What Does The Bible Say About Birthdays? Bible Verses For Birthdays To Celebrate This Special Day
The Bible doesn’t say a whole lot about birthdays! One mention of a birthday celebration is found in Genesis 40,
“On the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, he made a feast for all his servants and lifted up the head of the chief cupbearer and the head of the chief baker among his servants.”
Genesis 40:20 (ESV)
Another mention of birthday celebrations is in the book of Matthew,
“But when Herod’s birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.” Matthew 16:6 (KJV)
The ending to both of these celebrations is quite surprising and not what you would expect from a birthday party! Both ended with executions.
The Bible doesn’t give us a whole lot of information on whether or not we should celebrate birthdays, but it doesn’t seem to be against the idea.
What Does The Bible Say About Birthdays?
So if there’s no clear directive from the Bible about whether or not to celebrate birthdays, how are Christians supposed to approach this issue? Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about gifts and parties, and see if that can give us any guidance.
Gift-Giving in the Bible
The Bible has a lot to say about gift-giving! In Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus says,
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” (NIV)
This verse teaches us that our relationship with others is more important than giving gifts—even religious gifts. If we have hurt someone, we need to make things right with them before moving forward in any other area of life. So, if there is a birthday celebration coming up, what better time to reconcile with someone than on their birthday?
In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Paul talks about how each Christian has been given different gifts by the Holy Spirit, and how we are all supposed to use our gifts to strengthen the body of Christ.
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.” (NIV)
This passage makes it clear that Christians should use their talents and abilities for the good of others, rather than for personal gain. When we give gifts—including birthday gifts—we should be thinking about how we can bless others and build them up, rather than just fulfilling our desires. Birthday gifts are a great opportunity to show someone how much you care about them and to make them feel loved. However, if our motivation for giving a gift is simply to receive something in return, or to make ourselves feel good, then we are not following the Spirit’s leading.
Parties in the Bible
As far as parties go, again, the Bible doesn’t give us a whole lot of specific directions. However, Ecclesiastes 9:7 says,
“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.” (NIV)
This passage reminds us that we should approach all areas of life—including celebrations—with joy and thankfulness to God. We should also be careful not to overindulge
“Do not join those who drink too much wine
or gorge themselves on meat,
for drunkards and gluttons become poor,
and drowsiness clothes them in rags.” Proverbs 23:20-21 (NIV)
or get too drunk
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit”
Ephesians 5:18 (NIV)
With those cautions in mind, there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with enjoying a festive meal/having a party with friends on our birthdays!
10 Bible Verses To Thank The Lord For Your Life
What is a birthday? Birthdays are a celebration of another year of life. So what better time to show your appreciation to the Lord for His gift of life, than on your birthday! Here are 10 Bible verses to help you do just that.
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 (ESV)
“May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans!” Psalm 20:4 (ESV)
“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. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.”
Psalm 139:13-16 (ESV)
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:1-6 (ESV)
“Praise the Lord! I will thank the Lord with all my heart as I meet with his godly people. How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them. Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails. He causes us to remember his wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our Lord!” Psalm 111:1-4 (NLT)
“Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” Psalm 106:1 (NLT)
“For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.”
Proverbs 9:11 (ESV)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 (ESV)
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
“A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth.” Ecclesiastes 7:1 (ESV)
How Should Christians Celebrate Birthdays?
So if the Bible doesn’t give us a clear “yes” or “no” answer to the question of whether or not Christians should celebrate birthdays, how are we supposed to know what to do? Here are a few suggestions:
- Remember that our relationship with God is more important than any birthday celebration. If we are not right with God, no party or gift can truly make us happy.
- Consider how we can use our birthday celebrations to bless others. Perhaps we can throw a party for someone who is lonely or has been going through a tough time. Or maybe we can use our gifts and talents to make something special for someone else.
- Be careful not to overindulge in food and drink. We should enjoy celebrations, but we need to be mindful of how much we consume.
- Thank God for the gift of life! Our birthdays are a reminder of how blessed we are, and we should take time to thank God for His goodness.
- Have fun! Birthdays are a time of celebration, and a great way to enjoy life and make memories with friends and family. So don’t be afraid to let loose and have a good time!
When it comes to birthdays, Christians have a lot of freedom! The Bible doesn’t give us explicit direction on whether or not to celebrate birthdays, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, we should keep in mind some biblical principles regarding gift giving and partying when making our decision. Gift giving should be done thoughtfully and to bless others; parties should be approached with joy and thankfulness. As long as we keep those things in mind, celebrating our birthdays can be a fun way to enjoy time with friends and family and a perfect time to thank God for the gift of life!
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