The topic of birth control raises ethical and moral considerations that intersect with biblical principles on marriage, family, and the sanctity of life. Let’s examine the verses and principles that inform Christian perspectives on birth control and family planning, seeking wisdom and discernment in this sensitive area.
Checkout: Bible Verses About Keeping Mouth Shut
Bible Verses About Birth Control
Genesis 1:28
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
This verse emphasizes God’s command to Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply. It highlights the importance of procreation and the responsibility to populate the earth.
Psalm 127:3-5
Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.
This psalm celebrates the blessing of children and portrays them as a precious gift from the Lord. It suggests that having many children brings honor and strength to a family.
Proverbs 17:6
Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.
This verse acknowledges the significance of grandchildren and how they bring joy and honor to grandparents. It implies that the legacy and pride of parents are continually manifested through their children and grandchildren.
Genesis 38:9-10
But Onan knew that the child would not be his; so whenever he slept with his brother’s wife, he spilled his semen on the ground to keep from providing offspring for his brother. What he did was wicked in the LORD’s sight; so the LORD put him to death also.
This passage tells the story of Onan, who refused to fulfill his duty of providing offspring for his deceased brother’s family. It reveals God’s disapproval of contraceptive practices that hinder procreation.
1 Timothy 5:8
Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
This verse emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one’s family and providing for their needs. It implies that intentionally preventing the conception of children may be viewed as neglecting this responsibility.
Jeremiah 1:5
“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 verse highlights God’s intimate involvement in the formation of each individual’s life. It suggests that human life begins in the womb and holds inherent value and purpose from the moment of conception.
Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
This verse reflects Jesus’ affirmation of the significance of children and their place in the kingdom of heaven. It implies that children are to be welcomed and cherished, which may influence the mindset towards birth control.
Exodus 23:26
“I will give you a full life span.”
In this verse, God assures the Israelites of a long and healthy life. It implies that the natural course of life, including childbearing, is in alignment with God’s plan and should not be hindered intentionally.
Psalm 139:13-16
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. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
These verses highlight the intricate and purposeful nature of human creation. They imply that each person is uniquely formed by God and that the duration of their life is predetermined by Him, further reinforcing the sanctity of life from conception.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.
This verse reminds believers that their bodies are sacred vessels indwelt by the Holy Spirit. It suggests that the way believers use their bodies should reflect their reverence for God, which can impact decisions related to birth control.
1 Samuel 1:5-6
But to Hannah, he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the LORD had closed her womb. Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her.
This passage tells the story of Hannah, who struggled with infertility. It reveals God’s involvement in the opening and closing of wombs and portrays fertility as a divine aspect of human life.
Psalm 113:9
He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD.
This verse celebrates God’s ability to bless barren women with children, acknowledging the deep desire for motherhood and the fulfillment it brings.
Deuteronomy 7:14
You will be blessed more than any other people; none of your men or women will be childless, nor will any of your livestock be without young.
In this verse, God promises the Israelites that He will bless them with fertility and ensure that none of them will be without children. It suggests that the absence of offspring may be perceived as a lack of God’s blessings.
Psalm 128:1-3
Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to Him. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
This psalm expresses the blessings that come to those who fear and obey the Lord. It portrays a fruitful and abundant family life as a result of walking in obedience, indicating that contraception may hinder these blessings.
Isaiah 54:1
“Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the LORD.
This verse speaks words of encouragement to barren women, assuring them that they will have more children than those who are already married and have given birth. It implies that God can bring about new life in unexpected ways.
Hebrews 13:4
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.
This verse emphasizes the value of marriage and the importance of purity within the marital relationship. It suggests that birth control methods that violate marital intimacy may be seen as compromising the purity of the marriage bed.
Mark 9:36-37
He took a little child whom He placed among them. Taking the child in His arms, He said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me does not welcome Me but the one who sent Me.”
In this passage, Jesus demonstrates the importance of welcoming and honoring children. It implies that accepting children as a gift from God and nurturing their well-being should be a priority.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.
This verse lists the fruits of the Holy Spirit, which includes self-control. It suggests that couples should exercise self-control and rely on the leading of the Spirit when making decisions about contraception.
2 Timothy 2:22
Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
This verse encourages believers to seek after righteousness and pursue attitudes and actions that honor God. It implies that decisions regarding birth control should be rooted in purity and a desire to align with God’s will.
Proverbs 31:28
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her
This verse describes the virtuous woman, highlighting the respect and praise she receives from her children and husband. It suggests that the role of motherhood is highly valued and esteemed.
Ruth 4:13
So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.
This verse tells the story of how God blessed Ruth with the ability to conceive and bear a child. It portrays God’s involvement in the process of reproduction and the significance of children within the context of marriage.
Luke 1:37
“For no word from God will ever fail.”
This verse affirms God’s faithfulness and reliability in fulfilling His promises. It suggests that if God has promised to bless a couple with children, His word will not fail, indicating a trust in God’s timing and plan.
1 Corinthians 7:3-5
The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
This passage emphasizes the mutual responsibility and selflessness within a marital relationship. It implies that the decision to engage in or refrain from marital intimacy should be made together, prioritizing communication, and considering spiritual devotion.
Overall, the Bible does not explicitly address the topic of birth control. However, it does provide wisdom and principles that can guide Christians in making informed decisions about their family planning. These verses highlight the importance of procreation, the sanctity of life, the blessings and value of children, God’s control over fertility, the responsibility to care for family, honoring marriage, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the decision to use birth control should be made prayerfully and with consideration of God’s principles and personal circumstances. Trusting in God’s wisdom and timing is essential, as He knows what is best for each individual or couple.