Bible verses about Children

The Bible presents a rich and multi-faceted view of children, portraying them not as mere extensions of their parents, but as distinct individuals holding immense value in the eyes of God. They are described as blessings, a heritage from the Lord, and a sacred trust given to parents. The scriptures are filled with guidance on their upbringing, the importance of their obedience, and their unique place in God’s kingdom. A child’s life, from conception onward, is depicted as being known and purposed by God.

This article delves deep into the biblical perspective on children, exploring the topic through various lenses. We will examine children as divine gifts, the profound responsibilities of parents in instruction and discipline, and the reciprocal duty of children to honor their parents. Furthermore, we will explore the revolutionary way Jesus Christ elevated the status of children, presenting them as models of faith, and conclude with the powerful spiritual metaphor of believers as the “children of God.”

Bible Verses about Children

Biblical Examples of Children

• Isaac, the Child of Promise: Abraham and Sarah’s son, Isaac, was born miraculously in their old age as a fulfillment of God’s covenant promise (Genesis 21). His birth demonstrated God’s faithfulness, and his willingness to be sacrificed by his father (Genesis 22) serves as a profound foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice.
• Samuel, the Dedicated Child: Dedicated to the Lord by his mother, Hannah, before his birth, Samuel grew up serving in the Tabernacle under Eli the priest (1 Samuel 1-3). God spoke to him even as a young boy, establishing him as a great prophet and judge in Israel, showing that God can call and use even the very young.
• Eli’s Sons, an Example of Failed Upbringing: In stark contrast to Samuel, the sons of Eli the priest, Hophni and Phinehas, were “sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD” (1 Samuel 2:12). Eli failed to restrain their wicked behavior, leading to God’s judgment upon his entire house. This story serves as a sober warning about the consequences of neglecting parental discipline.
• Jesus, the Divine Child: The gospels give us a brief but significant glimpse into Jesus’ childhood. At twelve years old, he was found in the temple, “sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions” (Luke 2:46). His response to his parents—”wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?”—revealed his divine self-awareness and purpose even as a child.
• Jairus’s Daughter and the Widow’s Son: Jesus demonstrated his compassion and authority over death by raising two children back to life. He resurrected the twelve-year-old daughter of Jairus, a synagogue ruler (Mark 5:35-43), and the only son of a widow from Nain (Luke 7:11-17), highlighting His special care for grieving families and the immense value of a child’s life.

The Divine Perspective: Children as a Blessing from God

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. (Psalm 127:3-4)

Bible verses

• Genesis 1:28 – And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth…
• Genesis 33:5 – And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.
• Psalm 113:9 – He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.
• 1 Samuel 1:27 – For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him.

A Divine Heritage

The foundational biblical truth about children is that they are not a biological accident or a societal expectation, but a direct, gracious gift from a sovereign God. The scriptures repeatedly use words like “heritage,” “reward,” and “blessing” to define their origin. Psalm 127 describes them as arrows in a warrior’s hand—a source of strength, defense, and future security. In an ancient world where lineage and posterity were paramount, having many children was seen as a sign of God’s favor and a fulfillment of His original command in creation to be fruitful and multiply.

Cross-reference

• Genesis 15:4-5 – …but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. (Children as covenant heirs)
• Deuteronomy 28:4 – Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body… (Children as a tangible sign of covenant blessing)
• Proverbs 17:6 – Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. (Inter-generational joy and honor)

The Parental Responsibility: Raising Children in the Lord

This is one of the most developed themes in the Bible, outlining a parent’s sacred duty not just to provide for a child, but to shape their character and soul.

1. The Duty of Instruction and Training

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)

Bible verses

• Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
• Ephesians 6:4 – …but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
• 2 Timothy 3:15 – And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation…
• Joel 1:3 – Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation.

An Atmosphere of Learning

Parental responsibility begins with diligent, constant instruction in the ways of God. This is not limited to a formal lesson but is to be woven into the fabric of daily life—at home, on walks, at bedtime, and upon waking. The Hebrew word for “teach diligently” in Deuteronomy implies a sharpening or engraving, suggesting a deep and lasting impression. The goal is not mere behavioral compliance but a heart-level understanding of God’s commands and promises, building a foundation of biblical wisdom that can guide them for a lifetime.

Cross-reference

• Deuteronomy 11:19 – And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest… (Repetition of the command emphasizes its importance)
• Psalm 78:4-6 – …shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD…That the generation to come might know them… (Teaching as a means of preserving God’s testimony)
• Proverbs 1:8 – My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother. (Instruction as a source of wisdom and protection)

2. The Mandate for Discipline and Correction

He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. (Proverbs 13:24)

Bible verses

• Proverbs 29:15 – The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
• Proverbs 23:13-14 – Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
• Proverbs 22:15 – Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
• Hebrews 12:7 – …for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

The Rod of Loving Correction

Biblical discipline is an act of profound love, not of anger or abuse. The “rod” is a symbol of guidance, authority, and painful correction when necessary, designed to steer a child away from the inherent “foolishness” that the Bible says is bound in their heart. This correction is presented as life-saving, capable of delivering a child from a path leading to shame and spiritual death (“sheol”/the grave). The purpose is redemptive: to impart wisdom, drive out folly, and demonstrate a love that cares too much to let a child continue in destructive behavior. This is mirrored in how God Himself lovingly disciplines His own children for their ultimate good.

Cross-reference

• Hebrews 12:11 – Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness… (The purpose and result of all discipline)
• 1 Samuel 3:13 – For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. (The dire consequences of failing to discipline)
• Revelation 3:19 – As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten… (God’s own discipline as a model for parental love)

3. The Commandment Not to Provoke or Embitter

Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. (Colossians 3:21)

Bible verses

• Ephesians 6:4 – And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Guarding the Child’s Heart

This command serves as a crucial counterbalance to the mandate for discipline. It primarily addresses fathers as the head of household authority. They are warned against a style of parenting that is overly harsh, hypocritical, unfair, or perpetually demanding. Such behavior can lead to a child feeling anger, resentment, and a sense of hopeless discouragement (“lest they be discouraged”). This can crush their spirit and make them resistant to the very “nurture and admonition of the Lord” parents are called to provide. True biblical parenting is a careful balance of firm, loving correction and gentle, encouraging instruction.

Cross-reference

• Psalm 103:13 – Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. (God’s own compassion as a model for earthly fathers)
• Malachi 4:6 – And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers… (The restoration of family relationships is a key part of God’s work)

The Child’s Obligation: Honoring Parents

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. (Ephesians 6:1-3)

Bible verses

• Exodus 20:12 – Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
• Colossians 3:20 – Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
• Proverbs 1:8 – My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother.
• Proverbs 23:22 – Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.

The Foundation of Social Order

A child’s primary duty is to honor and obey their parents. This is not merely a suggestion for a peaceful home but a divine command, foundational to God’s law and enshrined in the Ten Commandments. “Honor” goes beyond mere obedience; it includes respect, deference, and care, especially as parents age. Paul emphasizes that this is the “first commandment with a promise,” linking it directly to personal well-being and longevity. This principle establishes a pattern of respecting authority that is essential for a stable and godly society. Disrespect and disobedience to parents are consistently portrayed as a sign of foolishness and societal decay.

Cross-reference

• Leviticus 19:3 – Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father… (Fear here means deep respect and reverence)
• Proverbs 30:17 – The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it. (A vivid depiction of the curse on deep-seated disrespect)
• 2 Timothy 3:2 – For men shall be lovers of their own selves… disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy… (Disobedience to parents is listed as a mark of terrible times)

The Kingdom Perspective: Jesus and the Value of Children

Jesus Christ’s ministry radically affirmed the worth and spiritual significance of children in a way that was revolutionary for His time.

1. Children as Models of Faith and Humility

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:1-3)

Bible verses

• Matthew 18:4 – Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
• Mark 10:15 – Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
• 1 Peter 2:2 – As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.

The Character of the Kingdom

When asked about greatness, Jesus didn’t point to a powerful leader or a brilliant scholar, but to a humble child. He used children as the primary metaphor for the character required to enter and excel in His Kingdom. The necessary qualities are not childishness, but child-likeness: humility, simple trust, a lack of pretense, and a complete dependence on the Father. To enter the kingdom, one must “receive” it as a child receives a gift—without feeling they have earned it or are entitled to it. This turns worldly values of power and self-sufficiency upside down.

Cross-reference

• Luke 18:17 – …Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. (Luke’s account, reinforcing the centrality of this teaching)
• James 4:6 – …God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (The core principle of humility that children exemplify)
• Psalm 131:1-2 – LORD, my heart is not haughty… Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child. (An Old Testament expression of childlike humility before God)

2. The Severe Warning Against Causing a Child to Stumble

But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. (Matthew 18:6)

Bible verses

• Mark 9:42 – And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.
• Luke 17:2 – It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

The Sanctity of a Child’s Faith

In one of His most chilling warnings, Jesus makes clear the catastrophic sin of causing a child to stumble. The word “offend” (Greek skandalizō) means to set a trap or a stumbling block that causes someone to fall into sin or lose their faith. Jesus states that a horrific, violent death would be preferable to being guilty of this crime. This applies not only to children in age but to any “little one” who believes in Him with simple faith. It reveals how fiercely protective God is of the faith of the vulnerable and how gravely He views actions or teachings that would corrupt or destroy that trust.

Cross-reference

• 1 Corinthians 8:9 – But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. (The principle extended to all weak or new believers)
• Romans 14:13 – Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way. (The same warning applied to interpersonal relationships in the church)

The Spiritual Metaphor: Becoming Children of God

The ultimate fulfillment of the “child” theme in the Bible is a spiritual one, where believers, through faith in Christ, are adopted into God’s own family.

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. (Romans 8:15-16)

Bible verses

• John 1:12 – But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.
• 1 John 3:1 – Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.
• Galatians 4:4-5 – But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son… To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
• Ephesians 5:1 – Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.

Adopted into Royalty

By nature, humanity is separated from God. But through the redemptive work of Jesus, those who believe are given the legal and relational status of “children of God.” This is not a natural state but a miraculous gift of “adoption.” This adoption changes everything: it removes the spirit of fear and bondage and grants an intimate relationship with God, allowing us to call Him “Abba, Father,” a term of deep personal affection and trust. As His children, we are heirs to His promises and are called to imitate Him, living as “dear children” who walk in love.

Cross-reference

• Galatians 3:26 – For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Faith as the means of becoming God’s children)
• Romans 8:17 – And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ… (Our status as children grants us an incredible inheritance)
• 2 Corinthians 6:18 – And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (The promise of God’s fatherhood to his people)

Bonus Section

A few additional points enrich the biblical understanding of children:

• Life Before Birth: The Bible strongly affirms that a child is a person from the moment of conception, known and cared for by God. Psalm 139:13-16 is a powerful testimony to God’s intricate work in the womb. Jeremiah 1:5 (“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee”) and Isaiah 49:1 show that God’s calling and purpose for an individual can predate their birth.
• The Case of Barrenness: While children are a blessing, the Bible also recounts many stories of righteous women who were initially barren (Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Hannah, Elizabeth). These stories highlight God’s sovereignty over the womb and show that a person’s worth and righteousness are not defined by their ability to have children. God often uses these situations to bring about a miraculous birth for His greater purposes.
• The Sins of the Fathers: The concept of “visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation” (Exodus 20:5) is often misunderstood. It is not about God unjustly punishing a child for a parent’s sin. Ezekiel 18:20 makes it clear: “The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father.” Rather, Exodus 20 speaks to the natural and devastating generational consequences of sin. A father’s idolatry, addiction, or abuse creates an environment that negatively impacts his children and grandchildren, perpetuating a cycle of brokenness unless there is divine intervention and repentance.