What does the Bible say about life?

The Bible does not use words such as 'abortion' or 'euthanasia,' but it does offer plenty of principles that inform our consciences on those matters. The issue really is, How should we treat people? Once we determine that mankind occupies a special place in the universe, it becomes paramount that we treat each other with respect and dignity.

Your word, O LORD, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens. —Psalm 119:89

The sum of Your word is truth,
and every one of Your righteous rules endures forever. —Psalm 119:160

Relevant passages



Where does life come from? Who determines when life begins and ends? What if I want to take my own life? What's so special about human life? Is an unborn baby a person, the same as someone who's already born? Is there such a thing as a "non-person" human being? What does God think of violence against human beings? What is the value of children? What does God think about the death of innocent unborn babies? What about drugs that cause abortions? Is abortion like child sacrifice? Does God forgive people who've aborted their children? Can abortion ever be a solution to problems? Is it okay to abort defective babies? Is it okay to abort babies conceived through rape or incest? What should we do about unplanned pregnancies?

Also in this section

The biblical pro-life ethic
Applying the pro-life ethic
Articulating the pro-life ethic in word
Articulating the pro-life ethic in deed
What the Bible says about life
Biblical bioethics