The concept of having children is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is seen as a fundamental aspect of human life and divine blessing. From the earliest chapters of Genesis, the Bible presents procreation as a divine mandate and a source of joy and fulfillment.

Biblical Mandate and Blessing

The command to "be fruitful and multiply" is first given to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 1:28 states, "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.'" This directive is reiterated to Noah after the flood in Genesis 9:1, underscoring its enduring significance.

Children are consistently portrayed as a blessing from God. Psalm 127:3-5 declares, "Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." This passage highlights the value and honor associated with having children, likening them to arrows that provide strength and security.

Family and Legacy

The Bible places a strong emphasis on family as the foundational unit of society. The genealogies throughout Scripture, such as those in Genesis and Chronicles, reflect the importance of lineage and heritage. Proverbs 17:6 states, "Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers," illustrating the intergenerational blessings and responsibilities within a family.

The role of parents in raising children is also emphasized. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs, "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This passage underscores the responsibility of parents to impart spiritual and moral values to their children.

Barrenness and Divine Intervention

The Bible also addresses the issue of barrenness, which was often seen as a source of distress and shame in ancient times. Several biblical narratives recount instances where God intervened to grant children to barren women, demonstrating His sovereignty and compassion. Notable examples include Sarah, the wife of Abraham (Genesis 21:1-2), Hannah, the mother of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:19-20), and Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist (Luke 1:13-14).

Spiritual Significance

In addition to the physical aspect of having children, the Bible also speaks to the spiritual dimension of bearing fruit. Jesus uses the metaphor of a vine and branches in John 15:5 , saying, "I am the vine, you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing." This passage highlights the importance of spiritual fruitfulness, which can be seen as an extension of the biblical theme of multiplication and growth.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on having children encompasses both the physical act of procreation and the broader spiritual implications of bearing fruit in one's life. Children are viewed as a divine blessing and a vital part of God's plan for humanity, with parents bearing the responsibility to nurture and guide them in accordance with God's commandments.Psalm 127:3-5
See, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Topicalbible.org

Genesis 1:28
And God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.
Topicalbible.org

Psalm 113:9
He makes the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise you the LORD.
Topicalbible.org

John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Topicalbible.org

1129. banah -- to build
... builders (10), building (16), builds (8), built (177), construct (1), constructed
(1), fashioned (1), fortified (3), fortifying (2), have children (1), made (1 ...
/hebrew/1129.htm - 6k

3205. yalad -- to bear, bring forth, beget
... forth (1), brought forth (6), child (2), childbirth (10), children (1), children
born (1 ... 1), giving birth (2), had (17), had sons (1), has (1), have (2), labor ...
/hebrew/3205.htm - 7k

My Children have Been Slain
... Hymn X. My children have been slain. 1. My children have been slain; and
my daughters that are without me,"their walls are overthrown ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn x my children have.htm

Whether Children Would have had Perfect Use of Reason at Birth?
... For that children have not perfect use of reason in our present state, is due to
the soul being weighed down by the body; which was not the case in paradise ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether children would have had.htm

Whether in the State of Innocence Children Would have Been Born ...
... But he would have begotten children like himself. ... Hence it is clear that children
would not have been born confirmed in righteousness. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether in the state of 9.htm

Whether in the State of Innocence Children Would have Been Born ...
... For Adam would have begotten children like himself. ... Therefore before sin children
would have had perfect knowledge as soon as they were born. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether in the state of 10.htm

Whether in the State of Innocence Children Would have had Perfect ...
... BODY (TWO ARTICLES) Whether in the state of innocence children would have had perfect
strength of body as to the use of its members immediately after birth? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether in the state of 8.htm

Let Pious Parents, who have Lost Hopeful Children in a Maturer Age ...
... 1. LET pious Parents, who have lost hopeful Children in a maturer Age, join
with others in saying, It is well. MY Friends, the Reasons ...
/.../1 let pious parents who.htm

From what we have Heard, Let us Learn not to Think of the Loss of ...
... 2. FROM what we have heard, let us learn not to think of the Loss of our
Children with a slavish Dread. IT is to a Parent indeed ...
/.../2 from what we have.htm

"My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin ...
... Sermon XXI. "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.
And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father,". ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxi my little children.htm

"My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin ...
... Sermon XXIII. "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin
not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father,". ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxiii my little children.htm

"My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin ...
... Sermon XXII. "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.
And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father,",. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxii my little children.htm

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