Bible speaks out against killing an innocent unborn human being
The Bible does not use the word abortion, therefore, there a no verses that state “Thou shalt not abort an unborn fetus.” However, if the unborn is human, the Bible speaks out against murder.
The following verses establish the fact the Bible teaches the unborn is human:
- Luke 1:41 “When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” Only a living human baby can leap in a mother’s womb.
- Luke 1:44 “As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.” The NASB Greek New Testament Dictionary says the transliterated word brephos (baby) means an unborn or newborn child. The Bible teaches the unborn is human.
The 6th commandment deals with murder.
- Exodus 20:13 (NASB) “You shall not murder.” This moral law is one of the Ten Commandments. Author Moses used a Hebrew word (ratsach) that in context refers to taking an innocent life with premeditation (English translation murder). The KJV version of the Bible reads, “You shall not kill.” Using the word “kill” instead of “murder” can be misleading. During the 17th century the word “kill” carried a connotation more closely resembling today’s use of the word murder. This Biblical commandment teaches it is wrong to take the life of an innocent human; therefore in Exodus 20:13 “murder” is the more likely English word.
Murder is a universal or objective moral wrong. The verses in Luke establish the unborn baby is human. Therefore, according to the Bible to abort a baby in the womb is murder. This constitutes a clear violation of the 6th commandment, “You shall not murder.”
