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Delve into the intersection of faith, ethics, and genetic engineering in our article “What Does the Bible Say Regarding Human Cloning?” Understand how biblical principles shed light on the ethical implications of cloning, affirming the sanctity of life, individual uniqueness, and cautioning human arrogance in scientific explorations.

As we address the question, “Does the Bible provide guidance regarding human cloning?” it’s essential to recognize that the Bible was written in a time far removed from our modern scientific and technological age. Therefore, it does not explicitly mention or provide instructions about cloning. Nevertheless, its timeless principles can guide us in considering such complex ethical issues.

The process of human cloning involves creating a genetic replica of an existing person. The first successful cloning of a mammal was conducted in 1996, resulting in the birth of Dolly the sheep. This groundbreaking achievement in the field of genetic engineering spurred intense debates about the potential of human cloning.

To draw any biblical insight on cloning, we first need to understand the biblical view of human life. According to the Scriptures, humans are unique among God’s creation, created in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26, 27 – ASV). This image entails not just our physicality but also our spiritual, moral, and intellectual capabilities. Humans, as per Scripture, possess inherent dignity and worth. This understanding sets a fundamental principle regarding the sanctity of human life.

Moreover, the Bible presents procreation as a process involving both parents. Genesis 2:24 (ASV) declares, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” The normative pattern for human reproduction, then, is through the union of a man and woman in marriage. This biblical principle of procreation differs significantly from cloning, which bypasses the sexual process and involves creating life in a laboratory setting.

In Psalm 139:13-16 (ASV), the psalmist declares: “For thou didst form my inward parts: Thou didst cover me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks unto thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Wonderful are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well. My frame was not hidden from thee, When I was made in secret, And curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see mine unformed substance; And in thy book they were all written, Even the days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was none of them.” This passage underscores the divine oversight in the process of human formation, an idea that might conflict with the process of cloning, which gives humans a significant level of control over the creation of life.

Additionally, the principle of respect for the individual and their uniqueness is found throughout Scripture. Cloning raises questions about this, particularly about the potential infringement on the dignity and identity of the cloned individual. The idea of creating a genetic duplicate might conflict with the biblical understanding of personhood, which respects each person as a unique individual.

Concerning the use of embryonic stem cells in therapeutic cloning, which often involves the destruction of the embryo, Scripture’s respect for life from conception is clear. Jeremiah 1:5 (ASV) tells us, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee.” This verse affirms that God’s awareness and plans for a person begin even before birth, suggesting that life at all stages, including the embryonic stage, deserves respect.

In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV), we read, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” This principle reminds us that our bodies are not our own to manipulate as we please; they are given to us by God and should be used to glorify Him. This calls for cautious reflection on practices such as cloning, which can be seen as manipulative of life’s natural processes.

Lastly, while scientific advancement is not inherently bad, and many technological and medical developments have greatly benefitted humanity, the Bible also warns against the potential arrogance of human wisdom and power. In Romans 1:22 (ESV), it says, “Claiming to be wise, they became fools.” This calls for humility in our scientific explorations and caution against overstepping ethical boundaries.

While the Bible doesn’t directly address cloning, its principles about the sanctity of life, respect for individuality, procreation’s natural process, and caution against human arrogance provide a meaningful framework for considering the ethical implications of human cloning.

Psalm 129:6

Let them be as grass upon the housetops, which wither before it grows up

This verse is part of a psalm of lament that expresses the psalmist’s confidence in God’s deliverance. The psalmist is comparing the enemies of Israel to grass on the housetops. Grass on the housetops is often dry and withered because it is exposed to the sun and the wind. The psalmist is saying that the enemies of Israel will be like this grass: they will wither and die before they can even grow up.

The phrase “before it grows up” is significant. It suggests that the enemies of Israel will be destroyed before they can even do any harm. This is a reminder that God is in control of history and that he will protect his people from their enemies.

The imagery of this verse is also significant. Grass on the housetops is often associated with poverty and oppression. The psalmist is using this imagery to say that the enemies of Israel will be defeated and humiliated. They will be like the grass on the housetops: they will be dry and withered, and they will be trampled underfoot.

This verse is a powerful reminder of God’s power and his faithfulness to his people. It is a message of hope for those suffering and a reminder that God will ultimately triumph over evil.

Psalm 130:3–4

If Jehovah should mark iniquities, O Jehovah, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

Verse 3:

The psalmist begins this verse with a conditional statement: “If Jehovah should mark iniquities.” This is a hypothetical statement, asking what would happen if God were to keep a record of all of our sins. The psalmist then answers his own question, saying that “who shall stand?” This means that no one would be able to stand before God if he were to keep a record of all of our sins.

The psalmist’s statement is based on the idea that sin separates us from God. If God were to keep a record of all of our sins, we would be completely separated from him. We would be unable to stand before him, because we would be too sinful.

Verse 4:

The psalmist then goes on to say that there is forgiveness with God. This means that God is willing to forgive our sins. The psalmist’s statement is based on the idea that God is merciful and loving. He is willing to forgive our sins, even though we deserve to be punished.

The psalmist’s statement is also based on the idea that God is just. He will not forgive our sins if we do not repent. We must turn away from our sin and turn to God in faith. If we do this, God will forgive us. These two verses from Psalm 130 teach us that God is both merciful and just. He is willing to forgive our sins, but we must repent of our sin and turn to him in faith. If we do this, God will forgive us and we will be able to stand before him.

Psalm 130:6

Is it not from Jehovah’s mercies that we wait for Thy salvation, O Jehovah?

In this verse, the psalmist expresses his confidence in God’s mercy and his hope for salvation. The psalmist asks, “Is it not from Jehovah’s mercies that we wait for Thy salvation, O Jehovah?” This means that the psalmist believes that salvation comes from God’s mercy. He is not relying on his own strength or works, but on God’s mercy.

The psalmist’s confidence in God’s mercy is based on his experience of God’s past faithfulness. He says, “From the depths have I cried unto thee, O Jehovah.” This means that the psalmist has been through difficult times, but he has always turned to God for help. And God has always been faithful to him.

The psalmist’s hope for salvation is also based on his belief in God’s power. He says, “Thou wilt bring up my soul from the nether world.” This means that God has the power to raise the psalmist from the dead. And if God can do this, then he can also save the psalmist from his current troubles.

The psalmist’s confidence in God’s mercy and his hope for salvation are a source of comfort to him. They give him the strength to persevere in the midst of his troubles. And they remind him that God is always with him and that he will never abandon him.

Psalm 131

This psalm is a prayer of humility and trust in God. The psalmist begins by saying that he has “humbled” his soul and “quieted” his spirit. This means that he has submitted himself to God and is no longer trying to control his own life. He is trusting God to lead him and to take care of him.

The psalmist then goes on to say that he has “not been haughty” or “lifted up” his eyes. This means that he is not proud or arrogant. He is aware of his own limitations and he is not trying to compare himself to others. He is simply trusting God to be his guide and his protector.

The psalmist concludes by saying that he has “quieted” and “silenced” himself like a weaned child. This means that he is content to wait on God and to trust in his timing. He is not trying to force God’s hand or to make things happen on his own terms. He is simply resting in God’s love and care.

This psalm is a beautiful expression of humility and trust in God. It is a reminder that we should not be proud or arrogant but that we should humble ourselves before God and trust in his goodness.

Psalm 132

Psalm 132 is a psalm of ascent, which means that it was likely sung by pilgrims as they journeyed to Jerusalem to worship at the temple. The psalm is a prayer for the restoration of the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem, and it expresses the psalmist’s hope that God will once again dwell among his people.

The psalm begins with the psalmist expressing his desire to see the ark of the covenant returned to Jerusalem. He says, “Jehovah, my heart is fixed, my heart is established; I will sing and give praise.” This means that the psalmist is determined to see the ark returned to Jerusalem, and he is confident that God will answer his prayer.

The psalmist then goes on to describe the journey that the ark took from Shiloh to Jerusalem. He says, “When I remember thee from the land of the Jordan, and the Hermons, from the hill Mizar.” This passage refers to the journey that the ark took from Shiloh to Jerusalem, which was a long and difficult journey. The psalmist is reminding God of the faith and perseverance of the Israelites, who were willing to travel such a long distance to worship him.

The psalmist then concludes by praying for the restoration of the ark to Jerusalem. He says, “Let us go into his tabernacles; let us worship at his footstool.” This means that the psalmist is praying for the day when God will once again dwell among his people in Jerusalem.

Psalm 132 is a beautiful and moving psalm that expresses the psalmist’s hope for the restoration of the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. It is a reminder that God is faithful to his promises and that he will one day dwell among his people in peace and harmony.

Psalm 133

Psalm 133 is a short psalm of peace and unity. It is a beautiful and poetic expression of the psalmist’s desire for harmony and fellowship among God’s people.

The psalm begins with the psalmist describing the peace and unity that exists among the people of God. He says, “How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” This means that the psalmist sees unity among God’s people as a gift from God, and he finds it to be a source of great joy.

The psalmist then goes on to describe the characteristics of this unity. He says, “It is like the precious oil upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard; that came down upon the skirts of his garments.” This passage compares the unity of God’s people to the anointing oil that was used to consecrate priests. The anointing oil was a symbol of God’s blessing and favor, and it was used to set the priests apart for holy service.

The psalmist then concludes by praying for God’s blessing on the unity of his people. He says, “Like the dew of Hermon, that comes down upon the mountains of Zion: for there Jehovah commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.” This passage compares the unity of God’s people to the dew of Hermon, which is a symbol of blessing and fertility. The psalmist is praying that God will bless the unity of his people and that he will give them everlasting life.

Psalm 133 is a beautiful and inspiring psalm that speaks to the heart of God’s people. It is a reminder that unity is a gift from God and that it is a source of great joy. It is also a reminder that God blesses the unity of his people and that he gives them life everlasting.

Psalm 134

Psalm 134 is a short psalm of praise and worship. It is a call to praise God in the temple, and it is a reminder of the importance of worship in the life of the believer.

The psalm begins with the psalmist calling on the people of God to praise him in the temple. He says, “Come, bless Jehovah, all ye servants of Jehovah, who by night stand in the house of Jehovah.” This means that the psalmist is calling on the priests and Levites to praise God in the temple, but he is also calling on all of God’s people to join in the praise.

The psalmist then goes on to describe the importance of worship in the life of the believer. He says, “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless Jehovah.” This means that the psalmist is calling on the people of God to worship God with their hands lifted up in praise. This is a gesture of worship that is often seen in the Old Testament, and it is a reminder that worship is an act of both the heart and the hands.

The psalmist then concludes by calling on the people of God to rejoice in Jehovah. He says, “Jehovah bless you from Zion, out of the holy mountain.” This means that the psalmist is calling on the people of God to rejoice in Jehovah, who is the source of all blessing.

Psalm 134 is a beautiful and inspiring psalm that speaks to the heart of the believer. It is a reminder of the importance of worship in the life of the believer, and it is a call to rejoice in Jehovah.

Psalm 135

Psalm 135 is a psalm of praise and thanksgiving. It is a song of praise to God for his greatness, his power, and his goodness.

The psalm begins with the psalmist praising God for his greatness. He says, “Praise ye Jehovah! Praise ye the name of Jehovah; praise him, O ye servants of Jehovah.” This means that the psalmist is calling on all of God’s people to praise him, and he is reminding them of God’s greatness.

The psalmist then goes on to praise God for his power. He says, “Who made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is therein; who keeps truth forever.” This means that the psalmist is praising God for his power over creation, and he is reminding God’s people that God is faithful to his promises.

The psalmist then concludes by praising God for his goodness. He says, “Jehovah is good to all; and his tender mercies are over all his works.” This means that the psalmist is praising God for his goodness to all people, and he is reminding God’s people that God’s love is everlasting.

Psalm 135 is a beautiful and inspiring psalm that speaks to the heart of the believer. It is a reminder of God’s greatness, his power, and his goodness. It is also a call to praise and worship God for who he is and for what he has done.

Psalm 136

Psalm 136 is a psalm of praise and thanksgiving. It is a song of praise to God for his great love and faithfulness.

The psalm begins with the psalmist praising God for his great love. He says, “Oh give thanks unto Jehovah, for he is good; for his mercy endures forever.” This means that the psalmist is calling on all of God’s people to praise him, and he is reminding them of God’s great love.

The psalmist then goes on to praise God for his faithfulness. He says, “Who remembered us in our low estate, for his mercy endures forever.” This means that the psalmist is praising God for his faithfulness to his people, even when they are in a difficult situation.

The psalmist then concludes by praising God for his many blessings. He says, “Who gives food to all flesh, for his mercy endures forever.” This means that the psalmist is praising God for his provision for all of his creatures, and he is reminding God’s people that God’s love is everlasting.

Psalm 136 is a beautiful and inspiring psalm that speaks to the heart of the believer. It is a reminder of God’s great love and faithfulness. It is also a call to praise and worship God for who he is and for what he has done.

Psalm 137

Psalm 137 is a psalm of lament that expresses the psalmist’s grief and anger over the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the Israelites to Babylon.

The psalm begins with the psalmist remembering the days when he and the other Israelites were living in Jerusalem. He says, “By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.” This means that the psalmist is remembering the time when he and the other Israelites were living in their homeland, and he is feeling sad and nostalgic.

The psalmist then goes on to express his anger at the Babylonians for destroying Jerusalem. He says, “We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.” This means that the psalmist is saying that he and the other Israelites have given up hope, and they are no longer able to sing or play music.

The psalmist then concludes by calling on God to avenge the destruction of Jerusalem. He says, “O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be that rewards you, as you have served us.” This means that the psalmist is saying that he hopes that the Babylonians will be punished for what they have done to the Israelites.

Psalm 137 is a powerful and moving psalm that expresses the deep emotions of the psalmist. It is a reminder of the pain and suffering that the Israelites experienced during the Babylonian exile. It is also a reminder of the psalmist’s hope that God will ultimately avenge the destruction of Jerusalem.

Psalm 138

Psalm 138 is a psalm of praise and thanksgiving. It is a song of praise to God for his greatness, his power, and his goodness.

The psalm begins with the psalmist praising God for his greatness. He says, “I will praise thee with my whole heart; before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.” This means that the psalmist is calling on all of God’s people to praise him, and he is reminding them of God’s greatness.

The psalmist then goes on to praise God for his power. He says, “I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.” This means that the psalmist is praising God for his power over creation, and he is reminding God’s people that God’s word is true.

The psalmist then concludes by praising God for his goodness. He says, “In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee; for thou wilt answer me.” This means that the psalmist is praising God for his goodness to him, and he is reminding God’s people that God is always there to help them in their time of need.

Psalm 138 is a beautiful and inspiring psalm that speaks to the heart of the believer. It is a reminder of God’s greatness, his power, and his goodness. It is also a call to praise and worship God for who he is and for what he has done.

Psalm 139

Psalm 139 is a psalm of praise and meditation on the omnipresence and omniscience of God. The psalmist, David, marvels at the fact that God knows him intimately, even in the most secret places. He also praises God for his love and protection.

The psalm begins with the psalmist praising God for his omnipresence. He says, “O Jehovah, thou hast searched me, and known me.” This means that the psalmist is saying that God knows him completely, even his thoughts and feelings.

The psalmist then goes on to praise God for his omniscience. He says, “Thou know my sitting down and mine getting up, you understand my thought afar off.” This means that the psalmist is saying that God knows everything about him, even what he is thinking before he even thinks it.

The psalmist then concludes by praising God for his love and protection. He says, “If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in the nethermost parts of the earth, behold, thou art there.” This means that the psalmist is saying that God is always with him, no matter where he goes.

Psalm 139 is a beautiful and inspiring psalm that speaks to the heart of the believer. It is a reminder of God’s omnipresence, omniscience, and love. It is also a call to praise and worship God for who he is and for what he has done.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).