Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, miscarriages are addressed both directly and indirectly through various passages that reflect the cultural, legal, and theological perspectives of ancient Israel. The topic of miscarriage is intertwined with themes of life, loss, and divine sovereignty.Biblical References: 1. Exodus 21:22-25: This passage is one of the most direct references to miscarriage in the Bible. It describes a situation where two men are fighting and accidentally injure a pregnant woman, causing her to miscarry. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as follows: "If men who are fighting strike a pregnant woman and her child is born prematurely, but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman’s husband demands and the court allows. But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot." This passage has been the subject of much debate regarding the value of the unborn and the nature of the penalties involved. 2. Genesis 25:21: While not directly mentioning miscarriage, this verse highlights the struggle with infertility and the desire for children. "Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. The LORD heard his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived." The emphasis on prayer and divine intervention underscores the belief in God's control over conception and childbirth. 3. Psalm 139:13-16: This passage, while not specifically about miscarriage, speaks to the belief in God's intimate involvement in the creation of life. "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." This passage is often cited to affirm the sanctity of life from conception. Theological Perspectives: In the biblical worldview, life is a sacred gift from God, and the loss of a child through miscarriage is a profound sorrow. The Bible acknowledges the pain and grief associated with such loss, though it does not always provide explicit comfort or explanation for why miscarriages occur. Instead, the emphasis is often on God's sovereignty and the hope of His ultimate plan. The biblical texts reflect a worldview where children are seen as a blessing from the Lord (Psalm 127:3-5), and the inability to bear children, including through miscarriage, is often viewed as a significant trial. In some cases, barrenness and miscarriage are seen as a result of divine judgment or a test of faith, while in others, they are simply part of the human experience in a fallen world. Cultural and Legal Context: In ancient Israel, the family was the central unit of society, and the continuation of lineage was of utmost importance. The loss of a child, whether through miscarriage or other means, had significant social and economic implications. The legal stipulations in Exodus 21:22-25 reflect the value placed on both the mother and the unborn child, with penalties designed to compensate for the loss and deter negligence or violence. Pastoral Considerations: For those experiencing miscarriage, the Bible offers a framework for understanding suffering and loss within the broader narrative of God's redemptive work. The community of faith is called to support and comfort those who mourn, reflecting the compassion of Christ. Passages such as 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, which speaks of God as the "Father of compassion and the God of all comfort," provide a basis for pastoral care and empathy. In summary, while the Bible does not provide exhaustive teaching on the subject of miscarriage, it offers principles and narratives that affirm the value of life, the reality of suffering, and the hope of divine comfort and restoration. Strong's Hebrew 5309. nephel -- miscarriage, abortion... miscarriage. Word Origin from naphal Definition miscarriage, abortion NASB Word Usage miscarriage (2), miscarriages (1). untimely birth. ... /hebrew/5309.htm - 6k Library the Duty of Personal Catechizing and Instructing the Flock ... First, the Practical Duties which the Christian Religion Enjoins, Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ... What are those Aggravations that Make Some Sins More Heinous than ... Concerning Women who Commit Fornication, and Destroy that which ... Temptations. The Necessity and Benefits of Religious Society Letter Lxvi. To Pammachius. The Folly of Slander. Part 2. "But if Ye have Bitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory ... Thesaurus Miscarriages (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Miscarriages (1 Occurrence). Psalms 58:8 Let them be like a snail which melts and passes away, like the ... /m/miscarriages.htm - 6k Miscarriage (4 Occurrences) Miscarried (1 Occurrence) Resources If God hates abortion, why does He allow miscarriages? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about miscarriage? | GotQuestions.org Questions about Family & Parenting (All) | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Miscarriages (1 Occurrence)Psalms 58:8 Subtopics Related Terms |
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