[Greek] ἔκτρωμα (ektrōma), [Latin] abortivus: “out of trauma”, untimely birth, miscarriage, one untimely born, abortion, one born out of time, abnormal birth, abortive offspring, child born dead; 1Cor.15:8
The Conversion of St. Paul: painting by Caravaggio (1601). Paul was “born out of time” not like the other disciples who walked with Jesus.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: Although not commonly used, this term is found among the works of the Greek physicians. This term means a miscarriage, an untimely birth, and the “casting out the fruit of the body”. Dioscurides states “Because of the blows she had received, a women named Taesis had a miscarriage.” Herodotus’ The Histories 3.32 states “Angered at this, he sprung upon her, who was great with child, and she miscarried and died of the blow he gave her.” Aristotle states “If this ever happens (for this also has occurred) the mother cannot bring the second embryo to perfection, but it is cast out in a state like what are called abortions.” Julius Caesar (or one of his predecessors) was born by this medical procedure.
Old Testament: This term refers to a still-born child, miscarriage, and untimely birth. Scriptures make references of comparing these graphic images to difficult situations. Disease, sin, lack of a burial, unjust rulers, and being buried are likened to a stillborn or dead child. Let her not thus be like the stillborn babe that comes forth from its mother’s womb with its flesh half consumed (Num.12:12). Or why was I not buried away like an untimely birth, like babies that have never seen the light? (Job.3:16). Should a man have a hundred children and live many years, no matter to what great age, still if he has not the full benefit of his goods, or if he is deprived of burial, of this man I proclaim that the child born dead is more fortunate than he (Eccl.6:3). The birth pangs will come for him, who, when it is time, does present himself at the mouth of the womb (Hos.13:13).
New Testament: This term refers to Paul in a metaphorical sense. From a spiritual standpoint, Paul was not born at the right time in order to have been a disciple during Jesus’ lifetime. This makes reference to Paul’s abnormal and extraordinary calling (spiritual birth) to his apostolic office. This also has been used as a derogatory term against Paul by his enemies. The Jews would speak of Paul’s sudden and abrupt disposal of His Jewish faith as a betrayal to them. Perhaps Paul himself, now as a Christian, would also view own his past persecuting life as an abomination (with no life).
Scripture:
“Last of all, as to one born abnormally, He appeared to me.” 1Cor.15:8
Paul becomes “born” as a Christian in an abrupt and unusual way.
Early Church: The Church Fathers used this term to refer to unworthiness and faithlessness. Ignatius’ Letter to the Romans 9.2 states “As for me [Ignatius], I am ashamed to be counted one of them; for indeed I am not worthy, as being the very last of them, and one born out of due time.” Eusebius’ Church History 5.1.45 states “For through their continued life the dead were made alive, and the witnesses showed favor to the dead (who failed to witness). And the virgin mother (Church) had much joy in receiving alive those whom she had brought forth as dead.”
Conclusion:
Trauma, abortion
In the Greek Hellenistic era, I am not surprised that this term would be commonly used by Greek physicians. Abortions and miscarriages (and their accompanying trauma) have always been present throughout human history. The Greek physicians have insightfully noted that physical abuse (whether intentional or unintentional) can lead to miscarriages. Aristotle provides timely words that embryos are cast out in a state as an abortion.
In the Old Testament era, it was interesting to discover that these graphic images are compared or likened to difficult (or tragic) situations. These are more nuanced illustrations of this term. At least the Old Testament culture understood the graphic nature of abortion. On the other hand, our current culture often uses euphemisms and “rights” to mask its graphic nature or to rationalize this practice.
In the New Testament era, Paul is essentially “born out of time” in an abrupt and unusual call to become an Apostle. Paul did not become a disciple in the normal way, walking with Jesus. It was also interesting to discover that this term was used as a metaphorical insult against Paul. I really can imagine a disgusted Jew saying to Paul, “You are dead to me!” Not surprisingly, this similar attitude is often conveyed toward the unwanted embryo (child) in our current times.
Ignatius uses this term to refer to worthlessness. Unfortunately, this meaning can sometimes become a motivation for abortion. It is also insightful to note that Eusebius mentions that the early Church had brought forth both living and dead children. These born dead are Christians who do not confess their faith in times of persecution. Those born dead are those who do not stay true to their faith and convictions. Unfortunately, in our own current times, we still have many who are ‘dead’ in their faith and convictions during these moral, cultural, and societal struggles.
Shakespeare, in his play Macbeth, also makes mention of an abnormal birth (cesarean section). This was considered as a very rare medical procedure. Macbeth believes that he cannot be killed by any man born of a woman. Macbeth soon learns that Macduff was “from his mother’s womb/Untimely ripped.” (5.10.15-16). Macduff was born by cesarean section. Macduff slays Macbeth.
Update: October is Respect Life Month. This post is dedicated to all those who were not born, who were untimely born, who were born out of time, and who have experienced a miscarriage of justice.