What Does the Bible Say About Abortion?
What Does the Bible Say About Abortion? While the Bible doesn't use the word 'abortion,' it consistently presents unborn life as valuable and known by God from conception.
Key verse: Psalm 139:13-14 (KJV)
While the Bible doesn't use the word 'abortion,' it consistently presents unborn life as valuable and known by God from conception.
While the Bible doesn't use the word 'abortion,' it consistently presents unborn life as valuable and known by God from conception.
"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)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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The Biblical Answer
Scripture teaches that God is intimately involved in forming life in the womb. Psalm 139:13-16 declares, 'Thou hast covered me in my mother's womb... I am fearfully and wonderfully made.' Jeremiah 1:5 records God saying, 'Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee.' When Elizabeth was pregnant with John the Baptist, the baby 'leaped in her womb' at the sound of Mary's voice (Luke 1:41-44), suggesting personhood before birth. The sixth commandment, 'Thou shalt not kill' (Exodus 20:13), establishes the sanctity of human life. While specific situations involve complex pastoral care, the biblical trajectory strongly affirms the value and personhood of unborn life as created by God with purpose.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Abortion?
What the Bible teaches about the sanctity of life, the unborn, and God's view of human life.
Key Scripture References
"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."
"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."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
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Deep Dive Commentary
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