Topical Bible: Children out of Wedlock

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In biblical times, the concept of children born out of wedlock, often referred to as "illegitimate" children, was addressed within the context of family, inheritance, and social standing. The Bible provides various insights into how such children were perceived and treated in ancient Israelite society, as well as the spiritual implications associated with their status.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament contains specific references to children born out of wedlock, particularly in terms of inheritance rights and social status. 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 highlights the restrictions placed on those considered illegitimate, barring them from certain religious and communal privileges. The term "illegitimate" in this context is often understood to refer to children born from unions not recognized by the community, such as those outside of marriage.

The account of Jephthah in Judges 11 provides a narrative example of a child born out of wedlock. Jephthah was the son of Gilead and a prostitute, and his half-brothers drove him away to prevent him from sharing in the family inheritance. Despite his illegitimate status, Jephthah rose to become a judge of Israel, demonstrating that personal merit and divine calling could transcend societal limitations.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament does not explicitly address the issue of children born out of wedlock in the same legalistic terms as the Old Testament. However, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize the value and dignity of every individual, regardless of their birth circumstances. In John 8:1-11, the account of the woman caught in adultery illustrates Jesus' approach to sin and forgiveness, focusing on repentance and grace rather than condemnation.

The apostle Paul, in his letters, underscores the importance of love and acceptance within the Christian community. In Galatians 3:28 , Paul writes, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This verse suggests that in Christ, social distinctions, including those related to birth status, are transcended.

Theological Implications

From a theological standpoint, the birth of a child out of wedlock is viewed through the lens of sin and redemption. While the act of conceiving a child outside of marriage is considered sinful, the child themselves is not held accountable for the circumstances of their birth. The focus is on the redemptive power of Christ to forgive and restore individuals, regardless of their past.

The Bible consistently affirms the inherent worth of every person, created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This foundational belief calls Christians to extend love, compassion, and support to all individuals, including those born out of wedlock, recognizing their potential to contribute to the community and the Kingdom of God.

Practical Considerations

In practical terms, the church is called to minister to families and children affected by out-of-wedlock births, offering support and guidance. This includes providing resources for single parents, promoting sexual purity, and encouraging responsible fatherhood and motherhood. The church's role is to foster an environment of grace and truth, helping individuals navigate the challenges associated with non-traditional family structures while upholding biblical standards of marriage and family life.

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;
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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.
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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.
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Leviticus 12:1-8
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
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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.
... children is, they say, among the chiefest evils: the possession of children is
consequently ... be first a wife; the woman who has a child out of wedlock is not ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxiii on marriage.htm

Fathers and Children'
... as we are loving and faithful in wedlock, that God's ... the root and foundation of society,
are out of joint ... which is the conduct of parents to children, and of ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon i fathers and children.htm

The Preface to the Commandments
... To worship any other than God, is to break wedlock, and makes the Lord disclaim
his interest in a people. ... God does deliver his children out of troubles. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm

Archelaus's Ethnarchy is Reduced into a [Roman] Province. The ...
... They neglect wedlock, but choose out other persons children, while they are pliable,
and fit for learning, and esteem them to be of their kindred, and form ...
/.../chapter 8 archelauss ethnarchy is.htm

Away in Paris, a Vast Concourse of People were Assembled Round an ...
... against evil"or at least, so said my wife,"and so say my children. ... of which I die
possessed to my son, Cyrillon Vergniaud, born out of wedlock, but as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/xxxii away in paris a.htm

How He Fled to a Monastery when his Wife Would not Consent.
... be his who had broken the bonds of wedlock: to this he ... or father or mother or wife
or children for My ... and mother should be broken and disregarded out of love ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter ix how he fled.htm

He Teaches Rhetoric, the Only Thing He Loved, and Scorns the ...
... I knew not in what is called lawful wedlock, but whom ... faithful even to her; in whom
I found out truly by ... the compact of a lustful love, where children are born ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter ii he teaches rhetoric the.htm

Aubrey Leigh was a Man who had Chosen his Own Way of Life...
... in consecrated ground, cos'twas born out of wedlock! ... surrounded by forlorn and
fatherless children"and he ... Then one of the widows stepped out, and approaching ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xviii aubrey leigh was a.htm

Several Laws.
... men should be wise in the affairs of wedlock; and that ... near to their brethren, or
parents, or children, when they ... then what grew of its own accord out of the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 several laws.htm