What does the Bible say about birthdays?
The Bible's approach to birthday celebrations is nuanced and requires careful examination of the available scriptural evidence. While birthdays are mentioned in Scripture, these references appear in narratives about an Egyptian Pharaoh and King Herod's celebrations (Genesis 40:20-22, Matthew 14:6-11), without explicit approval or condemnation of the practice. This biblical record treats birthdays as a neutral matter, leaving their observance to individual discretion within the broader context of faithful living. While Scripture documents various forms of celebrations and commemorations, particularly in God's instructions to the Israelites for feasts and rejoicing, these don't directly address birthday celebrations.
The decision to celebrate birthdays falls under the realm of personal conviction, guided by the larger narrative of the gospel message. This perspective aligns with the biblical principle that believers will naturally develop different priorities, schedules, and forms of celebration as they pattern their lives after divine wisdom (Romans 14:5-6). The central focus remains on the kingship of Jesus, with all aspects of life, including celebrations, viewed through this lens.
It's important to avoid reducing faith to a set of rigid rules regarding such matters. Instead, we should recognize that while Scripture doesn't prohibit birthday celebrations, they should be approached in a way that honors God and reflects kingdom values (1 Corinthians 10:31). This means potentially using such occasions to express gratitude for life as a divine gift and to demonstrate love for others.
Within the broader biblical narrative, birthday celebrations can be integrated into a believer's life when they align with kingdom principles and don't contradict godly values. The emphasis should remain on maintaining spiritual focus while being led by the Holy Spirit in these personal choices (Galatians 5:16-18). Thus, while Scripture provides no explicit command regarding birthdays, they can be celebrated in a way that glorifies God and reinforces one's identity in Christ rather than as mere traditional observances.
Verses about birthdays:
Psalm 139:13-14, "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."
Jeremiah 1:5, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."
James 1:17, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."
Job 1:21, "And he said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’"
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2,"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted."
