Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5650 Human relationships » 5663 childbirth Seen by Scripture as a token of God's favour, and used figuratively to picture a number of central biblical themes. Childbirth in the OT Childbirth as a blessing Genesis 1:28 See also Deuteronomy 7:14; Psalm 127:3-5 Childlessness a cause of shame in Israel Genesis 30:1 See also 1 Samuel 1:6,10-11; Luke 1:24-25 The nature of human childbirth The pain of childbirth a consequence of the fall The need for ceremonial purification after childbirth See also Leviticus 12:1-8 Under the old covenant, unsanctioned contact with blood was ceremonially defiling; Luke 2:24 The role of midwives in childbirth The joy of childbirth Childbirth and salvation The birth of a Saviour Genesis 3:15 Although childbirth is a focus of judgment, through it the human race continues, and the Messiah comes into the world. See also Genesis 12:2-3; Genesis 15:3-6; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6-7; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; Luke 2:4-7; Galatians 3:16; Galatians 4:4; Revelation 12:5 Salvation in childbearing 1 Timothy 2:15 A Christian mother fulfils her calling in childbearing; some take it to mean she will be kept safe in childbirth. Some, however, take this verse as a reference to Ge 3:15, and the coming of Jesus Christ, as above. Childbirth used figuratively To describe weakness and vulnerability See also Ezekiel 16:4-6 To describe weakness under judgment 2 Kings 19:3 pp Isaiah 37:3 See also Psalm 48:6; Isaiah 23:4; Isaiah 26:17-18; Jeremiah 4:31; Hosea 2:3; Hosea 13:13; Micah 4:10 To describe troubles prior to God's final triumph Matthew 24:7-8 pp Mark 13:8 See also Romans 8:22 To describe love and compassion To describe regeneration John 3:6-7 See also John 1:12-13; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23 To describe pastoral concern To describe the disciples' joy To describe triumph and salvation Isaiah 54:1 See also Galatians 4:27; Isaiah 26:19; Isaiah 66:7-11 God's sovereignty in childbirth All children are God's gift God controls the events of childbirth Genesis 25:22-23; Psalm 139:13,16 Childbirth in old age Genesis 17:16-19; Luke 1:5-13,18-20,23-25 Childbirth as an answer to prayer Genesis 25:21; 1 Samuel 1:20; Luke 1:13 Childbirth for the barren woman Psalm 113:9 See also Genesis 25:21; Judges 13:2-5; 1 Samuel 2:5; Isaiah 54:1 Jesus Christ born of a virgin Isaiah 7:14 See also Matthew 1:22-23,18; Luke 1:30-31,34-37 “impossible” births demonstrate God's power and grace and show that salvation comes from the Lord. See also
1320 God as Saviour |
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