacy in the Bible. Sarai suggests to Abram that he should father a child with her servant Hagar, hoping to have children through her. It reflects the desire of Sarai to have children and the cultural practices prevalent during that time.
Surrogacy is a complex issue that raises ethical questions and requires careful consideration. While this verse doesn’t offer a definitive stance on the practice, it serves as a reminder of the longing for parenthood that some people experience and the different means they may consider to fulfill that desire.
Genesis 30:3-4
“Then she said, “Here is my maid Bilhah; go in to her, and she will bear a child on my knees, that I also may have children by her.” So she gave him her maid Bilhah as a wife, and Jacob went in to her.”
Rachel, who was barren, offers her maidservant Bilhah to her husband Jacob to bear children on her behalf. This verse portrays another example of surrogacy in the Bible, where a woman uses a surrogate to have children.
Surrogacy raises important questions about the sanctity of parenthood and the value of genetic connection. It challenges us to consider the roles of biology, intention, and love in defining a family. While this verse does not provide a clear ethical framework for surrogacy, it serves as a historical example of how people in biblical times approached the desire for children.
Genesis 30:9-10
“When Leah saw that she had stopped bearing, she took her servant Zilpah and gave her to Jacob as a wife. Then Leah’s servant Zilpah bore Jacob a son.”
Leah, feeling competitive with her sister Rachel, gives her maidservant Zilpah to Jacob to bear children on her behalf. This verse presents another instance of surrogacy in the Bible, illustrating the complexities that arose from the desire to bear children.
Surrogacy challenges societal norms, raises legal and ethical considerations, and prompts discussions about the rights and well-being of all involved parties. It is essential in these discussions to approach surrogacy with empathy, understanding, and consideration of the resultant emotional and psychological implications.
Exodus 2:5-9
“Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her female slave to get it. She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This is one of the Hebrew babies,” she said. Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?” “Yes, go,” she answered. So the girl went and got the baby’s mother. Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.” So the woman took the baby and nursed him.”
In this biblical account, Jochebed, the mother of Moses, becomes a surrogate for her own child. When Pharaoh’s daughter finds Moses in the basket near the river, Jochebed is brought to nurse and care for him as a surrogate mother. This act of surrogacy demonstrates the sacrificial love and determination of a mother to save her child.
Surrogacy, in various forms, has existed throughout history and across cultures. It can be motivated by selflessness, compassion, or the longing to create a family. However, it is important to approach surrogacy ethically, ensuring the well-being of all parties involved and addressing the legal, emotional, and psychological aspects to ensure the best interests of the child are prioritized.
1 Samuel 1:27-28
“I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.” And he worshiped the LORD there.”
In this verse, Hannah, who had been barren, conceives a child through divine intervention. Once Samuel is born, Hannah dedicates him to the Lord, committing him to a life of service. While not explicitly about surrogacy, this verse highlights the immense gratitude and willingness to surrender that can accompany the gift of a child.
Surrogacy can involve various reproductive technologies and medical interventions, raising further questions about the ethics and boundaries of human intervention in the process of conception. Nevertheless, this verse reminds us of the reverence and gratitude that can arise when a long-awaited child is born.
Ruth 4:13
“So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. Then he went to her, and the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.”
In the book of Ruth, Ruth marries Boaz, and the LORD grants her the ability to conceive. This verse showcases a supernatural intervention in the process of conception and highlights the divine role in the gift of children.
Surrogacy, whether traditional or gestational, involves various situations and motivations. It is essential to approach these conversations with empathy, recognizing the complexities, emotions, and ethics involved. While the Bible may not directly address modern surrogacy as we know it, it provides insights into themes of infertility, longing for children, and the profound blessings that can come with the gift of life.
Psalm 127:3
“Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.”
This verse emphasizes the biblical belief that children are a gift from God, a heritage and reward bestowed upon their parents. It underscores the value and significance of children within the biblical context.
The longing for parenthood, irrespective of the means chosen, reflects our innate desire to experience this divine gift. Surrogacy, while a complex and multifaceted process, can offer hope and joy to those who yearn to nurture and raise children.
Psalm 113:9
“He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD.”
This verse acknowledges the despair of childlessness and celebrates the divine intervention and joy that comes when a childless woman becomes a mother. It recognizes God’s ability to bring fulfillment and happiness to those who have experienced the pain of infertility.
Surrogacy, for some, may be the path that brings the long-awaited fulfillment of becoming a parent. It is crucial to approach the topic with empathy, compassion, and a deep respect for the diverse journeys individuals and couples may undertake on their path to parenthood.
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 beautiful psalm speaks to the intimate involvement of God in the formation of each individual’s life. It emphasizes the divine purpose and plan behind every conception, highlighting the sacredness and value of human life.
Surrogacy, with its intricacies and moral considerations, challenges us to reflect on the nature of human existence, the beginning of life, and the divine role in our creation. It prompts us to approach these discussions with reverence and a commitment to protect and nurture the lives entrusted to us.
Isaiah 54:1
““Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the LORD.”
This verse encourages those who have experienced barrenness to rejoice, assuring them that the number of children they may have will surpass those who are naturally fertile. It offers solace and hope to those who long for children but have been unable to conceive.
Surrogacy can be a means through which the desolate experience the joy of parenthood. While it may not be a conventional path, this verse reminds us that God can work miracles in unexpected ways and that the capacity to love and nurture a child can arise from various circumstances and relationships.
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 verse speaks to the enduring love and compassion of God, drawing a powerful analogy between the nurturing instinct of a mother and the steadfast care God has for His children. It reassures us of God’s unwavering love and unfailing remembrance, even when human relationships falter or fail.
Surrogacy, in all its forms, reminds us of the power of sacrificial love and the potential for individuals to embody the nurturing qualities of a mother. It reflects the capacity of humans to extend compassion and care beyond traditional family dynamics, mirroring God’s boundless love for His children.
Matthew 1:18
“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.”
This verse reveals the miraculous conception of Jesus, where Mary becomes the surrogate mother for the Son of God. It demonstrates the extraordinary way in which God chose to enter the world and fulfill His divine plan for salvation.
The story of Jesus’ birth challenges our understanding of surrogacy and parenthood, underscoring the divine intervention and purpose behind every life. It reminds us of the infinite creativity and possibilities that exist within the realm of human reproduction and highlights the importance of spiritual connections in the formation of families.
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.””
In this verse, Jesus expresses the value He places on children and their significance in the kingdom of heaven. His words affirm the importance of nurturing and embracing the innocence and vulnerability of children.
Surrogacy, with its unique challenges and blessings, calls us to create an environment where children are cherished, loved, and raised in a way that nurtures their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It is a reminder of the profound responsibility we have to provide a safe and loving environment for all children.
John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Jesus’ words in this verse exemplify the ultimate act of sacrificial love. Although not directly related to surrogacy, they highlight the depth of love that can be demonstrated by willingly sacrificing one’s own desires, needs, or even life for the sake of another.
Surrogacy, often driven by selflessness and compassion, can be seen as an embodiment of this sacrificial love. Those who choose to become surrogates offer a remarkable gift by selflessly enabling others to experience the joys of parenthood. It reflects the transformative power of love and the willingness to put the needs of others above our own.
Romans 8:14-17
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 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 passage highlights our spiritual adoption as God’s children through the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes our unique relationship with God and the privileges and responsibilities that come with being heirs of the Kingdom.
Surrogacy, particularly in the context of adoption, echoes the concept of spiritual adoption presented in this verse. It mirrors both the challenges and the joys associated with accepting and loving someone as our own, regardless of their biological connection. It calls us to recognize the immense value and potential in every child, regardless of their origins.
1 Corinthians 12:14-26
“For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as He chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.”
This passage compares the body of Christ to the human body, emphasizing the interconnectedness and value of every individual within the community of believers. It emphasizes the importance of unity, acknowledging that each member has a unique role, regardless of how essential or visible it may seem.
Surrogacy, as a means of expanding families and bringing children into loving homes, aligns with the concept highlighted in this passage. It affirms the significance of each individual involved in the surrogacy journey, recognizing that everyone has a vital part to play in the creation and nurturing of a family.
Galatians 4:4-5
“But when the set time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”
This verse refers to Jesus being sent into the world, born of a woman, to bring salvation and offer adoption as sons and daughters of God. It speaks to the redemptive power of God, as well as the profound privilege of being adopted into His family.
Surrogacy, particularly when viewed through the lens of adoption, mirrors this concept of spiritual adoption. It reflects the transformative impact of bringing a child into a family, with the potential for healing, growth, and an opportunity to experience the love and grace of God through human relationships.
Ephesians 1:4-5
“For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love, He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will.”
This passage highlights God’s eternal plan of adoption for His children through Jesus Christ. It reveals the intent and purpose behind God’s decision to bring us into His family, emphasizing His love, pleasure, and divine will in the process.
Surrogacy, when approached with love, intentionality, and a commitment to provide a nurturing environment, can reflect the beauty and intentionality of adoption presented in this verse. It can serve as a tangible expression of the unconditional love and acceptance that God extends to His children, reminding us of the depths of His care and compassion.
Ephesians 6:1-3
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’ (this is the first commandment with a promise), ‘that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.’”
In this verse, Paul addresses children, encouraging them to honor and obey their parents. He connects this commandment to the promise of blessings and longevity in their lives.
Surrogacy can engage the complexities of familial relationships and the responsibilities that come with parenthood. It underscores the importance of nurturing and guiding children in a loving and supportive environment, understanding that the role of a parent goes beyond biological connections.
James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
This verse reminds us that all good things come from God. It directs our attention to the divine origin of every blessing and highlights the unchanging nature of God’s goodness.
Surrogacy, with its potential for bringing joy, love, and a sense of fulfillment to those longing for children, can be seen as one of the many good gifts that God may bring into our lives. It inspires gratitude and a recognition of the divine hand in the intricacies of human relationships and the miracle of life itself.
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 celebrates the tremendous love that God has bestowed upon us, adopting us as His children. It proclaims our identity as children of God and acknowledges that the world may not fully grasp this truth.
Surrogacy, with its potential for creating and expanding families, reflects the great love and generosity that can exist within human relationships. It encourages us to embrace the diverse manifestations of love, acknowledging that the bonds forged through surrogacy can mirror the deep connections we have with our heavenly Father.
Surrogacy is a complex and sensitive topic that is not explicitly addressed in the Bible. However, the Scriptures offer insights into themes related to surrogacy, such as infertility, longing for children, the value of human life, and the redemptive nature of love and adoption. It is important to approach this subject with empathy, compassion, and a deep understanding of the intricate emotions and ethical considerations involved.
The verses selected represent a range of biblical stories and teachings that indirectly touch on aspects related to surrogacy. From the stories of Sarah and Hagar, Rachel and Bilhah, and Leah and Zilpah, we can see examples of women using surrogacy as a means to bear children when faced with infertility or competition for their husband’s affection. These accounts showcase the complexity and cultural practices surrounding surrogacy in biblical times.