Bible Verses About Children
Children are described as a heritage from the Lord. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or mentor, these verses offer guidance for nurturing the next generation in faith and love.
Children Are a Gift
Psalm 127:3 sets the tone — children are not a burden or a stage of life, but a heritage and reward. Psalm 139:13-14 declares each one fearfully and wonderfully made. These verses are particularly meaningful in a culture that often treats children as inconveniences. Scripture treats them as one of God's most generous gifts.
“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”
“For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
“Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.”
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”
How to Raise Them
Deuteronomy 6 outlines the pattern: teach diligently, talk about God in ordinary moments — when you sit, when you walk, when you go to bed. Proverbs 22:6 commits to training a child in the way they should go. Ephesians 6:4 balances all of this with a warning to fathers not to provoke their children. These verses paint parenting as patient, consistent, and tender — not harsh.
“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children.”
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
“Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.”
“Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.”
“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head.”
Jesus and Children
When the disciples tried to keep children away from Jesus, He rebuked them and said the kingdom belongs to such as these. Matthew 18:3 goes further — unless we become like children, we won't enter the kingdom at all. These verses elevate children to a place of unusual honor in God's eyes. Their simplicity, dependence, and trust are held up as a model for all of us.
“Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.”
“Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
“Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
“And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.”
“Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.”
A Closing Thought
Parenting is the most exhausting and most clarifying work most of us will ever do. It reveals our impatience, our pride, and our deep love all in the same Tuesday. The Bible doesn't promise that doing the right things will guarantee the right outcomes — children are people, not products. But it does promise that God is at work in your home, that He cares about your kids more than you do, and that the daily small acts of love and instruction matter more than you realize. You're not raising your children alone. He is in the room.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bible say about raising children?
Scripture consistently calls parents to teach their children about God in the ordinary rhythms of life. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 paints the picture — talk about God's words when you sit, walk, lie down, and rise. Proverbs 22:6 promises that children trained in the right way will not depart from it. Ephesians 6:4 balances instruction with a warning: don't provoke your kids. The Bible treats parenting as patient, prayerful, and deeply consistent.
What does "train up a child" mean?
Proverbs 22:6 — "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" — is one of the most quoted parenting verses. It's a general principle, not a formula. Training involves teaching God's word, modeling it, disciplining lovingly, and praying constantly. The promise is hopeful but not mechanical. Children have their own wills. Faithful parenting tilts the long arc; it doesn't guarantee every chapter.
What did Jesus say about children?
He loved them and refused to push them away. When the disciples tried to keep children from Him, He rebuked the disciples and said the kingdom of God belongs to such (Mark 10:14). In Matthew 18:3 He told adults to become like children to enter the kingdom — pointing at their humility, simplicity, and trust. Children weren't side-characters to Jesus; they were a model.
How do I pray for my children?
Pray Scripture over them — Psalm 1, Psalm 23, Philippians 1:6, Ephesians 1:17-19. Pray for their hearts, not just their behavior. Pray for their future spouses, friends, and faith. Pray for protection and wisdom. Pray with them, not just for them. Don't perform prayer for kids — be honest, brief, and real. They are watching how you talk to God more than they are listening to what you say.
What if my child has walked away from faith?
First, you're in good company — many faithful parents have prayed through long seasons of children's wandering. Hold on to verses like Isaiah 55:11 (God's word does not return void) and Luke 15 (the father runs to meet the returning son). Keep the relationship strong. Pray more than you preach. Let your life model what your words can no longer say. God is not done with your child, and He is the One who saves — not your parenting.