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 Ge 1:28 See also Dt 7:14; Ps 127:3-5

Childlessness a cause of shame in Israel Ge 30:1 See also 1Sa 1:6,10-11; Lk 1:24-25

The nature of human childbirth

The pain of childbirth a consequence of the fall Ge 3:16

The need for ceremonial purification after childbirth See also Lev 12:1-8 Under the old covenant, unsanctioned contact with blood was ceremonially defiling; Lk 2:24

The role of midwives in childbirth Ex 1:15-21

The joy of childbirth Ge 21:6; Jn 16:21

Childbirth and salvation

The birth of a Saviour Ge 3:15 Although childbirth is a focus of judgment, through it the human race continues, and the Messiah comes into the world. See also Ge 12:2-3; Ge 15:3-6; Isa 7:14; Isa 9:6-7; Mt 1:18-25; Lk 1:35; Lk 2:4-7; Gal 3:16; Gal 4:4; Rev 12:5

Salvation in childbearing 1Ti 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 Eze 16:4-6

To describe weakness under judgment 2Ki 19:3 pp Isa 37:3 See also Ps 48:6; Isa 23:4; Isa 26:17-18; Jer 4:31; Hos 2:3; Hos 13:13; Mic 4:10

To describe troubles prior to God’s final triumph Mt 24:7-8 pp Mk 13:8 See also Ro 8:22

To describe love and compassion Isa 49:15

To describe regeneration Jn 3:6-7 See also Jn 1:12-13; Jas 1:18; 1Pe 1:23

To describe pastoral concern Gal 4:19

To describe the disciples’joy Jn 16:21-22

To describe triumph and salvation Isa 54:1 See also Gal 4:27; Isa 26:19; Isa 66:7-11

God’s sovereignty in childbirth

All children are God’s gift Ps 127:3

God controls the events of childbirth Ge 25:22-23; Ps 139:13,16

Childbirth in old age Ge 17:16-19; Lk 1:5-13,18-20,23-25

Childbirth as an answer to prayer Ge 25:21; 1Sa 1:20; Lk 1:13

Childbirth for the barren woman Ps 113:9 See also Ge 25:21; Jdg 13:2-5; 1Sa 2:5; Isa 54:1

Jesus Christ born of a virgin Isa 7:14 See also Mt 1:22-23,18; Lk 1:30-31,34-37 “impossible” births demonstrate God’s power and grace and show that salvation comes from the Lord.

See also