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

Genesis 3:16

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

Exodus 1:15-21

The joy of childbirth

Genesis 21:6; John 16:21

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

Isaiah 49:15

To describe regeneration

John 3:6-7 See also John 1:12-13; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23

To describe pastoral concern

Galatians 4:19

To describe the disciples' joy

John 16:21-22

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

Psalm 127:3

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
2230  Messiah, coming of
2366  Christ, prophecies concerning
2515  Christ, birth of
5093  Eve
5225  barrenness
5410  midwife
5655  birth
5668  children, responsibilities to parents
5719  mothers, responsibilities
6154  fall, the