The topic of the unborn in the Bible encompasses various aspects, including the sanctity of life, the formation of life in the womb, and the recognition of personhood before birth. Scripture provides insights into how God views the unborn, emphasizing His intimate involvement in the creation and development of life.

Sanctity of Life

The Bible consistently affirms the sanctity of human life, beginning from conception. In Genesis 1:27, it is stated, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This foundational truth underscores the inherent value and dignity of every human being, including the unborn, as bearers of God's image.

Formation in the Womb

Scripture speaks to God's active role in the formation of life within the womb. Psalm 139:13-16 beautifully illustrates this process: "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." These verses highlight God's intimate knowledge and craftsmanship in creating each person, affirming the value of life from its earliest stages.

Recognition of Personhood

The Bible also recognizes the personhood of the unborn. In Jeremiah 1:5 , God declares, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations." This passage indicates that God has a purpose and plan for individuals even before their birth, acknowledging their identity and calling.

In the New Testament, the account of the unborn John the Baptist leaping in his mother Elizabeth's womb at the presence of Mary, who was pregnant with Jesus, further underscores the recognition of personhood. Luke 1:41-44 states, "When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For as soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.'"

Protection of the Unborn

The Bible also contains laws that protect the unborn. Exodus 21:22-25 provides a legal framework for addressing harm to a pregnant woman and her unborn child: "If men who are fighting strike a pregnant woman and her child is born prematurely, but there is no further injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman’s husband demands and as the court allows. But if a serious injury results, then you must require a life for a life—eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, and stripe for stripe." This passage reflects the value placed on the life of the unborn and the seriousness of causing harm to them.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on the unborn emphasizes the sanctity, value, and personhood of life from conception. Through various passages, the Bible reveals God's intimate involvement in the creation and development of life in the womb, affirming the dignity and worth of the unborn.