In the context of the Bible, the term "stillborn" refers to a child who is born without life. The Scriptures address the concept of stillbirth in several passages, often using it as a metaphor to convey deeper spiritual truths or to express profound sorrow and lamentation.

Biblical References:

1. Ecclesiastes 6:3-5 : "A man may father a hundred children and live many years, yet no matter how long he lives, if he is not satisfied with his prosperity and does not receive a proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he. For it comes in futility and departs in darkness, and its name is shrouded in obscurity. The stillborn child never sees the sun or knows anything; it has more rest than that man."

In this passage, Solomon reflects on the vanity of life without fulfillment or contentment. He uses the imagery of a stillborn child to illustrate the futility of a life that lacks purpose and satisfaction, suggesting that such a life is more tragic than never having lived at all.

2. Job 3:16 : "Or why was I not hidden like a stillborn child, like an infant who never sees daylight?"

Job, in his deep anguish and suffering, laments his own birth and existence. He wishes he had been like a stillborn child, who never experiences the pain and trials of life. This expression of despair highlights the depth of Job's suffering and his longing for relief from his afflictions.

3. Psalm 58:8 : "May they be like a slug that melts away as it moves along, like a stillborn child who never sees the sun."

In this imprecatory psalm, the psalmist calls for the downfall of the wicked, using the metaphor of a stillborn child to describe their ultimate futility and lack of impact. The imagery underscores the desire for the wicked to be rendered powerless and ineffective.

Theological Implications:

The use of stillbirth as a metaphor in Scripture often conveys themes of futility, obscurity, and rest. It serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life and the importance of living with purpose and in alignment with God's will. The stillborn child, who never experiences the struggles of life, is sometimes depicted as being in a state of rest, contrasting with the turmoil faced by those who live without divine fulfillment.

Pastoral Considerations:

In pastoral care, the topic of stillbirth is approached with sensitivity and compassion. The loss of a child before birth is a profound grief for parents and families. The Bible's references to stillbirth, while often metaphorical, can provide a framework for understanding the depth of sorrow and the hope of rest in God's presence. Pastors and counselors may draw on these passages to offer comfort and to affirm the value of every life, no matter how brief.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the birth of children was highly valued, and the loss of a child, whether through stillbirth or otherwise, was a significant tragedy. The biblical authors, writing within this cultural context, used the imagery of stillbirth to communicate messages that resonated deeply with their audiences. The metaphorical use of stillbirth in Scripture reflects the broader themes of life, death, and the search for meaning that are central to the human experience.1. (a.) Dead at the birth; as, a stillborn child.

2. (a.) Fig.: Abortive; as, a stillborn poem.

The Plea of Faith
... We have stillborn books in abundance; we have innumerable books which never see
any circulation except the circulation of the butter shop, but we have no book ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the plea of faith.htm

How to Work for God with Success.
... no result. Here is the reason why we have such a host of stillborn, sinewless,
ricketty, powerless spiritual children. They are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter ix how to work.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... The just shall live by faith' (Habakkuk 2:4). All God's children are living.
None of them are stillborn. Now by faith we live'. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... reproached her somewhat severely for her fault, and the maidservant took her misfortune
so to heart that she was delivered prematurely of a stillborn child. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/i ancestors of the blessed.htm

Directions to Sinners.
... For the want of this thorough and searching management, many are converted who seem
to be stillborn. And the reason is, they never were faithfully dealt with. ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xviii directions to sinners.htm

The Iranian Conquest
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9. <. ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

Stillborn (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Dead at the birth; as, a stillborn child. 2.
(a.) Fig.: Abortive; as, a stillborn poem. ...Stillborn (4 Occurrences). ...
/s/stillborn.htm - 7k

Still (2005 Occurrences)

/s/still.htm - 10k

Stilled (9 Occurrences)

/s/stilled.htm - 9k

Dissolves (1 Occurrence)
... Dissolves (1 Occurrence). Psalms 58:8 Let them be like a snail which melts and passes
away, like the stillborn child, who has not seen the sun. (See RSV). ...
/d/dissolves.htm - 6k

Melts (11 Occurrences)
... (See RSV NIV). Psalms 58:8 Let them be like a snail which melts and passes away,
like the stillborn child, who has not seen the sun. (WEB NAS). ...
/m/melts.htm - 9k

Miscarriages (1 Occurrence)
... Miscarriages (1 Occurrence). Psalms 58:8 Let them be like a snail which melts and
passes away, like the stillborn child, who has not seen the sun. (See NAS). ...
/m/miscarriages.htm - 6k

Slime (6 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Psalms 58:8 Let them be like a snail which melts and passes away,
like the stillborn child, who has not seen the sun. (See RSV). ...
/s/slime.htm - 11k

Snail (2 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS YLT). Psalms 58:8 Let them be like a snail which melts and passes
away, like the stillborn child, who has not seen the sun. ...
/s/snail.htm - 10k

Moves (30 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV). Psalms 58:8 Let them be like a snail which melts and passes away,
like the stillborn child, who has not seen the sun. (See NIV). ...
/m/moves.htm - 14k

Passes (74 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Psalms 58:8 Let them be like a snail which melts and passes away,
like the stillborn child, who has not seen the sun. (WEB). ...
/p/passes.htm - 28k

Why does God allow birth defects? | GotQuestions.org

Stillborn: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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