Library Theodoret Questions on Exodus
Questions on Exodus 48: What does “fully formed” mean?
What is “fully formed” (exeikonismenon)?
They say that when the body has been completely shaped in the womb, then the embryo is ensouled. For the Maker also first shaped Adam’s body and then breathed in the soul. So the lawgiver commands that when a pregnant woman miscarries in a fight, if the infant comes out fully formed—that is, shaped—the deed is called murder, and the one who did it undergoes the equal punishment; but if it does not come out shaped, it is not counted as murder, since it was aborted not yet ensouled; but the one responsible pays a fine.
Greek: Theodoret of Cyrus, Quaestiones in Octateuchum / Questions on Exodus (CPG 6200.02; cf. Fernández Marcos and Sáenz-Badillos; also PG 80, cols. 225–298). English: study translation for BWAB Library—not the copyrighted Robert C. Hill (CUA Press) translation. The full Questions on Exodus (72 questions) is hosted here.