Verses about the gift of a child
Scripture speaks about birth with both joy and honesty. Many of the best-known passages celebrate children.
- Psalm 127:3. “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward” (KJV).
- Genesis 21:6. Sarah says God has made her laugh, and others will laugh with her.
- 1 Samuel 1:27. Hannah, after prayer, says the Lord granted her request for this child.
- Luke 1:57-58. When Elizabeth gave birth, her neighbors and relatives rejoiced with her.
- Isaiah 66:9. God asks whether he would bring to the point of birth and not deliver, a verse some find reassuring about his faithfulness.
Verses about God forming a baby
- Psalm 139:13-16. The psalmist says God formed his inward parts and knit him together in the womb, and praises God because he is “fearfully and wonderfully made” (KJV).
- Jeremiah 1:5. God tells Jeremiah that he knew him before forming him in the womb.
- Psalm 22:9-10; Psalm 71:6. The psalmists speak of trusting God from birth.
- Job 10:8-12; Isaiah 44:2. More descriptions of God’s care in forming a person.
These verses are often read at baby dedications and are the basis for many Christians’ belief that each life is valued by God.
Verses for strength in labor
The Bible does not offer verses specifically about labor technique, but these passages are often prayed by those anticipating birth:
- Isaiah 41:10. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee” (KJV). For more on fear and trust, see faith and fear in the Bible.
- Psalm 46:1. God is a refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
- Joshua 1:9. Be strong and courageous; the Lord is with you wherever you go.
- Psalm 23:4. Even in the darkest valley, God is present.
- Philippians 4:6-7. Bring requests to God and receive peace that surpasses understanding.
- Psalm 121:1-2. Help comes from the Lord.
What John 16:21 teaches
Jesus says that a woman in labor has pain because her time has come, but when the child is born she no longer remembers the anguish for joy that a person has been born into the world. He uses this to speak to his disciples about sorrow turning into joy. It is not a medical statement about birth, and it should not be read as saying labor is not painful or that every birth is remembered gladly. It acknowledges real pain and also real joy.
Genesis 3:16 and hard realities
In Genesis 3:16 God speaks of pain in childbirth as part of the consequences described after the fall. Interpreters read this in different ways: as a statement of how the world now is, as a warning, or as a description of ongoing struggle. Many Christians who read it as a description also see value in pain relief and modern medical care, and they do not think relief is unfaithful.
The Bible also acknowledges loss. Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin (Genesis 35:16-19). For women and families who have experienced a stillbirth, miscarriage or a difficult delivery, the Psalms offer permission to lament (for example Psalm 34:18, which says the Lord is near to the brokenhearted).
Verses to pray during pregnancy
- Numbers 6:24-26. A blessing to pray over the child.
- Psalm 139. Gratitude for how a child is formed.
- Proverbs 3:5-6. Trust the Lord rather than relying only on your own understanding.
- Matthew 6:34. Do not worry about tomorrow.
- Luke 1:45. Elizabeth blesses Mary for believing that what the Lord spoke would be fulfilled.
Some parents write one verse on a card to bring to the hospital. For the weeks after birth, see Bible verses for new parents.
Are babies born without sin?
Christian traditions answer this differently, and the Bible does not state the question in so many words.
- Some traditions point to Psalm 51:5 and Romans 5:12 to teach that people inherit a sinful nature from birth, sometimes called original sin. Many of these also affirm that God’s mercy covers infants.
- Other traditions emphasize Ezekiel 18:20, which says a child does not bear the guilt of a parent, and Jesus’ welcome of children in Matthew 19:14, and hold that infants are innocent until they are old enough to make moral choices.
Many believers in all traditions share a hope in God’s mercy toward children. If this question is pressing, especially after a loss, a pastor from your own tradition can offer pastoral guidance.
When birth does not go as hoped
If you are grieving, it is not a failure of faith to feel anger, sorrow or confusion. Lament is a recognized biblical form of prayer. A pastor, chaplain or grief counselor can offer care, and a doctor or mental health professional can help if sadness or anxiety becomes overwhelming.
Using verses alongside medical care
Scripture can bring comfort, but it is not a substitute for medical care. Pregnancy and childbirth can involve serious risks. Follow the advice of your doctor or midwife, and in an emergency contact local emergency services. For how birth fits into the wider family story, see the importance of family unity in the Bible.