[Greek] βρέφος (brephos), [Latin] infantem, [Latin] fetus: newborn child, unborn child, baby, toddler, infant, embryo; Lk. 1:41,44. Lk. 2:12,16, Lk. 18:15, Acts 7:19, 2Tim.3:15, 1Pet.2:2
Background information:
Classical Greek Era: This term means infant, fetus, baby, embryo, and small child. Sons, rather than girls, were more desired in order to enhance the labor force and the status (power and glory) of a house. The newborn child was often included in cultic fellowship. The nurse (or female relative) would publicly place the child under the protection of the household gods. Pregnancy prevention methods (abortion) wore often used to weed out girls, “cripples”, and the unfit. Euripides’ Iphigenia in Tauris 898 states “For male children are the supports of the house.” Hesiod’s Works and Days 376 states “There should be an only one son to feed in his father’s house, for so wealth will increase in the house.” Homer’s Illiad 23.266 states “A foal in her womb.”
Greek Hellenism: There begins a rediscovery of the role of the child, as provisions are being made for the welfare of children. Efforts are undertaken to develop a more integrated and fully rounded (“encyclopedic”) education (and training) for children. Children and childlike characters are developed in poetry, comedy, literature, and the arts. Such characters include the gifted child, divine child, and the mischievous child. Even children can become emperors. Aeschylus’ Agamemnon 1096 states “Behold these babies bewailing their own butchery.” Euripides’ Ion 1339 states “In this I received you when you were once a new-born infant.”
Old Testament: To be without children is a sorrow and a religious curse. Children are a gift and blessing of God. A man’s name (progeny) lives on through his children. Those who die childless can still have descendants through Levirate marriage. Intercourse is necessary in some non-traditional situations for the sake of producing children. Abortion is considered pagan. The notion of the innocence of a child is foreign in the Old Testament, as Judaism generally views child as foolish (without understanding), selfish, and naughty. The child customarily participates in cultic fellowship. The firstborn belongs to Yahweh, and must be presented to Him and be redeemed by a sacrifice. Even in the womb, Jeremiah was already ordained (destined) by God to be a prophet for Him. (Jer.1:5) Having heard something, the fool goes into labor, like a woman giving birth to a child (Sir.19:11). O Lord God, what good will your gifts be, if I keep on being childless? (Gen.15:2). Unite with your brother’s widow, in fulfillment of your duty as brother in law, and thus preserve your brother’s line (Gen.38:8). For they went far astray in the paths of error, deceived like senseless infants (Sol. 12:24). Their infants shall be dashed to pieces in their sight (Isa. 13:16). Now I, in turn, give him to the Lord; as long as he live, he shall be dedicated to the Lord (1Sam.1:28). Certainly sons are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb, a reward (Psa. 127:3)
New Testament: Jesus affirms and sanctifies the love of parents. Child-bearing can be called a work which promotes salvation and pleases God. Interestingly, Jesus holds a much higher esteem for children. Although Jesus never speaks of the children’s innocence, He refers to their modest, immature, trusting, unspoiled, and naïve qualities, which are more receptive to the fatherly love of God. Paul reminds that Timothy (and others) that they have learned since infancy that scriptures provide wisdom (in facing the issues of false teachings). Peter states that the newly baptized, like newborn infants, long for spiritual milk which is needed for salvation.
Scripture:
“For at that moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant John in my womb leaped for joy.” Lk.1:44
John leaps in the womb upon the presence of Mary.
“People were bringing even infants to Him that He might touch them, and when the disciples saw this, they rebuked Him.” Lk.18:15
Jesus calls for children to come to Him. We all must be like children in our relationship to God the Father.
“Like newborn infants, long for spiritual milk so that through it you may grow into salvation.” 1Pet.2:2
The newly baptized are like spiritual infants requiring spiritual milk.
The early Church’s terminology used in their historical position against abortion:
Other historical references:
The Didache:(140 AD): “new born child”
Althenagoras (177 AD): “fetus in the womb”
Tertullian (197 AD): “fetus in the womb”
Clement of Alexandria (150-215 AD): “embryos”
John Calvin: “the fetus, although enclosed in the womb”
Martin Luther: “single child in any woman’s womb”
Etymology: The word embryo (embruon) comes from the Greek verb bruo, meaning to grow or swell. The word infant comes from the Latin noun infans, one unable to speak. The Latin fetus means offspring and bringing forth
Conclusion:
Embryo, fetus, infant
In the classical era, it was interesting to discover that this term referred to a foal (baby mule) in the womb. I am not surprised that sons (males) were considered more valuable than daughters (girls) during this time period. Unfortunately, some societies (like China) have continued to carry out this practice in current times. It is also another unfortunate reality that abortion (other contraceptive practices) have been in existence since the beginning of time. Then Hellenism begins to present children’s welfare in a more positive light. Well-rounded education is provided to children. Aspects of children are found in the arts.
In the Old Testament, it was very important to have male children in order to continue the family progeny and to serve the Lord. Even non-traditional forms of intercourse were permitted to produce children. Abortion and other contraceptive measures were considered pagan. It was interesting to discover that children, although important for progeny, were often viewed negatively. Old Testament attitudes sometimes often did not have a high opinion of children.
Jesus affirms the love of parents. Interestingly, in contrast to prevalent cultural thinking, Jesus holds children in high esteem. Children are more receptive to the fatherly love of God. Paul calls his followers not to be childish (naive) in viewing evil. The newly baptized are like infants who need spiritual milk for salvation.
A quote from Martin Luther King: “Every aborted baby is like a slave in the womb of his or her mother. The mother decides his or her fate.”
Martin Luther King continues to inspires us in our march for life!