Abortion is a topic that sparks intense debates, both in society and within the church. Christians who view the Bible as the inspired Word of God often turn to its pages for guidance when addressing controversial issues like abortion. The Bible doesn’t explicitly mention abortion, but it offers numerous principles about life, creation, the sanctity of human life, and God’s purpose for every person. Understanding how these verses relate to the abortion debate can help clarify the Christian position on the matter.
In this article, we will explore 50 Bible verses from the King James Version (KJV) that are often referenced in discussions about abortion. These verses offer a theological and moral framework for understanding life, conception, and God’s role in the creation of human beings.
Bible Verses About Abortion (KJV)
1. Psalm 139:13-14
“For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”
This verse speaks to the intimate and purposeful creation of life in the womb. The psalmist acknowledges God’s involvement in the formation of the child, indicating that life is precious from the very beginning.
2. Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”
God’s knowledge of the prophet Jeremiah before he was even conceived shows that God values and acknowledges life before birth, reinforcing the sanctity of life in the womb.
3. Exodus 20:13
“Thou shalt not kill.”
This commandment, which is foundational to the Christian ethic of life, underscores the prohibition of taking life. Many interpret this as a call to protect the unborn, as abortion is seen as the taking of innocent life.
4. Psalm 127:3
“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”
Children are described as a blessing from God. This verse reinforces the value of life in the womb as a gift from God.
5. Isaiah 49:1
“Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.”
God’s calling of individuals even before birth emphasizes the purpose He has for each person, starting from the womb.
6. Luke 1:41-44
“And it came to pass, that, when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.”
This passage refers to the unborn John the Baptist leaping in his mother’s womb at the sound of Mary’s voice. This indicates that the unborn child is fully capable of reacting to external stimuli, suggesting personhood even before birth.
7. Proverbs 6:16-17
“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood.”
Abortion is often seen as shedding innocent blood, making it a significant moral issue. This verse aligns with the belief that God abhors the taking of innocent life.
8. Genesis 1:27
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”
Being made in God’s image is central to the dignity of human life. This verse underlines the inherent value of every human being, including the unborn.
9. Luke 12:6
“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?”
God cares deeply about every life, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. This passage highlights God’s love for all living things, including the unborn.
10. Deuteronomy 30:19
“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”
God calls humanity to choose life, underscoring the importance of valuing and protecting life, including that of the unborn.
11. Job 31:15
“Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?”
This verse reflects the idea that God is the Creator of all life, emphasizing that every human life, including that of the unborn, is created by God.
12. Psalm 22:10
“I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother’s belly.”
The psalmist acknowledges God’s sovereignty over his life, even before birth, which speaks to the value of the unborn life.
13. Genesis 9:6
“Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.”
The sanctity of life is again emphasized here, with the act of shedding innocent blood being condemned. Many Christians interpret this as a strong case against abortion.
14. Matthew 19:14
“But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus’ words show His love and regard for children, highlighting their importance in the eyes of God.
15. Mark 10:14
“But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.”
This verse illustrates the value that Jesus placed on children, reinforcing the idea that every life is precious in God’s sight.
16. Psalm 139:16
“Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.”
God sees the unborn child from the very beginning of conception, and He has a plan for each person even before birth.
17. Romans 8:29
“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
God’s plan for humanity began before birth, highlighting the importance of life and the purpose that each life carries.
18. Isaiah 44:24
“Thus saith the Lord, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the Lord that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself.”
God’s role as the Creator of life is again affirmed, showing that life begins in the womb and is precious to Him.
19. Isaiah 66:9
“Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the Lord: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God.”
This verse reflects God’s involvement in the process of birth and life, reinforcing that life is in His hands from the beginning.
20. Ecclesiastes 11:5
“As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.”
This verse acknowledges the mystery and wonder of God’s creation of life in the womb, underscoring the sanctity of unborn life.
21. Galatians 1:15
“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace.”
Even Paul acknowledges God’s call on his life before he was born, highlighting the sanctity of life from the moment of conception.
22. Romans 5:8
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
God’s love for humanity, despite our flaws, underscores the inherent value of human life, including the unborn.
23. Matthew 1:18-21
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.”
The conception of Jesus affirms the sanctity and divine purpose of every pregnancy, reinforcing the value of life before birth.
24. Ephesians 2:10
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
This verse shows that each person is a work of God’s creation, designed for purpose and meaning, even from the womb.
25. Psalm 51:5
“Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.”
This verse speaks to the reality of human sin, but it also acknowledges that life begins at conception, reinforcing the belief that the unborn child is a person.
26. Matthew 2:16
“Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.”
This tragic event where infants were killed under King Herod‘s orders underscores the value of life, even at a young age.
27. 1 Peter 1:20
“Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.”
This verse reflects God’s eternal plan for each person, beginning before birth, demonstrating the intrinsic value of human life.
28. 2 Kings 8:12
“And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strongholds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their women with child.”
The destruction of children in war highlights the value placed on the lives of the unborn in scripture.
29. 2 Samuel 12:23
“But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.”
David’s words about his deceased child reflect the sorrow and loss associated with the death of an innocent life, affirming the importance of life.
30. Isaiah 7:14
“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
This prophecy about the birth of Jesus underscores the significance of the unborn child, even in the context of a miraculous conception.
31. John 10:10
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
Jesus’ mission to give life contrasts with the thief’s mission to destroy, a principle that aligns with the defense of unborn life.
32. Philippians 1:21
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Paul’s words reflect the value of life and the understanding that life is a gift, something to be cherished.
33. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
The sanctity of the body, including the unborn body, is emphasized in this passage, calling believers to respect life as God’s creation.
34. Romans 12:1
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
Living in a way that honors God includes valuing and protecting the life He has created, even the life of the unborn.
35. Jeremiah 20:17
“Because he slew me not from the womb; or that my mother might have been my grave, and her womb to be always great with me.”
Jeremiah’s lament highlights the desire for life, even in the womb, and the sorrow that comes from the loss of life.
36. 1 John 3:15
“Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.”
The sanctity of life is paramount in the Christian faith, as hatred and murder are viewed as grievous sins against God’s creation.
37. 1 Timothy 2:15
“Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.”
This verse highlights the dignity and value of motherhood, emphasizing the importance of life and the divine purpose of childbirth.
38. James 1:15
“Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
The contrast between life and death is evident in this verse, warning against actions that lead to the destruction of life.
39. Titus 2:4-5
“That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
The role of women as mothers is affirmed here, showing that life and the family are central to God’s design for humanity.
40. Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
The importance of marriage and family life, including the protection of life within the womb, is affirmed throughout scripture.
41. Luke 2:7
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”
The birth of Jesus in the manger reaffirms the sanctity and significance of life, even at the moment of birth.
42. John 15:13
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
Sacrifice for others is the greatest form of love, reflecting the depth of value in human life.
43. Romans 13:9
“For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
The call to love one’s neighbor includes respecting the sanctity of life, further supporting the anti-abortion stance.
44. 1 Thessalonians 5:15
“See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.”
This verse emphasizes peace and care for others, including the most vulnerable, such as the unborn.
45. Colossians 3:17
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
The ethical actions Christians take, including their stance on life, should align with honoring God’s creation, including the unborn.
46. Romans 8:31
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”
This reminder of God’s protection and purpose reinforces that God values and defends life, including the unborn.
47. 1 Corinthians 3:16
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”
The idea that our bodies are temples emphasizes the sanctity of all life, including that of the unborn.
48. 1 Peter 1:3
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
This verse calls for a deep respect for life, celebrating the gift of eternal life in Christ, which includes the protection of life here on earth.
49. 2 Timothy 1:9
“Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.”
God’s purpose for every life includes those who are unborn, showing that each life is part of God’s greater plan.
50. Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
Those who protect and value life, including unborn life, are aligned with God’s peace and purpose.
Conclusion
The Bible consistently affirms the intrinsic value of human life, from conception to natural death. Numerous passages highlight that life is a divine gift, created with purpose, and deeply precious in God’s eyes. The scriptures address the sanctity of the unborn child, revealing that God’s knowledge of individuals begins before birth and that His plans for each person extend throughout their life. Whether through teachings on the sacredness of the body, the protection of the innocent, or the call to love and care for all of God’s creation, the Bible provides a clear message: life is sacred.
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