What does the Bible say about designer babies?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that human life is God’s sacred gift, and therefore efforts to shape children should be governed by humility, love, and reverence for God’s sovereign design rather than pride or human control. Genesis 1:27 and 5:1 affirm that every person bears God’s image, while Psalm 139:13-16 celebrates God’s personal work in forming each child in the womb. Jeremiah 1:5 further shows God’s knowledge and purpose for human life before birth. Medical care may rightly seek healing and protection, yet Isaiah 45:9-12 warns against creatures contending with their Maker. Christians should value children not for selected traits, but as God’s beloved creations, looking to the heart rather than outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Genesis 1:27 27 votes

    God created man in his own image. In God's image he created him; male and female he created them.

  • Psalms 139:13-16 18 votes

    [13] For you formed my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother's womb. [14] I will give thanks to you, For I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well. [15] My frame wasn't hidden from you, When I was made in secret, Woven together in the depths of the earth. [16] Your eyes saw my body. In your book they were all written, The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there were none of them.

  • Isaiah 45:9-12 6 votes

    [9] Woe to him who strives with his Maker--a potsherd among the potsherds of the earth! Shall the clay ask him who fashions it, "What are you making?" or your work, "He has no hands?" [10] Woe to him who says to a father, "What have you become the father of?" or to a woman, "With what do you travail?" [11] Thus says Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: Ask me of the things that are to come; concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands, command you me. [12] I have made the earth, and created man on it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens; and all their host have I commanded.

  • 1 Samuel 16:7 6 votes

    But Yahweh said to Samuel, "Don't look on his face, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him: for [Yahweh sees] not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart."

  • Jeremiah 1:5 5 votes

    Before I formed you in the belly I knew you, and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.

  • Psalms 139:13 3 votes

    For you formed my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother's womb.

  • Colossians 1:16 3 votes

    For by him were all things created, in the heavens and on the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and for him.

  • Genesis 5:1 3 votes

    This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, he made him in God's likeness.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:19 2 votes

    Or don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God? You are not your own,

  • Psalms 8:2 2 votes

    From the lips of babes and infants you have established strength, Because of your adversaries, that you might silence the enemy and the avenger.

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