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Theodicy and Child Suffering in Scripture

The problem of suffering, particularly the suffering of children, is a significant aspect of theodicy, which seeks to reconcile God's goodness and omnipotence with the existence of evil and suffering. Scripture acknowledges suffering as a pervasive reality, even for the innocent, and offers various perspectives rather than a single, simple explanation.

Children are presented in Scripture as a gift from God, capable of glorifying Him, and deserving of care and instruction [2]. Jesus himself showed great love and concern for children, using them as examples for entry into the Kingdom of God and welcoming them when his disciples would have turned them away [13]. He demonstrated compassion for the afflicted and diseased, including children [4]. Despite this, children are not exempt from suffering in the biblical narrative.

One aspect of suffering discussed in Scripture is persecution. Saints, including children of God, may endure scorn and mocking, as exemplified by Christ's own experience [1]. This persecution can arise from various sources, such as ignorance of God, hatred of God and Christ, hatred of the gospel, pride, or mistaken zeal [3]. The Apostle Peter instructs Christians to expect trials and hostility from a sinful world, especially those who live godly lives [8]. Paul, too, faced suffering and persecution, even working to support himself to avoid blame [11].

The Bible also connects suffering to the consequences of sin. Romans 1:18–3:20 emphasizes universal sinfulness, stating that both Gentiles and Jews are under sin's power [10]. Human sin is attributed to being governed by the devil and refusing to obey God [9]. Proverbs indicates that evil people suffer the consequences of their own actions, and God ensures that sinners receive proper punishment [12]. However, this does not directly explain the suffering of innocent children.

The book of Job directly confronts the question of why the righteous suffer. Job's friends assert that sinners are "cut off" early, implying that suffering is always a direct result of personal sin [7]. However, Job's experience challenges this simplistic view, as he is described as blameless and upright, yet endures immense suffering.

Christ's suffering is a central theme, offering a model for believers. He voluntarily submitted to persecution and was patient under it [3]. His suffering was a foundation for his priesthood, and he learned obedience through what he suffered [6, 15]. The suffering of Christ, who was scorned and mocked, is predicted in the Psalms and Isaiah [1]. Believers are encouraged to remember Christ's resurrection as an encouragement in their own suffering [14].

While Scripture does not provide a comprehensive theological explanation for every instance of child suffering, it does offer several frameworks:

The cry of the children of Israel under oppression is noted by God, indicating His awareness and concern for the suffering of His people, including children [5]. The biblical narrative, therefore, acknowledges the painful reality of child suffering while pointing to God's ultimate justice and compassion, even when immediate explanations are not fully provided.

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Scorning and Mocking — The sufferings of Christ by, predicted -- Ps 22:6-8; Isa 53:3; Lu 18:32. Christ endured -- Mt 9:24; 27:29. Saints endure, on account of Being children of God. -- Ge 21:9; Ga 4:29. Their uprightness. -- Job 12:4. Their faith. -- Heb 11:36. Their faithfulness in declaring the word of God. -- Jer 20:7,8. Their zeal for God's house. -- Ne 2:19. The wicked indulge in, against The second coming of Christ. -- 2Pe 3:3,4. The gifts of the Spirit. -- Ac 2:13. God's threatening. -- Isa 5:19; Jer 17:15. God's ministers. -- 2Ch 36:16. God's ordinances. -- L”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Children — Christ was an example to -- Lu 2:51; Joh 19:26,27. Are a gift from God -- Ge 33:5; Ps 127:3. Are capable of glorifying God -- Ps 8:2; 148:12,13; Mt 21:15,16. Should be Brought to Christ. -- Mr 10:13-16. Brought early to the house of God. -- 1Sa 1:24. Instructed in the ways of God. -- De 31:12,13; Pr 22:6. Judiciously trained. -- Pr 22:15; 29:17; Eph 6:4. Should Obey God. -- De 30:2. Fear God. -- Pr 24:21. Remember God. -- Ec 12:1. Attend to parental teaching. -- Pr 1:8,9. Honour parents. -- Ex 20:12; Heb 12:9. Fear parents. -- Le 19:3. Obey parents. -- Pr ”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Persecution — Christ suffered -- Ps 69:26; Joh 5:16. Christ voluntarily submitted to -- Isa 50:6. Christ was patient under -- Isa 53:7. Saints may expect -- Mr 10:30; Lu 21:12; Joh 15:20. Saints suffer, for the sake of God -- Jer 15:15. Of saints, is a persecution of Christ -- Zec 2:8; Ac 9:4,5. All that live godly in Christ, shall suffer -- 2Ti 3:12. Originates Ignorance of God and Christ. -- Joh 16:3. Hated to God and Christ. -- Joh 15:20,24. Hatred to the gospel. -- Mt 13:21. Pride. -- Ps 10:2. Mistaken zeal. -- Ac 13:50; 26:9-11. Is inconsistent with the spirit o”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Compassion and Sympathy of Christ, The — Necessary to his priestly office -- Heb 5:2,7. Manifested for the Weary and heavy-laden. -- Mt 11:28-30. Weak in faith. -- Isa 40:11; 42:3; Mt 12:20. Tempted. -- Heb 2:18. Afflicted. -- Lu 7:13; Joh 11:33,35. Diseased. -- Mt 14:14; Mr 1:41. Poor. -- Mr 8:2. Perishing sinners. -- Mt 9:36; Lu 19:41; Joh 3:16. An encouragement to prayer -- Heb 4:15.”
  5. Exodus “Now, behold, the cry of the children of Israel has come to me. Moreover I have seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. -- Exodus 3:9”
  6. Hebrews “Hebrews 5:8 (YLT) — through being a Son, did learn by the things which he suffered--the obedience,”
  7. Job (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Job 21:7: The answer is Rom 2:4; Ti1 1:16; Psa 73:18; Ecc 8:11-13; Luk 2:35-end; Pro 16:4; Rom 9:22. old--in opposition to the friends who asserted that sinners are "cut off" early (Job 8:12, Job 8:14).”
  8. 1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 4:12: 4:12-19 Peter instructs Christians one last time about the way to face the trials that will inevitably come. 4:12 don’t be surprised: Christians, especially those seeking to lead godly lives, can expect to face the hostility of a sinful world (see John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rom 8:17; Phil 1:29).”
  9. Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:2: 2:2 Human sin results from our being governed by the devil, the spirit who rules both the powers of evil in the spiritual realm (see 1:21; 6:11-12; cp. Col 1:13) and human beings who refuse to obey God (2 Cor 4:4; contrast Rom 8:2-14; Gal 5:22-23).”
  10. Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 1:18: 1:18–3:20 Paul delays exploring the theme of righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until after he first teaches about universal sinfulness. Gentiles (1:18-32) and Jews (2:1–3:8) are equally under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own (3:9-20). 1:18 God’s anger is not a spontaneous emotional outburst, but the holy God’s necessary response to sin. The Old Testament often depicts God’s anger (Exod 32:10-12; Num 11:1; Jer 21:3-7) and predicts a decisive outpouring of God’s wrath on human sin at the end of history. While Paul usually de”
  11. 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 4:12: 4:12 We work: To avoid being blamed by others for taking money, Paul preferred to support himself (9:3-18; Acts 18:3; 20:33-35). • We bless those who curse us: Paul’s response was in line with Jesus’ teaching (Matt 5:44-45; cp. Rom 12:14, 17-21).”
  12. Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 1:31: 1:31 Evil people suffer the consequences of their own actions (see 1:15-19); God will ensure that sinners receive their proper punishment (see Matt 25:44-46; Heb 10:29; 2 Pet 2:9).”
  13. Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 10:13: 10:13-16 Jesus’ love and concern for children has already been seen in 5:41-43; 9:36-37, 42. Jesus uses the incident to teach that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 10:13 The ages of the children cannot be determined from this passage. The Greek word paidia can refer to a broad spectrum of ages, from a twelve-year-old child (5:41-42) down to an eight-day-old infant (Gen 17:12, Greek version). • the disciples scolded the parents: See study note on Luke 18:15-17.”
  14. 2 Timothy (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 2 Timothy 2:8: I. To encourage Timothy in suffering, the apostle puts him in mind of the resurrection of Christ (Ti2 2:8): Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead, according to my gospel. This is the great proof of his divine mission, and therefore a great confirmation of the truth of the Christian religion; and the consideration of it should make us faithful to our Christian profession, and should particularly encourage us in suffering for it. Let suffering saints remember this. Observe, 1. We are to look to Jesus, the author and finisher of”
  15. Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 5:7: 5:7-10 Jesus’ suffering was a foundation for his superior priesthood. The Son’s humiliation and suffering preceded his exaltation (2:9; Phil 2:5-11). 5:7 The phrase with a loud cry and tears is probably an allusion to Christ’s suffering in the Garden (see Matt 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:40-46). God heard his prayers in the sense of affirming his righteousness and suitability for his role as high priest. Jesus’ faithful devotion is being presented as an example for the readers (cp. Heb 12:2-3).”
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