As a pregnant mama mom, you probably have a lot of questions about childbirth. From unmedicated birth to c-sections, women (nowadays) have many different options. But as a Christian, you may be wondering what does the Bible say about childbirth?
The truth is, there’s no right way or wrong way to give birth but one thing we know for sure is the Bible is clear about the purpose of having children and what childbirth represents.
No matter how many questions may be unanswered, we can walk forward confidently with the knowledge that birth represents God bringing new life and revealing his mercy for us.
Keep reading to hear what the Bible says about childbirth and how you can be encouraged by his word as you prepare to meet your little one.
Bible Verses about Childbirth
We learn, in the very beginning of the Bible, that procreating was God’s idea to begin with. There are many verses that express his plan for us in child-rearing. It all started in the Garden of Eden when God spoke his word over Adam and Eve and while there aren’t any verses that share a right or wrong way to give birth, reading these verses will help you feel confident in your purpose as a mother. Which will allow you to make decisions that work best for you and your little one.
Genesis 1:28
“God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.’ (NIV)
This verse is where it all started for Adam and Eve, and is quoted often in discussions about having children. God’s command to Adam and Eve was to have children to fill the earth. No matter how many times you may have heard this verse, it can always be a reminder that our pregnancy is a blessing from the Lord.
1 Timothy 2:15
“But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.” (NIV)
God’s word promises us that he will keep us safe and watch over us throughout childbirth. We know that complications do happen but no matter what, the Lord is with us and he promises to stand beside us through it all. All he asks is that we keep the faith, and pour out our love to him and to the people he has placed in our path.
Bible Verses about Childbirth Pain
The pain of childbirth is both a reminder of the fall of man and also a reminder of God’s redemption. Although the pains of childbirth are addressed in Genesis when the fall of man occurs, the good news is our sinful nature is not the end of the story. The hope Jesus gives us means we can have hope and joy in childbirth as well.
Genesis 3:16
“I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” (NIV)
This verse is a reminder of how Adam and Eve fell from the glory of God in the garden of Eden. Although this took place long before our time, we are often reminded daily that our nature is the same as theirs was. We are certainly not perfect, and we fall short daily, just like Adam and Eve did.
Galatians 3:13
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” (NIV)
This verse in Galatians shows us that we are no longer under the curse, because Jesus came to take our place. The curse was broken when he gave his life for us, and offered us redemption. He paid the ultimate price so that we wouldn’t have to suffer.
John 16:21
“A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.” (NIV)
What a hopeful reminder that the pain we may experience in birth is only temporary, just like the pain we experience in every trial here on Earth. Even when we are walking through a valley, the Lord always restores us when the time is right. His word gives us hope that joy always comes in the morning.
Isaiah 53:4-5
“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (NIV)
We know that God is our ultimate healer and because of his sacrifice, any suffering we experience is only temporary. We are not only promised healing and joy in this life, we are also promised the ultimate healing in Heaven. This verse is a reminder that we can give birth without fear because Jesus has already taken on our pain and suffering.
[You NEED these verses for Labor + Delivery]
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Tademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
Supernatural Childbirth Scriptures
You may have heard of natural birth, but what’s the difference between natural birth and supernatural birth? Natural birth is usually referring to unmedicated birth or birth without interventions. It usually takes place after a woman has taken classes to prepare her body to endure the pain of childbirth.
Supernatural birth is the process of trusting God to deliver you from the pain and discomforts of childbirth. Whether you choose to have an epidural, an unmedicated birth, or a c-section, God has promised to walk with us through every difficult trial, and he has chosen to carry our burdens for us.
Here are some supernatural childbirth scriptures to hold onto and speak over yourself as you prepare to give birth:
- Exodus 15:2 ““The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” (NIV)
- Philippians 4:13 “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (NIV)
- Isaiah 40:30-31 “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (NIV)
- Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” (NIV)
- Isaiah 54:13 “All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.” (NIV)
Giving birth in the time of Jesus
We can’t discuss childbirth without mentioning the most important birth of all: Jesus’ birth. Many find themselves full of wonder and awe when they imagine that night and how different it must have been from what we see today.
Although the Bible doesn’t give us many specific details about the birth of Christ, based on evidence in the religious document the Protevangelium of James, it is believed by some religious researchers that Mary had a midwife or two assisting in her birth.
In the book of Exodus, midwives are mentioned as part of a woman’s birth as well. It says in Exodus 1:19 “The midwives answered Pharaoh, ‘Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive.” (NIV)
There are medical procedures and pain relief methods used today that weren’t around when the Bible was written. So you may be wondering, how do we apply God’s word to a modern pregnancy? Do we have to have a midwife in order to follow what the Bible says about birth?
No matter how you choose to give birth, what’s most important is that you trust in God and allow him to guide you in your decisions.
Micah 6:8 says “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” The Lord wants to walk with you through the birthing process and having faith that he will see you through is all you need.
In Conclusion..
As Christians, we know that children are a blessing from God and raising them is a privilege we don’t take lightly. When it comes to the actual birth part, if you have tons of questions or feel a little nervous, you’re not alone.
Just like we do when we have questions in any area of our lives, we turned to the Bible for answers. God’s word doesn’t give us specific instructions on how we should give birth, but instead helps us understand the purpose of having children and encourages us to trust in the Lord through all of our pain, anxiety, and doubts.
Aside from the times the Bible talks about a woman physically giving birth, childbirth is also used as a metaphor for the end times. Romans 8:22 says “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” (NIV)
Dear friend, the comparison between the return of our savior and a woman giving birth reminds us of the hope that is to come, both in this life and the next.
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