July 2001

“And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants… But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them” Genesis 40:20-22.

“And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee…. And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison” (Mark 6:21-28).

The Watchtower Society cites these examples from scripture to justify their refusal to observe birthdays. They say, “…the only two birthday celebrations mentioned in the Bible involved people who were not true believers. They were the Pharaoh of Egypt and the Roman ruler Herod Antipas, each of whose birthday celebrations had deadly results. (Genesis 40:18-22; Mark 6:21-28) So it is not surprising to see these historical references to the attitude of early Christians toward birthday celebrations” (School and Jehovah’s Witnesses, page 17).

They also say, “Additionally, birthday celebrations tend to give excessive importance to an individual, no doubt one reason why early Christians shunned them. (Ecclesiastes 7:1) So you will find Jehovah’s Witnesses do not share in birthday festivities (the parties, singing, gift giving, and so forth.)” (Ibid. page 18).

Their justification falls into two categories; first, negative biblical precedent, and second, too much attention to the individual. This second justification is based on the biblical prohibition against creature worship. Is either a valid justification?

Rebutting the Precedents

Jehovah’s Witnesses are known by the general public for many restrictions on personal behavior, including military service, blood transfusions, organized sports, and others. It makes them a “peculiar people” that sets them apart. What the wicked do or don’t do in the Bible is not necessarily a reason why Christians should follow, unless the Bible also teaches against it either explicitly, or through some principle.

The birthday parties cited above are not the only birthdays that are mentioned in the Bible. The sons of Job celebrated their birthdays.

“And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day.” In the context of Job the expression “his day” refers to the date of their birth. Compare Job 3:1 where Job says, “After this opened Job his mouth, and cursed his day. And Job spake, and said, ‘Let the day perish wherein I was born….”

Since Job was cursing the day of his birth, which the text calls “his day,” then two chapters earlier the same expression must also refer to a birthday. Hence Job’s sons celebrated their birthdays. And, nothing wicked is reported in those celebrations.

Another biblical reference to birthdays is in Luke 1:14. It says about the birth of John the Baptist, “And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.”

Rejoicing at someone’s birth is what a birthday party is all about. And Luke tells us we should do this.  How much more should we celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior and Creator? This is just another Watchtower restriction to distinguish themselves from other religions. In this case they are majoring on a minor issue, a typical practice of cults.

By David Henke