What does the Bible say about not having children?
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The Bible teaches that not having children does not lessen a person’s worth before God, though it may bring real sorrow, and that God calls his people to trust his wise and compassionate providence. Psalm 113:9 praises God’s care for the barren woman, while 1 Samuel 1:7-8 honestly portrays Hannah’s deep grief and the comfort offered to her. Children are a gracious gift from the Lord, as Psalm 127:3-5 says, yet they are not given to every household. Matthew 19:12 also recognizes that some remain unmarried or childless in distinctive callings. Galatians 4:27 points beyond earthly fruitfulness to God’s promise of abundant spiritual children through his saving grace.
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- Psalms 113:9
He settles the barren woman in her home, As a joyful mother of children. Praise Yah!
- Galatians 4:27
For it is written, "Rejoice, you barren who don't bear. Break forth and shout, you that don't travail. For more are the children of the desolate than of her who has a husband."
- Matthew 19:12
For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother's womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heaven's sake. He who is able to receive it, let him receive it."
- Malachi 2:15
Did he not make one, although he had the residue of the Spirit? Why one? He sought a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.
- Psalms 127:3-5
[3] Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward. [4] As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, So are the children of youth. [5] Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They won't be disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.
- 1 Samuel 1:7-8
[7] [as] he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of Yahweh, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat. [8] Elkanah her husband said to her, Hannah, why weep you? and why don't you eat? and why is your heart grieved? am I not better to you than ten sons?
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