Asking Grok:

Using only the ESV Bible to answer this question: "What does the bible say about contraception for or against it?"

The English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible does not directly address contraception or birth control as understood today (such as pills, condoms, IUDs, etc.). Modern contraceptive methods did not exist in biblical times, so the Scriptures contain no explicit command either forbidding or permitting their use in marriage.
The one passage most often referenced in discussions of this topic is the account of Onan in Genesis 38:8-10 (ESV):
Then Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your brother’s wife and perform the duty of a brother-in-law to her, and raise up offspring for your brother.” But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his. So whenever he went in to his brother’s wife he would waste the semen on the ground, so as not to give offspring to his brother. And what he did was wicked in the sight of the LORD, and he put him to death also.
This describes Onan deliberately preventing conception through withdrawal (coitus interruptus), which was an act of contraception. However, the text states that what he did was wicked and that God judged him for it. The context makes clear that Onan's sin was primarily his selfish refusal to fulfill the levirate duty (a responsibility under Old Testament custom/law to provide an heir for his deceased brother—see also Deuteronomy 25:5-10). He used Tamar for his own pleasure but refused to produce offspring that would legally belong to his brother, thus dishonoring family obligation and covenant responsibility.
The passage condemns Onan's heart motive and disobedience more than the act of preventing conception in itself. It is not presented as a general prohibition against all forms of birth control or family planning within marriage.
Elsewhere the Bible speaks positively about children and fruitfulness, without addressing intentional prevention of conception:

Genesis 1:28 (ESV):And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it…”
Psalm 127:3-5 (ESV):Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
Psalm 128:3 (ESV):Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.

The Bible frequently portrays children as a blessing and fruitfulness as part of God's good design for marriage. Barrenness is sometimes shown as a hardship (e.g., Sarah, Rachel, Hannah), and God is praised when He opens the womb (e.g., Psalm 113:9: "He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the LORD!").
Summary:
Using only the ESV Bible, there is no direct verse that clearly prohibits or endorses contraception in marriage. The closest reference (Genesis 38:8-10) shows God judging an act of deliberate non-procreative sex, but the condemnation centers on selfishness and covenant-breaking, not on the prevention of conception as a standalone principle. Other passages celebrate children and fruitfulness as blessings from God, but they do not command couples to have as many children as physically possible or forbid wise stewardship of family size and timing within marriage.

PS: For the record-I am NO BIBLE SCHOLAR, not even remotely close, but I seek answers from the Bible and/or pray for answers from the Holy Spirit. Sometimes, answers are not obvious and I trust God/Holy Spirit will lead me in the right direction at a time of His choosing.

Last edited by Andalusia; 02/09/26 02:00 PM.
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