Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:Miscarrying, in the context of the Bible, refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the fetus can survive outside the womb. This event is often seen as a deeply sorrowful experience, and in biblical times, it was sometimes interpreted as a sign of divine judgment or a consequence of sin. However, it is also recognized as part of the human condition in a fallen world.
Biblical References:The Bible addresses the concept of miscarrying in several passages, often in the context of blessings and curses. In
Exodus 23:26, God promises the Israelites that if they obey His commands, "No woman in your land will miscarry or be barren; I will fulfill the number of your days" . This verse suggests that miscarrying is contrary to God's blessing of fruitfulness and life.
In
Hosea 9:14, the prophet Hosea, speaking of judgment upon Israel, says, "Give them, O LORD—what will You give? Give them wombs that miscarry and breasts that dry up!" . Here, miscarrying is depicted as part of the divine judgment against a rebellious nation.
Theological Implications:From a theological perspective, miscarrying is often viewed within the broader context of the fallen world and the consequences of sin. The pain and loss associated with miscarrying are reminders of the brokenness of creation and the need for redemption. The Bible acknowledges the sorrow and grief that accompany such loss, and it calls believers to trust in God's sovereignty and compassion even in times of suffering.
Pastoral Considerations:In pastoral care, the experience of miscarrying is approached with sensitivity and compassion. The church is called to support and comfort those who have suffered such loss, recognizing the deep emotional and spiritual impact it can have. The promise of God's presence and the hope of eternal life are central to offering comfort and healing to those who grieve.
Cultural and Historical Context:In ancient Israel, children were considered a blessing from God, and the inability to bear children was often seen as a source of shame or a sign of divine displeasure. Miscarrying, therefore, carried not only personal grief but also social and religious implications. The biblical narrative, however, consistently points to God's care for the barren and the brokenhearted, offering hope and restoration.
Conclusion:While the Bible does not provide explicit instructions on how to deal with miscarrying, it offers a framework of faith, hope, and love. Believers are encouraged to seek God's comfort and to support one another in times of loss, trusting in His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Miscarry.
Strong's Hebrew
7921. shakol -- to be bereaved... of my children (1), bereaved your of children (1), cast (1), childless (1), depopulated
(1), made...childless (1), miscarried (1),
miscarrying (2), slays (1
...Library
"Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. "
... There is muchmiscarrying in both these, if they are either separated or misplaced.
But the truth is, they cannot really be, except they be jointly....
How Christ is to be Made Use Of, in Reference to the Killing and...
... in the soul, entangling all the faculties, filling the mind with darkness or prejudice,
misleading or preventing the affections, and somiscarrying the will...
"We have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous....
... There is no fear of themiscarrying of their cause above, but as for me, I know
not if he be an advocate for me, whether I may come into that sentence, "We...
"Boast not Thyself of to Morrow, for Thou Knowest not what a Day...
... prefixed season. There is nomiscarrying as to him whose decrees do properly
conceive them though to us they seem often abortive. Now...
Letter cxxxiii. To Ctesiphon.
... Give them, O Lord; what wilt thou give? Give them amiscarrying womb and dry
breasts." [3870] My temper rises and I cannot check my words....
Instruction for the Ignorant:
... Q. Who else are in danger ofmiscarrying here?"A. They who have fainted in their
works, they whose self-denial hath at last been overcome by self-love...
Paul's Departure and Crown;
... look up to unseen things; now remember Christ's carriage to them that spilt his
blood; or all is in danger of bursting, and thou ofmiscarrying in theses things...
The Strait Gate;
... 6. They will seek to enter in by pleading that ignorance was the ground
of theirmiscarrying in the things wherein they offended....
A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to...
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <....
Memoir of John Bunyan
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <....
Thesaurus
Miscarrying (3 Occurrences)...Miscarrying (3 Occurrences). Exodus 23:26 there is not a
miscarrying and barren
one in thy land; the number of thy days I fulfil: (YLT NAS).
...Miscarry (4 Occurrences)
... (WEB YLT NIV). Hosea 9:14 Give them-Yahweh what will you give? Give them amiscarrying
womb and dry breasts. (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Unproductive (5 Occurrences)
... and said, "Thus says Yahweh,'I have healed these waters. There shall not
be from there any more death ormiscarrying.'" (See NIV)....
Jehovah-what (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jehovah-what (1 Occurrence). Hosea 9:14 Give them, O
Jehovah-what wilt thou give? give them amiscarrying womb and dry breasts. (ASV)....
Wholesome (10 Occurrences)
... Yahweh,'I have healed these waters. There shall not be from there any more
death ormiscarrying.'" (See RSV). 2 Kings 2:22 So the...
Wombs (3 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV). Hosea 9:14 Give to them, Jehovah -- what dost Thou
give? Give to themmiscarrying womb, and dry breasts. (See NIV)....
Miscarriage (4 Occurrences)
... and cast salt therein, and said: 'Thus saith the LORD: I have healed these waters;
there shall not be from thence any more death ormiscarrying.' (See RSV)....
Mischance (1 Occurrence)
Barren (44 Occurrences)
... a) because it is naturally poor and sterile: tsiyah "dry" (Joel 2:20), melechah,
"salt" (Job 39:6 the King James Version), shakhol, "miscarrying" (2 Kings 2:19...
Barrenness (3 Occurrences)
... a) because it is naturally poor and sterile: tsiyah "dry" (Joel 2:20), melechah,
"salt" (Job 39:6 the King James Version), shakhol, "miscarrying" (2 Kings 2:19...
Resources
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