What Does the Bible Say about Miscarriage?

　　Of the many painful human experiences we may endure in this life, miscarriage is perhaps one of the hardest—even for Christians. Any time a good gift is presented from God, there is much rejoicing and anticipation about what this new gift will afford. Yet, God can also take away that good gift—and, mysteriously, both options are in keeping with His perfect will. The flux of emotions, the surges of hope and despair, can feel overwhelming for those who expected to be parents.

　　As Christians, we ache for the comfort that God knows exactly what we face. We earnestly seek answers in Scripture that suggest others have walked a similar path and can encourage us with their stories. Does the Bible—a book filled with numerous accounts of sorrow and loss—address the specific difficulty of miscarriage?

　　

Does the Bible Mention Miscarriages?

The only specific mention of “miscarriage” is in Exodus 23:25-26, when God said He would withhold miscarriage from the people if they obey: “Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you, and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span.”

　　

What Does God Say about a Child’s Value?

The birthing of children is God’s design for creating a people for Himself. He could have continued creating humans out of the dust of the ground, but He chose that the man and the woman would come together, and through them, He would create a new human. Though painful childbirth results from sin committed by the first couple (Genesis 3:16), having a child was designed to be a gift. Psalm 127:3 calls children “a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him.” The Psalmist goes on to suggest a multitude of children is cause for blessing (Psalm 127:5) and that each person is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

　　One of the greatest testaments to children’s inherent value is Jesus Himself. God could have sent His Son Jesus to earth as a man, but instead sent Him as a baby. He would be the ultimate child through whom God’s power would be perfected in weakness. During His short ministry on earth, Jesus calls us to come to Him as children, saying in Matthew 18:4, “Whoever humbles himself like this child…is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

　　Both Old and New Testament writers clearly show that God deeply values children. So when someone loses a child by miscarriage, He deeply grieves alongside the parents. He doesn’t abandon them; rather, He welcomes them with open arms.

　　

What Comfort Does the Bible Give to Parents Who’ve Had a Miscarriage?

The Bible’s comfort to grieving parents is similar to what it provides for any type of grief or loss. When confronted with immense suffering, it’s natural to ask God, “Why?” Unfortunately, we may never learn the reason—yet the Scriptures still provide deep insight into how God views suffering.

　　Words of condolence may sound trite to someone who has lost a child, but the fact that the God of the universe cares and is walking through the pain with them is no small concept. Matthew 18:14 reminds readers that God takes no pleasure in the loss of young life. He is the God who heals, restores, and repurposes everything. He may show us on this side of heaven what His purpose is in our pain; if not, we are called to walk by faith in the One who created us all to live in an eternal covenant with Him. It takes a tremendous amount of trust, and it’s not easy.

　　As with any trial that we experience this side of heaven, God also promises Himself here and now to help those who are “brokenhearted” and “crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18-19). Parents can be assured that God is abundantly able to help them endure the pain of their loss. Moreover, He can use it for their ultimate good and His glory, as Romans 8:28 suggests. It is the epitome of comfort to be soothed by God after losing a child.

　　One way we can see God working amid the pain is when the body of Christ acts as the comforting hands and feet of Jesus. Unlike the group of friends in the Book of Job—who questioned Job’s faith and character as he suffered—these people need to listen, build up, provide for practical needs, and “mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15). Parents may have misplaced feelings of guilt or shame, or struggles with anger and fear that fellow believers can help redirect and soothe. In some unfathomable way, those who have experienced miscarriages can comfort with the comfort they received from the Lord.

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A Prayer for Expecting Mothers after a Miscarriage

Lord, thank You for being the author of life and the God of all comfort and compassion. Thank You that the Holy Spirit still intercedes for me when I lack the energy, clarity, or eloquence to share what’s on my heart. I feel so broken, and if I’m being honest, I don’t understand why You’ve allowed this to happen. Like so many women throughout history, I’ve longed to be a mother, and I had so much hope that I’d be able to meet my child on this side of heaven. Thank You that no matter what happens, my hopes and dreams are safe to share with You. I know that even though You may allow suffering, Your love for me is never-ending. Father, I ask that You release me from any feelings of guilt or shame. Thank You that Your Word says each of our days is numbered in Your book and that You have special care and concern for children. I pray for peace and comfort, knowing that my child is in heaven with you—and that one day, we will meet face to face. Until then, Lord, give me grace and strength for each moment. May I also bring You glory by encouraging other mothers who find themselves in my situation. In Jesus’ name, amen.

　　

A Prayer for Expecting Fathers after a Miscarriage

Lord, thank You that You alone have a perfect understanding of what it means to be a father. With that, You understand perfectly the pain of losing and being separated from a beloved child. I thank You that by Your great mercy, I’m able to be called Your child! We waited for the fulfillment of your blessing, and the pain is more than we can bear alone. The Word says that You show compassion to Your children - I’m grateful for that compassion today. As a man, I have an innate desire to protect my family and provide for their needs. Please help me remember that despite this loss, I have not failed in that regard. Thank You that You are the ultimate Protector and Provider and are caring for my child until I meet with both of you in heaven. For now, please help me to know how to best comfort my wife as she grieves in her unique way. Set a hedge of protection around my marriage, so our grief doesn’t overwhelm our union. Help me also to be a blessing to other fathers who may find themselves in my situation. In Jesus’ name, amen.