When does a life in the womb become a human being?
The Bible does not explicitly state at what point a fetus becomes a living human being. However, there are several biblical principles that provide guidance on this complex issue.
1. Human life is sacred
The Bible teaches that human life is uniquely precious and made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This affirms the sanctity of all human life, including preborn life in the womb. Several verses forbid the taking of innocent human life (Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17; Matthew 19:18).
2. Personhood begins early
There are verses suggesting personhood and identity exist in the womb. The prophet Jeremiah and the apostle Paul both speak of God forming them in the womb and knowing them before birth (Jeremiah 1:5; Galatians 1:15). This implies a level of personhood and identity even before birth.
3. The preborn are recognized as children
Several biblical passages acknowledge unborn babies as human children. The Greek word for baby (brephos) is used for children both inside and outside the womb. For example, Luke 1:41 and 44 describe the unborn John the Baptist as a “baby” reacting to the presence of the unborn Jesus in Mary’s womb. This suggests the humanity of the preborn.
4. Causing miscarriage is punishable
There are legal consequences in Scripture for accidentally or deliberately causing a woman to miscarry. Exodus 21:22-25 describes a situation where men who accidentally cause a miscarriage must pay a fine. This indicates the loss of the fetus was taken seriously. In contrast, intentionally causing miscarriage brought the same penalty as murder (Exodus 21:23).
5. The incarnation begins at conception
The doctrine of the incarnation – that Jesus was fully God and fully man – has implications about when personhood begins. If the preborn Jesus was not fully human until later in Mary’s pregnancy, it raises questions about the true humanity of Jesus. The incarnation affirms Jesus’ humanity from the point of conception.
In summary, while the Bible does not directly answer when personhood begins, it provides principles that treat preborn life as human. This suggests that from conception, the fetus has value as a living human person made in God’s image.
However, the Bible does not explicitly forbid abortion. Christians seeking God’s wisdom should thoughtfully reflect on how to apply biblical principles about the sanctity of life to this complex issue. Sincere Christians hold a diversity of views on the morality of abortion.
Ultimately, Christians should approach this issue with humility, grace and wisdom – seeking to honor the sanctity of human life, show compassion, and make careful ethical judgments. The church should support those facing difficult situations surrounding pregnancy and provide moral guidance anchored in biblical values.
6. Biblical passages on the value of life before birth
Here are some key biblical passages that shed light on the value of preborn life:
- Psalm 139:13-16 – God formed and knit the psalmist together in the womb.
- Jeremiah 1:5 – God knew Jeremiah before he was born.
- Luke 1:39-45 – The baby (brephos) John the Baptist leaped in Elizabeth’s womb at the presence of the baby (brephos) Jesus in Mary’s womb.
- Exodus 21:22-25 – Causing accidental miscarriage brought a lesser penalty than murder, while intentional causing of miscarriage brought the punishment for murder.
- Psalm 51:5 – David says he was sinful from the time his mother conceived him.
- Genesis 25:22-23 – Rebekah inquires of the Lord why her children struggle within her.
7. Different Christian views on when life begins
There are a diversity of views among Christians about when human personhood begins:
- At conception – Life begins at fertilization when a new and unique human genome is created.
- At implantation – Life begins when the embryo implants in the uterine wall, approximately 6-7 days after fertilization.
- When features develop – Personhood begins when key features like a heartbeat, brain waves, ability to feel pain, viability outside the womb, etc. develop.
- At quickening – Life begins when the mother can feel fetal movement, usually around 16-20 weeks.
- At birth – Personhood begins when a fetus is born and separate from the mother.
Each view has biblical arguments to support it. Sincere Christians hold a range of positions on this complex issue.
8. Bible verses on caring for the vulnerable
While directly addressing abortion, the Bible emphasizes caring for the weak and vulnerable:
- Psalm 82:3-4 – Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.
- Proverbs 31:8-9 – Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
- Isaiah 1:17 – Seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
- Matthew 25:40 – Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
- James 1:27 – Religion that God accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after widows and orphans in their distress.
These verses do not directly address abortion but do emphasize God’s concern for defending and caring for the weak and vulnerable. This principle could apply to protecting the unborn.
9. Additional considerations
Beyond determining when life begins, additional factors shape the abortion debate including:
- The difficult situations surrounding many pregnancies (rape, incest, health risks, etc.).
- The proper role of government in regulating abortion.
- How to show grace and compassion to those considering abortion.
- Access to alternatives such as adoption.
- Economic and social supports for mothers choosing life.
While the sanctity of life is central, Christian ethics also emphasizes justice, mercy and care for the marginalized in applying biblical principles.
10. Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible confirms the value and sanctity of preborn life but does not definitively state when personhood begins. Sincere Christians hold a diversity of views. This complex issue requires humility, wisdom and thoughtful application of scriptural principles of justice, compassion and the defense of the vulnerable.