Bible Verses About Children
The Bible calls children a gift and a heritage from the Lord — never a burden. Jesus welcomed little ones into His arms and said the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. Scripture also entrusts parents with a sacred task: to love, teach, and gently raise children in the faith. These verses celebrate children and guide everyone who cares for them.
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
The Bible's most quoted parenting promise, pointing parents to shape a child's earliest years with intention.
Psalms 127:3-5
Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They won’t be disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.
A joyful declaration that children are God's reward and blessing, not an accident or an inconvenience.
Matthew 19:14
But Jesus said, “Allow the little children, and don’t forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these.”
Jesus openly welcomes children and holds them up as true citizens of His kingdom.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
These words, which I command you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.
Faith is passed on in ordinary moments — God calls parents to weave His words into everyday life at home.
Ephesians 6:1-4
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise: “that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.” You fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Paul addresses both sides of the relationship: children honor their parents, and fathers nurture rather than exasperate.
Psalms 139:13-14
For you formed my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well.
Every child is God's deliberate and wonderful handiwork from the very beginning of life.
3 John 1:4
I have no greater joy than this: to hear about my children walking in truth.
John wrote this of his spiritual children in the faith — and his words have become every believing parent's prayer for their own.
Isaiah 54:13
All your children will be taught by Yahweh; and your children’s peace will be great.
God Himself promises to teach our children and to anchor them in His peace.
Colossians 3:20-21
Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, don’t provoke your children, so that they won’t be discouraged.
Obedience pleases the Lord, and parents are warned not to crush a child's spirit through harshness.
Proverbs 17:6
Children’s children are the crown of old men; the glory of children are their parents.
The generations bless one another — grandchildren crown the old, and children take pride in their parents.
2 Timothy 3:14-15
But you remain in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them. From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus.
Timothy's story shows how Scripture learned in childhood can shape a whole life of faith.
Joshua 24:15
If it seems evil to you to serve Yahweh, choose today whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh.”
A father's bold declaration that his entire household will serve the Lord together.
Scripture text is in the public domain. (World English Bible)
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Frequently asked questions
- What does the Bible say about children?
- Scripture consistently treats children as a blessing. Psalms 127:3 calls them a heritage from the Lord, and in Matthew 19:14 Jesus welcomes little ones and says the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.
- Which Bible verse is best known for parenting?
- Proverbs 22:6 — the famous "train up a child" verse — is the most quoted, alongside Deuteronomy 6:6-7, which calls parents to teach God's words throughout everyday life at home.
- Does the Bible say children must obey their parents?
- Yes. Ephesians 6:1 and Colossians 3:20 both call children to obey, but the same passages immediately warn parents not to provoke or embitter their children (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21).
- What is a good Bible verse for a child's baptism or dedication?
- Psalms 139:13-14 celebrates God forming the child, Isaiah 54:13 promises that God will teach them, and Matthew 19:14 shows Jesus blessing little ones — all three are popular choices.
- How can I pray for my children using Scripture?
- Turn verses into prayers: ask that your children walk in the truth (3 John 1:4), that God teaches them and gives them peace (Isaiah 54:13), and that your whole household serves the Lord (Joshua 24:15).
A verse every morning, in your language
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