Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Usage:The term "miscarry" refers to the premature end of a pregnancy, resulting in the loss of the unborn child. In biblical times, this was a significant event, often seen as a profound personal and communal tragedy. The Bible addresses the concept of miscarriage in various contexts, reflecting both the physical and spiritual dimensions of this experience.
Biblical References:1.
Exodus 21:22-25 : "If men who are fighting strike a pregnant woman and her child is born prematurely, but there is no further injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman’s husband demands and as the court allows. But if a serious injury results, then you must require a life for a life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, and stripe for stripe."
This passage is part of the Mosaic Law and addresses the consequences of causing a miscarriage through violence. The text distinguishes between a premature birth without further harm and one that results in serious injury or death, indicating the value placed on both the mother and the unborn child.
2.
Hosea 9:14 : "Give them, O LORD—what will You give? Give them wombs that miscarry and breasts that dry up!"
In this prophetic text, Hosea speaks of judgment upon Israel for their unfaithfulness. The imagery of miscarrying wombs is used as a metaphor for barrenness and the cessation of blessing, highlighting the severity of divine judgment.
3.
Job 3:16 : "Or why was I not hidden like a stillborn child, like an infant who never sees daylight?"
Job, in his suffering, laments his birth and wishes he had been a stillborn, expressing the depth of his despair. This reflects the ancient understanding of miscarriage as a hidden, sorrowful event, yet also as a form of escape from earthly suffering.
Theological Implications:In the biblical worldview, life is sacred from conception, and the loss of an unborn child is a significant event. The passages that mention miscarriage often do so in the context of justice, judgment, or lament, underscoring the gravity of the loss. The Bible's treatment of miscarriage reflects a deep respect for life and the belief in God's sovereignty over the womb.
Cultural and Historical Context:In ancient Israelite society, children were considered a blessing from God, and fertility was highly valued. Miscarriage, therefore, was not only a personal tragedy but also a communal concern. The biblical laws and narratives that address miscarriage reveal the importance of protecting pregnant women and the unborn, as well as the community's role in supporting those who experience such loss.
Pastoral Considerations:For those who have experienced miscarriage, the Bible offers both acknowledgment of the pain and the hope of God's presence in suffering. The church is called to provide compassion and support, recognizing the profound grief that accompanies the loss of an unborn child. The biblical witness encourages believers to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even in the face of such difficult circumstances.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. i.) To carry, or go, wrong; to fail of reaching a destination, or fail of the intended effect; to be unsuccessful; to suffer defeat.
2. (v. i.) To bring forth young before the proper time.
Strong's Hebrew
7921. shakol -- to be bereaved... A primitive root; properly, to
miscarry, ie Suffer abortion; by analogy, to bereave
(literally or figuratively) -- bereave (of children), barren, cast calf
...Library
The Arrest
... And some of the members of the Sanhedrim had even come themselves, so eager
were they to see that the design should notmiscarry....
Motives to the Oversight of the Flock
... keep them watching. If youmiscarry, they and you may perish. You have
a subtle enemy, and therefore you must be wise. You have...
part iii
... fear but great things will be accomplished, and a wonderful blow will be given to
the kingdom of darkness by this work, if it do notmiscarry through the fault...
The Joint Heirs and their Divine Portion
... If there be some points in the covenant of grace where wisdom has been deficient,
and therefore by error it maymiscarry, or by lack of legal right may prove...
The Intercession of Christ
... For if these points are indubitable and sure, it is impossible that the soul, which
has trusted in Jesus, and put its cause into His hands, canmiscarry....
Recommendation.
... closely, seem to have gained a little ground upon men, and almost persuaded them
to be Christians, Satan, to the end he may make allmiscarry, and counterwork...
Conviction of Sin.
... Lightnings without thunder are in this case dangerous, because they that receive
the one without the other are subject tomiscarry: they were once enlightened...
A Religious Person is not Perfect by his Profession. ...
... to expose themselves to the injuries of the weather for a while, and therefore
adventure over clothes and all; and of them, God knows, a worldmiscarry by the...
These Things Being Said by God, While the Trumpets Uttered their...
... put on his trial for doing so. If any one cause a woman [282] tomiscarry,
he shall be put to death. If any one knock out the eye...
But they Ask for Proof of this Presence of the Deity when Invoked...
... in this mystical Dispensation, either themselves make [2023] an actual addition
to that grace, or at all events do not cause the existing grace tomiscarry....
Thesaurus
Miscarry (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Miscarry (4 Occurrences). Exodus 23:26 No one will
miscarry or be barren in your land.
... Their cows calve, and don't
miscarry.
...Abort (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vi) Tomiscarry; to bring forth young
prematurely.... Their cows calve, and don'tmiscarry. (See NAS)....
Loath (2 Occurrences)
... See RSV). Job 21:10 His bullock hath eaten corn, and doth not loath. His
cow bringeth forth safely, And doth notmiscarry. (YLT)....
Founder (5 Occurrences)
... 3. (vi) To become filled with water, and sink, as a ship. 4. (vi) To fall; to
stumble and go lame, as a horse. 5. (vi) To fail; tomiscarry....
Rezin (11 Occurrences)
... that Isaiah was commissioned by the Lord to assure them that the schemes of "these
two tails of smoking firebrands" (Isaiah 7:4) were destined tomiscarry....
Miscarrieth (1 Occurrence)
Mates (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Mates (1 Occurrence). Job 21:10 Their bulls breed
without fail. Their cows calve, and don'tmiscarry. (See NAS)....
Misfortune (24 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Bad fortune or luck; calamity; an evil accident; disaster; mishap; mischance.
2. (vi) To happen unluckily or unfortunately; tomiscarry; to fail....
Miscarrying (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) ofMiscarry. Multi-Version
Concordance Miscarrying (3 Occurrences). Exodus 23:26 there...
Breeds (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Breeds (2 Occurrences). Job 21:10 Their bulls breed
without fail. Their cows calve, and don'tmiscarry. (See RSV)....
Resources
What does the Bible say about miscarriage? | GotQuestions.orgIf God hates abortion, why does He allow miscarriages? | GotQuestions.orgWhy do babies die? | GotQuestions.orgMiscarry: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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