Overview
The Bible addresses infanticide across 5 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Matthew and Exodus. Closely related themes include Prophecies Respecting Christ, Egypt, Midwifery and Murder. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Shiphrah, Puah, Jeremiah and Rachel.
Key Bible verses about infanticide
Old Testament
Exodus
And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah:
And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.
New Testament
Matthew
Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
People in the Bible and infanticide
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying infanticide for yourself
- Begin with Exodus 1:15, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Matthew and Exodus each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Shiphrah, Puah and Jeremiah and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Prophecies Respecting Christ, Egypt, Midwifery and Murder.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about infanticide?
The Bible addresses infanticide across 5 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Matthew and Exodus. Closely related themes include Prophecies Respecting Christ, Egypt, Midwifery and Murder. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Shiphrah, Puah, Jeremiah and Rachel.
How many Bible verses are about infanticide?
The Bible references infanticide in 5 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention infanticide?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Exodus 1:15: “And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah:”
Which people in the Bible are associated with infanticide?
Shiphrah, Puah, Jeremiah and Rachel.
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