In Chapter 6, verse 1 of the Book of Jachanan Ben Kathryn (JBK), we encounter a striking prophecy:
“In that day thou shalt see my vengeance on they who made thy children few—on they who stopped the womb.”
This powerful passage speaks directly to the tragic loss of potential lives, a theme that is especially relevant when we consider the modern issue of abortion. The verse warns of divine vengeance upon those who have prevented life from flourishing, specifically addressing those who have “stopped the womb.”
Abortion’s Global Impact: A Loss of Potential Lives
When we consider this verse in light of modern statistics, the scope of abortion’s impact becomes staggering. It’s estimated that 1.5 to 2 billion abortions have taken place worldwide since the early 20th century. This number is not just a reflection of individuals lost but also the generations that never came into existence as a result.
If we calculate generational growth—accounting for the fact that many of those unborn individuals would have gone on to have their own families—the potential population increase could be as much as 2.5 to 3 billion more people alive today. With the current world population standing at approximately 8.135 billion in 2024, we might have seen a world with nearly 11 billion people had abortion not become widespread.
A Biblical Reflection: What Does It Mean?
The verse from JBK aligns closely with themes found in traditional scripture, where children are considered a blessing and the fruit of the womb is seen as sacred. In texts like Psalm 127:3, children are described as a heritage from the Lord. The modern phenomenon of abortion stands in contrast to these values, where lives are cut short and potential generations are lost.
In Deuteronomy 28, curses are pronounced on those who turn away from God’s commandments, and the loss of children is often cited as a sign of divine judgment. JBK 6:1 builds upon this theme, warning of the vengeance that awaits those who have participated in practices that diminish life—symbolically, those who “stopped the womb.”
The Ripple Effect of Abortion on Society
Beyond the sheer numbers, the ripple effects of abortion on society, families, and communities are immeasurable. Entire generations, with their potential to contribute to human progress, love, and growth, are missing. From a spiritual standpoint, the absence of these souls might also represent a void in divine purpose, as each life carries unique potential within God’s plan.
The data paints a picture of a world that might have been fuller, richer, and more diverse. In a very literal sense, abortion has made the children few, a reality that echoes the prophecy in JBK.
A Call for Reflection
As we reflect on this prophetic verse and its implications for our modern world, it’s crucial to consider the sacredness of life. Whether viewed through the lens of scripture or demographic data, the loss of billions of potential lives due to abortion is profound. JBK 6:1 reminds us of the divine weight of this issue, and it calls for both awareness and action in preserving the sanctity of life.
In a world shaped by choices and their consequences, we can look to prophecy and scripture to guide us toward valuing every life—born and unborn—as part of a greater divine plan.