[Greek] βρέφος (brephos), [Latin] infans, [Latin] fetus, [German] kind: 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
A quote from Martin Luther King Jr.: “Every aborted baby is like a slave in the womb of his or her mother. The mother decides his or her fate.”
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: “For male children are the supports of the house.”
Hesiod’s Works and Days 376: “There should be an only one son to feed in his father’s house, for so wealth will increase in the house.”
Homer’s Iliad 23.266: “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: “Behold these babies bewailing their own butchery.”
Euripides’ Ion 1339: “In this I received you when you were once a new-born infant.”
Aristophanes’ Knights 426: “This child will get on; he has the mettle that makes a statesman.”
Sophocles’ Ajax 550: “Ah son, I envy you on this account, that you have no perception of these evils. Yes, life is sweetest when one lacks sense.”
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. Abortion is considered pagan. The notion of the innocence of a child is foreign in the Old Testament, as Judaism generally views the 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.
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 so 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 called to be like children in having simple trust and faith 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
Growth toward salvation comes from first stripping away all that is contrary to new life in Christ. Secondly, this requires nourishment (pure spiritual milk that the newly baptized have received.
The early Church’s historical position against abortion:
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 Greek noun embruon means young one. The Greek verb bruo means to grow or to swell. The Greek prefix em- means into. The Latin noun infans means one unable to speak. The Greek verb fans is present participle of fari (to speak). The Greek preposition in- means not or opposite of.
Conclusion:
Embryo, fetus, infant, kid, kindergarten
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 or in any other patriarchal period. Unfortunately, some societies (like China) have continued to carry out this practice in current times. It is also another unfortunate reality that abortion (and 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. However, Paul calls his followers not to be childish (naive) in viewing evil. The newly baptized are like infants who need spiritual milk for salvation.
The word infant means one unable to speak (who is most vulnerable and who has no rights). So it is not surprising that this definition appropriately lines up with MLK’s quote.
Martin Luther King Jr. continues to inspire us in our nation’s current march for life!
Update: The 2024 National March for Life will be held in Washington D.C. on January 19. This year’s theme is “With every woman, for every child.
Paul provides us with great advice today in not being unaware of evil in our time. Such examples include racism, abortion, and blessing of sin.
Other quotes by MLK Jr.:
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will be not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” (Yet, DEI caters to a low soft bigotry of low expectations.)
“The Negro cannot win if he is willing to sacrifice the futures of his children for immediate personal comfort and safety.” (Unfortunately, the abortion rate is higher in the African-American community.)
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out, only love can do that.” (DEI is also a reverse form of racism. Oftentimes DEI advocates point out the “privilege” or “white privilege” of others. This also sounds racist.)
Next post: walking in faith (for life)