Topical Bible: Children Born out of Wedlock

Bible > Topical > Children Born out of Wedlock

◄ Children Born out of Wedlock ►

Jump to: Topical • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the concept of children born out of wedlock, often referred to as "illegitimate" children, was understood within the context of family, inheritance, and social status. The Bible addresses the status and treatment of such children in various passages, reflecting the cultural and legal norms of ancient Israelite society.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides insight into the societal views on children born out of wedlock. In Deuteronomy 23:2 , it is stated, "No one of illegitimate birth may enter the assembly of the LORD, nor may any of his descendants, even to the tenth generation." This verse reflects the cultural and religious restrictions placed on those considered illegitimate, emphasizing the importance of legitimate lineage in Israelite society. The restriction from entering the assembly of the LORD highlights the significance of purity and order within the community.

Despite these restrictions, the Old Testament also emphasizes God's compassion and justice. In Psalm 68:5-6 , God is described as "a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, He leads out the prisoners with singing." This passage underscores God's care for those marginalized by society, including children without traditional family structures.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament shifts the focus from legalistic restrictions to a more inclusive understanding of God's grace and love. Jesus' ministry often highlighted the value and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their social status or family background. In John 8:1-11, the account of the woman caught in adultery illustrates Jesus' approach to sin and forgiveness. While not directly addressing children born out of wedlock, this passage reflects the broader theme of mercy and redemption.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, emphasizes the spiritual adoption of all believers into the family of God. In Galatians 3:26-28 , Paul writes, "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This passage highlights the breaking down of social barriers and the inclusion of all believers as equal members of God's family.

Cultural and Historical Considerations

In ancient Israel, family lineage and inheritance were crucial aspects of social and economic life. Children born out of wedlock often faced challenges related to inheritance rights and social acceptance. The emphasis on legitimate birth was tied to the preservation of family lines and the distribution of property.

However, the biblical narrative also includes accounts of individuals who overcame societal barriers. For example, Jephthah, a judge of Israel, was the son of a prostitute (Judges 11:1-11). Despite his illegitimate birth, Jephthah rose to a position of leadership, demonstrating that personal character and God's calling can transcend societal limitations.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the Bible's treatment of children born out of wedlock reflects the tension between cultural norms and divine grace. While the Old Testament law underscores the importance of order and purity, the overarching biblical narrative reveals God's heart for the marginalized and His desire for redemption and restoration.

The New Testament's emphasis on spiritual adoption and the unity of believers in Christ offers a transformative view of identity and belonging. In Christ, all individuals, regardless of their birth circumstances, are welcomed into the family of God and granted the full rights and privileges of heirs.

In summary, while the Bible acknowledges the cultural realities of its time, it also points to a higher calling of love, acceptance, and redemption for all people, regardless of their birth status.

Topical Bible Verses

Hosea 2:2
Plead with your mother, plead: for she is not my wife, neither am I her husband: let her therefore put away her prostitutions out of her sight, and her adulteries from between her breasts;
Topicalbible.org

Deuteronomy 23:2
A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the LORD.
Topicalbible.org

Leviticus 12:1-8
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
Topicalbible.org

Revelation 21:8
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Topicalbible.org

Library

Whether Children Born Out of True Marriage are Illegitimate?
... Now those who are born out of wedlock are born contrary to the law. Therefore they
are illegitimate. I answer that, Children are of four conditions. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether children born out of.htm

On Marriage.
... among the chiefest evils: the possession of children is consequently ... who has repented,
being as it were born again by ... the woman who has a child out of wedlock ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxiii on marriage.htm

He Teaches Rhetoric, the Only Thing He Loved, and Scorns the ...
... yet one only, remaining faithful even to her; in whom I found out truly by ... of issue,
and the compact of a lustful love, where children are born against the ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter ii he teaches rhetoric the.htm

The Pelagians Argue that Cohabitation Rightly Used is a Good, and ...
... thy sister Sodom; in their pride, she and her children overflowed in ... this fruit,
being God's work, cannot be evil, born as it is by good agency out of good ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 34 xix the pelagians argue.htm

Fathers and Children'
... it was The Lord, 'Unto you,' they said, 'is born a Saviour ... that we may be such fathers
to our children as God is ... He would burn up and destroy utterly out of the ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon i fathers and children.htm

How under Eli's Government of the Israelites Booz Married Ruth ...
... so sore a distress, took with him Naomi his wife, and the children that were born
to him by ... of parting with her; and when they had a mind to go out of the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 how under elis.htm

A Statement of the Reason Why the Enumeration of the Ancestors of ...
... His generation?" [662] Matthew therefore traces out the human ... the husband of Mary,
of whom Jesus was born. ... with the purpose of the procreation of children only ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter i a statement of the.htm

The Pelagians Try to Get Rid of Original Sin by their Praise of ...
... which is born in wedlock is not born without sin ... The sin, however, which is derived
to children from marriage ... flesh which causes shame has existence out of the ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 42 the pelagians try to.htm

Aubrey Leigh was a Man who had Chosen his Own Way of Life...
... in consecrated ground, cos'twas born out of wedlock! ... wrote to Aubrey, and poured
out their affectionate ... by shrieking women and sobbing children,"women, who ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xviii aubrey leigh was a.htm

The Original Deities were Human --With Some Very Questionable ...
... Then, when male children were born to him, he would devour them; better himself
(should ... When Jupiter was born in course of time, he was removed out of the ...
/.../tertullian/ad nationes/chapter xii name original deities.htm