Topical Encyclopedia The term "abort" and its derivatives, such as "abortion," do not appear explicitly in the Bible. However, the topic is often discussed within the context of biblical teachings on the sanctity of life, the value of children, and the moral laws given by God. The Bible provides principles that have been interpreted by many to address the issue of abortion.Sanctity of Life The Bible consistently affirms the sanctity of human life, beginning with the creation narrative. Genesis 1:27 states, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This foundational belief in the image of God (imago Dei) implies that human life is sacred and worthy of protection from conception. The Unborn in Scripture Several passages in the Bible suggest that life begins in the womb and that the unborn are known and valued by God. Psalm 139:13-16 is often cited: "For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all my days were written in Your book and ordained for me before one of them came to be." Similarly, in Jeremiah 1:5 , God speaks to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations." These verses are often interpreted to mean that God has a purpose and plan for each life even before birth. Mosaic Law and the Value of Life The Mosaic Law underscores the value of life and the seriousness of causing harm to others. Exodus 21:22-25 addresses a situation involving harm to a pregnant woman: "If men who are fighting strike a pregnant woman and her child is born prematurely, but there is no further injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman’s husband demands and as the court allows. But if a serious injury results, then you must require a life for a life—eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, and stripe for stripe." This passage has been interpreted to indicate the value of both the mother and the unborn child. Children as a Blessing The Bible frequently portrays children as a blessing from God. Psalm 127:3 states, "Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward." This view of children as a divine gift reinforces the belief in the importance of protecting and valuing life at all stages. Moral and Ethical Considerations While the Bible does not directly address the modern concept of abortion, its teachings on the sanctity of life, the value of children, and the moral responsibility to protect the innocent are often cited in discussions on the topic. The commandment "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13) is frequently referenced in this context, as it underscores the prohibition against taking innocent life. In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly mention abortion, its teachings on the value of life, the recognition of the unborn, and the moral imperatives to protect life are foundational to the discussion of abortion within a biblical framework. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. i.) To miscarry; to bring forth young prematurely.2. (v. i.) To become checked in normal development, so as either to remain rudimentary or shrink away wholly; to become sterile. 3. (n.) An untimely birth. Strong's Hebrew 7921. shakol -- to be bereaved... root Definition to be bereaved NASB Word Usage abort (1), been (1), bereave (2), bereave them of children (2), bereave you of your children (1), bereave you of ... /hebrew/7921.htm - 6k Library Take Ye Away the Stone. The Doctrine of Arbitrary Scriptural Accommodation Considered. Thesaurus Abort (1 Occurrence)... 4. (n.) An aborted offspring. Multi-Version Concordance Abort (1 Occurrence). Job 21:10 Their bulls breed without fail. Their cows calve, and don't miscarry. ... /a/abort.htm - 6k Abortion (2 Occurrences) Figtree Fig-tree (33 Occurrences) Fig (45 Occurrences) Abominations (81 Occurrences) Resources Is it possible to be Christian and pro-choice at the same time? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view the Roe vs. Wade decision? | GotQuestions.org If aborted babies go to heaven, why is abortion wrong? | GotQuestions.org Abort: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Abort (1 Occurrence)Job 21:10 Subtopics Related Terms |