What does the Bible say about miscarriage?

Solace in sacred grief

By Shawn Buckles

Looking for comfort in the Bible after a miscarriage? While it doesn't directly address miscarriage often, it speaks on life before birth and God's care for the unborn. Scriptures offer solace, showing God is near to the grieving, valuing life and understanding loss, guiding toward peace and healing.

The Bible does not directly address miscarriages in detail but affirms the value of life from conception (Psalm 139:13-16) and acknowledges God's care for all individuals, even before birth. It offers comfort and reassurance of God's love and presence during times of loss and grief, emphasizing His compassion and understanding of human suffering.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 139:13-14
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.
Jeremiah 1:5

Summary

  • The Bible provides comfort and hope for those grieving over miscarriage.
  • Biblical passages affirm God's care for life at all stages, including before birth.
  • Scripture serves as a resource for healing and support in times of loss.

Bible mentions miscarriage in the following books:

  • Safe in the Arms of God: Truth from Heaven About the Death of a Child (2003): John MacArthur offers biblical comfort to grieving parents, emphasizing God's compassion and sovereignty.

  • Grieving the Child I Never Knew (2015): Kathe Wunnenberg provides a devotional guide for mothers who have lost a child through miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant death, offering comfort and hope through scripture.

  • Holding on to Hope (2006): Nancy Guthrie shares her personal journey of faith through the loss of two infants, providing insights into God's presence in the midst of suffering.

  • I'll Hold You In Heaven (2003): Jack Hayford offers solace and answers to difficult questions about the death of a child, including miscarriage, based on biblical promises.

  • Loved Baby: 31 Devotions Helping You Grieve and Cherish Your Child after Pregnancy Loss (2017): Sarah Philpott offers comfort and hope to women who have experienced miscarriage, through devotions and personal stories.

Biblical Insights on Life Before Birth

The Bible provides specific perspectives on the value and personhood of individuals even before they are born. These views are expressed in various scriptures that affirm God's intimate knowledge and interaction with the unborn.

God's Knowledge of the Unborn

Scripture reveals that God's knowledge of individuals extends to before their birth. In Jeremiah 1:5, it is written, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." This indicates a personal relationship and purpose ascribed by God to the unborn.

Similarly, Psalm 139:13-16 poetically describes a Creator who intricately weaves together a person in the womb, reinforcing the idea that each individual is known and valued by God from conception.

Personhood in the Womb

The concept of personhood in the womb is also touched upon in the Bible. Luke 1:15 tells of John the Baptist, who would be "filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb," suggesting the presence of God's Spirit within an individual prior to birth.

Genesis 25:22 narrates the struggle of twins within their mother Rebekah’s womb, hinting at their individual personhood and destinies even before their birth. The lament of Job 3:16 about the untimely demise of an unborn child and Ecclesiastes 11:5, which speaks of the unknowable work of God as He forms a child in the womb, further support the concept of individual identity and worth from the earliest stages of life.

God's Comfort in Times of Loss

In times of miscarriage and the loss of a child, individuals often seek solace and understanding. The Bible provides passages that aim to offer comfort and a sense of presence from God during these periods of profound grief.

Finding Solace in Scripture

Scriptures can serve as a source of comfort, with verses like Psalm 34:18, which says, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." This passage is often turned to as a reminder of God's closeness in times of sorrow.

Similarly, Psalm 147:3 speaks directly to God's role in healing, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." These verses encapsulate the message that God is attentive to those who are suffering.

Jesus' Compassion for the Suffering

The Bible also recounts Jesus’ empathy towards those who are suffering. In Matthew 5:4, Jesus offers comfort by saying, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." It suggests a beatitude toward those in pain, with a promise of comfort.

The encouragement to lean on God for strength in times of weakness is reflected in Isaiah 41:10, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." These teachings provide a foundation for faith and resilience in the face of loss.

Grappling with Suffering and Questions

When facing the heartbreak of miscarriage, individuals often seek comfort and answers in their faith. The Bible does not shy away from matters of suffering and provides ways for believers to understand and process their grief.

Understanding Divine Perspective

Isaiah 55:8-9 suggests that God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours, challenging us to trust in His sovereignty in times of pain. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. This perspective can be a source of peace for those grappling with why a miscarriage has occurred, as it acknowledges a divine understanding beyond human comprehension.

Coping with Emotions and Guilt

Scripture like Psalm 34:4, "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears," can offer solace to those overwhelmed with emotions and battling guilt.

While feelings of loss and self-blame are common, the Bible provides assurance that God does not punish with suffering and does not view miscarriages as a curse. Romans 8:18 further encourages that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us.

Prayers and Hope in Miscarriage

In the midst of the sorrow that comes with a miscarriage, many individuals seek solace and understanding within their faith. This section explores specific prayers and biblical promises that may provide peace and hope during such difficult times.

Prayers for Peace and Healing

For those experiencing the grief of miscarriage, Philippians 4:6-7 can be a comforting scripture, reminding them to "not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 26:3 states, "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." This verse is a cornerstone for many prayers, providing assurance that a state of peace is attainable through steadfast faith.

Promises of Hope and Future

In their search for comfort, many turn to the promise found in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." This verse often serves as a foundation for hope, offering the perspective that there is a larger plan at work, one that is meant for good.

Psalm 127:3 describes children as "a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him," and 1 Samuel 1:27-28 narrates a mother's prayer for a child and her joy upon being granted that blessing. These passages can be a source of hope for those yearning for a child, emphasizing the value and blessing of every life. Furthermore, Psalm 139:16 reflects on how a life is seen and known by the Creator even before it begins.

Understanding Biblical Law and Miscarriage

The Bible provides guidance on various aspects of life, including how miscarriage is treated under the Mosaic Law. Specifically, it addresses the consequences of harm coming to a pregnant woman and her unborn child.

Exodus on Injury and Penalty

In Exodus 21:22-25, the scripture deals with a case where two men are fighting and accidentally injure a pregnant woman, leading to a miscarriage. The passage specifies that if there is further harm beyond the miscarriage, then additional penalties should be imposed. This clearly sets a penalty for causing a miscarriage as a result of negligent actions. The specific verse is:

"If men who are fighting hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman's husband demands and the court allows."

Justice and Protection of the Unborn

The aforementioned verses, including Exodus 21:22-23, signify the importance of justice and the protection of the unborn. These laws functioned as an early form of jurisprudence, with the court playing a central role in determining the appropriate penalty and upholding the rights of the unborn and the injured mother.

The biblical directive outlines the expectation that the life within the womb has value and when it is harmed, there must be a reckoning and a restoration, as deemed just by legal authorities of the time.

Theological Reflections on Miscarriage

Within Christian theology, miscarriage is a poignant intersection where the doctrines of sin, suffering, and sovereignty collide with human experiences. The tragedy of miscarriage brings about a profound search for comfort and understanding within the framework of biblical truths.

Sin, Suffering, and Sovereignty

Christian teaching acknowledges that suffering, including the grief of miscarriage, is a result of the fall of humanity into sin. Yet many are comforted by passages such as Romans 8:28, which promises that "God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This text is often held as a reassuring affirmation of God's sovereignty even amidst seemingly senseless suffering.

The conviction that God's purposes are ultimately good, despite the present pain, can bring solace to those mourning the loss of an unborn child.

Human Interpretations and Grace

Individuals grappling with miscarriage may struggle with questions about their own actions or the seeming injustice of their experience. Yet, the Bible offers consoling perspectives that extend grace rather than judgment.

Philippians 4:6-7 encourages those who are anxious to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, and they shall experience the peace of God which transcends all understanding. This passage underscores that human interpretations of suffering should be met with God's grace, a reminder that individuals are not alone in their anguish and that it is not a reflection of God's disfavor.

Comforting Those Who Have Experienced Miscarriage

After the painful experience of a miscarriage, individuals and families often seek solace and understanding. Central to providing comfort are the empathetic support of the church and community circles, and acknowledging the specific grief encountered by fathers and husbands.

The Role of the Church and Community

Churches and faith-based communities commonly play a pivotal role in comforting those who mourn a miscarriage. They offer not only spiritual guidance but also a sense of collective compassion.

Psalm 34:18-19 states, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." This scripture underscores the healing presence that a faith community can embody, fostering an environment where people feel God's closeness during times of immense heartache.

Supporting Fathers and Husbands

While mothers often receive the most attention after a miscarriage, it's essential to also support fathers and husbands who are grieving.

Genesis 2:7 speaks of God breathing life into man, which can remind fathers of their integral role in creation and the life of their child, albeit brief.

Fathers and husbands need an outlet to express their sorrow and communities that recognize their loss, reinforcing that they are not alone in their pain and are deserving of comfort during this difficult time.

Miscarriage in Hymns and Personal Stories

The Bible does not explicitly address the topic of miscarriage in hymns and personal stories. However, the lamenting verses of the Psalms and the comforting words of Scripture provide solace.

Personal testimonies often reflect on these passages, sharing how faith and scriptural insights have brought healing after loss.

Expressions of Grief in Psalms

The Psalms are a treasured component of the Bible for expressing sorrow and seeking comfort.

One often-quoted passage during times of grieving a miscarriage is Psalm 139:13-16. This passage speaks to God's intimate knowledge and formation of an individual in the womb. This Psalm acknowledges that each person is "fearfully and wonderfully made." It serves as a poignant reflection for parents mourning the loss of what could have been, enhancing the sentiment that every life, no matter how brief, holds significance.

Testimonies of Healing and Faith

Personal stories and testimonials provide a glimpse into the healing process for those who have experienced miscarriages.

References to scriptures like Luke 18:15-17 can be especially comforting. This passage suggests that Jesus values children dearly, emphasizing that the kingdom of God belongs to such as them.

Healing narratives often involve parents finding solace in the idea that their children are with God. In times of grief, Jeremiah 31:15-17 offers hope, portraying a future where sorrow is replaced with joy, a powerful assurance for those enduring the anguish of loss.

Scripture for Ongoing Healing and Support

In times of loss, such as a miscarriage, the Bible offers passages that provide ongoing healing and support. They serve as a source of comfort and assurance, encouraging individuals to place their trust in God's enduring love and care.

Verses for Comfort and Assurance

  • Isaiah 49:15 - "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!"
  • Psalms 139:16 - "Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

The scripture in Isaiah reminds individuals that God's presence and compassion are constant, even when human love may falter. Similarly, Psalms offers assurance that every life is known and cherished by God from the very beginning.

Encouraging Faith and Trust in God

  • Isaiah 41:10 - "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
  • 1 Peter 5:7 - "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."

These verses encourage individuals to lean on their faith, trusting in God's strength and care.

The promise in Isaiah asserts that one is never alone and that God is always a steadfast support. In 1 Peter, believers are invited to release their worries and find peace in God's concern for every aspect of their lives, including the pain of loss.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

When exploring what the Bible says about miscarriage, it’s essential to clear up a few common misconceptions. This includes understanding specific Biblical language and the theological discussions surrounding miscarriage and sin.

Interpreting 'Miscarrying Womb' in the Bible

The phrase "miscarrying womb" is rarely mentioned in the Bible.

Hosea 9:14 speaks of a "miscarrying womb" as part of a curse upon Israel due to their transgressions. It's important to note that this reference is metaphorical, reflecting the consequences of collective sin rather than commenting on individual morality or physiology. Modern readers must differentiate between metaphorical language and literal events.

Theological Debates on Miscarriage and Sin

Theologically, there has been much debate over whether miscarriage is related to sin. Some claim that sin causes miscarriage, but the Bible does not connect personal sin with the tragedy of miscarriage.

Even passages like Psalm 58:8 use the image of a miscarriage in a poetic curse. However, this is not doctrinally prescribing a stance on miscarriage. It is using strong imagery to convey a point about the wicked. Luke 1:44, where Elizabeth feels her baby leap in her womb, shows a positive view of the unborn. This suggests that they are worthy of joy and are part of God's plan, without connecting miscarriage to punishment or sin.

Passages such as Ecclesiastes 6:3 may touch on themes of fertility and loss, yet they don't directly establish theological cause and effect between sin and miscarriage. It's crucial to approach this topic recognizing that many people's understanding of miscarriage through a biblical lens is often colored by interpretation and personal belief, not by clear Biblical mandates or teachings.

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