What Does the Bible Say About Abortion — In Biblical Context
The Bible teaches that human life is sacred from conception, that God knows us before birth, and that He values every unborn child.
The Bible teaches that human life is sacred from conception, that God knows us before birth, and that He values every unborn child.
"For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." — Psalm 139:13-14 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
While the word 'abortion' doesn't appear in Scripture, biblical principles speak clearly. God is the Creator of life (Genesis 1:27). He forms each person in the womb: 'Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee' (Jeremiah 1:5). David wrote: 'Thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made' (Psalm 139:13-14). The sixth commandment forbids the taking of innocent life (Exodus 20:13). John the Baptist leaped in Elizabeth's womb upon recognizing Jesus (Luke 1:41-44), indicating personhood before birth. Exodus 21:22-25 prescribes penalties for harming an unborn child. The Bible consistently presents unborn children as persons known, valued, and purposed by God. Christians are called to defend the defenseless and value every human life from conception to natural death.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Psalm 139:13-14, sits inside Psalms 139. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
Supporting Passages
"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee."
"And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost."
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