What Does the Bible Say About Miscarriage?

When experiencing the heartbreak of pregnancy loss, many turn to faith for comfort and understanding. As Christians, we often search Scripture for specific guidance and reassurance during difficult times.

While the Bible doesn’t directly address miscarriage in the way we might hope for, it does provide profound truths that can comfort grieving hearts.

The Bible Acknowledges the Reality of Pregnancy Loss

Though the term “miscarriage” doesn’t appear in most Bible translations, Scripture acknowledges the reality of pregnancy loss. In Exodus 23:26, God promises the Israelites, “None shall miscarry or be barren in your land,” suggesting that miscarriage was a recognized concern. Job 3:16 references “infants who never saw the light of day,” acknowledging babies who died before birth.

These references show that pregnancy loss has been part of human experience throughout history. The Bible doesn’t shy away from this painful reality but acknowledges it as part of our fallen world. The following are just a few examples of this.

God Knows and Values Every Life, However Brief

One of the most comforting biblical truths for those experiencing miscarriage is that God knows and values every life, no matter how brief. Psalm 139:13-16 tells us:

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb… Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

This powerful passage affirms that God intimately knows each baby from conception. He creates each life purposefully and with intention. Even when a pregnancy ends too soon, that baby was fully known and loved by God.

God Understands Our Grief

The Bible assures us that God deeply understands grief. Isaiah 53:3 describes Jesus as “a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.” When Lazarus died, John 11:35 simply states, “Jesus wept,” showing that even knowing He would raise Lazarus, Jesus still grieved.

Psalm 34:18 offers particular comfort: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” When miscarriage leaves us feeling broken, this verse assures us that God draws especially near to us in our pain.

He Gives Us Hope Beyond Loss

While the Bible acknowledges suffering, it also points to hope beyond our present pain. In 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, Paul writes, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

When you focus on the things you can physically see, the pain is incredibly apparent. Your baby is gone, and they’re not coming back. But when you fix your eyes on that which is unseen, that which is eternal, it can ignite a fire of hope within you. For those who believe, you will see your baby again in heaven.

For many grieving parents, comfort comes from passages like Revelation 21:4, which promises a future where “[God] will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

These verses don’t minimize our present grief but offer the hope of eventual healing and reunion. God has already prepared a place in paradise for your baby and for you.

Related Post: How to Find Hope and Healing After Miscarriage

Practical Faith During Grief

The Bible offers practical guidance for walking through grief:

1. Express honest emotions to God: The Psalms model raw, honest prayer. David cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1)—the same words Jesus spoke on the cross. God wants to hear from you, and He is always listening.
2. Seek community: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us, “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Seek out others who have experienced similar losses, whether that’s through an in-person support group or online.
3. Remember God’s presence: Isaiah 43:2 promises, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” God is always there, and He is always working your life for good – even when you cannot feel or hear Him.
4. Hold onto hope: Romans 15:13 offers this prayer: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.”

What About My Baby?

One of the most heartfelt questions after miscarriage is: “Where is my baby now?” We often wonder if our babies are in heaven. While the Bible doesn’t specifically address this, many Christians find comfort in passages that speak of God’s character and love.

David, after losing his infant son, said, “I will go to him, but he will not return to me” (2 Samuel 12:23), suggesting his belief that he would see his child again in heaven.

Jesus showed special tenderness toward children, saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14).

These passages and many others, combined with what we know of God’s compassionate nature, give many Christians confidence that babies who die before birth are safe in God’s loving care.

Walking Forward with Faith

If you’re walking through the pain of miscarriage, know that it’s okay to grieve deeply. Jesus Himself wept and experienced sorrow. Bring your questions, anger, and pain honestly before God, knowing He can handle all of it.

In the earliest days after losing my son, I was angry with God. But He pulled me into His Word like nothing I can describe. It was because of my wrestling with Him that I have the faith I do today.

While the Bible may not answer every question about miscarriage, it does assure us that God sees our pain, values every life, understands our grief, and offers hope beyond our current suffering.

Remember, grief isn’t the absence of faith—sometimes, it’s the evidence of love. As you navigate this difficult journey, I hope you feel God’s presence especially close, just as He promised it would be.