Parents often ask, “What does the Bible say about children?”
So, I compiled this reference list of the 50 most quoted scriptures about kids and their importance in Jesus’ teachings. Children are considered a gift from God and hold a special favor in His sight. The verses below can serve as a great resource for parents and children’s ministry leaders in their personal Bible study.
God’s Word says a lot about children in these Bible verses. Kids matter to Jesus – the Bible says it loud & clear. Get this list of short bible verses in a printable PDF or scroll down to see even more. Reference links to comparison Bible translations like ESV, NIV, KJV, and NLT
Top 50 Bible Verses about Children
Here are 50 of the most commonly quoted Bible verses about children. Both the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures present a strong view of children and God’s special care for young people.
Old Testament Scriptures on Children
The main focus of the Old Testament Scriptures on children is on their role within the family and community, as well as their spiritual upbringing and the continuation of God’s covenant. Children are seen as a blessing from God (Psalm 127:3-5), and there is a strong emphasis on the responsibility of parents to teach their children about God’s laws and ways. Deuteronomy 6:6-7, for instance, instructs parents to diligently teach their children God’s commandments, ensuring that each generation grows up with a deep knowledge and respect for God. The Old Testament also highlights the importance of obedience and respect toward parents (Exodus 20:12) and includes promises of blessing for those who honor their parents. The overarching focus is on the preservation of faith and community through the careful instruction and nurturing of children, ensuring that God’s covenant and His commands are passed down from generation to generation.
Children as Blessings
- “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” (Psalm 127:3)
- “May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.” (Proverbs 5:18)
- “Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.” (Psalm 128:3)
- “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.” (Proverbs 17:6)
Parental Responsibilities
- “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
- “Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.” (Proverbs 29:17)
- “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
- “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.” (Proverbs 13:24)
- “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.” (Proverbs 22:15)
Children’s Responsibilities
- “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.” (Proverbs 1:8)
- “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12)
- “Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright?” (Proverbs 20:11)
God’s Care for Children
- “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” (Jeremiah 1:5)
- “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13)
- “All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.” (Isaiah 54:13)
New Testament Scriptures about Children
The Bible speaks to both the physical and spiritual growth of children, encouraging them to develop in their faith and character. In 1 Peter 2:2-3, believers, like newborn infants, are urged to crave pure spiritual milk so that they may grow up in their salvation, emphasizing the importance of nurturing spiritual development from a young age. Similarly, in 2 Timothy 3:14-15, Paul reminds Timothy of how from infancy he has known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make him wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. These verses highlight the importance of teaching children the Word of God from an early age, fostering their growth in faith as they mature. Additionally, the Bible calls for parents to guide their children with love and respect, as seen in verses like Ephesians 6:1-4, which encourages children to obey their parents and parents to raise their children in the instruction of the Lord. These scriptures remind us that nurturing the next generation in both physical care and spiritual wisdom is a vital part of God’s plan for families and communities.
Children and Faith
- “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)
- “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Mark 10:14)
- “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 18:10)
Parental Guidance
- “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)
- “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” (Colossians 3:21)
- “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8)
Children’s Obedience
- “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” (Ephesians 6:1)
- “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” (Colossians 3:20)
Jesus and Children
- “And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” (Mark 10:16)
- “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'” (Matthew 19:14)
- “At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.'” (Matthew 11:25)
- “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6)
Children in the Early Church
- “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” (Acts 2:17)
- “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 1:4)
- “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” (1 Peter 1:23)
Additional Bible Verses about Children
- “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8)
- “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
- “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” (Psalm 127:3)
- “But Jesus called them to him, saying, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.'” (Luke 18:16)
- “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.” (Matthew 18:5)
- “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.” (1 Peter 2:2)
- “The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.” (Proverbs 29:15)
- “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.” (Proverbs 1:8)
- “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)
- “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8)
- “Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.” (Proverbs 29:17)
- “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” (Proverbs 17:6)
- “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.” (John 16:21)
- “Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.” (Psalm 127:3)
- “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
- “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
- “From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise.” (Matthew 21:16)
- “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52)
- “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
- “He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'” (Matthew 18:2-3)
These verses cover various aspects of children in the Bible, including their value, the responsibilities of parents, the importance of obedience, and Jesus’ special regard for children.
Are there Biblical examples of children as role models of faith?
The Bible highlights several children who were remarkable role models of faith, demonstrating that even young hearts can trust in God and make a big impact. One such example is young Samuel, who in 1 Samuel 3 responded to God’s call with obedience and a willingness to serve, becoming a faithful prophet for the Lord. Another is the little servant girl in 2 Kings 5, who boldly shared her faith in God by suggesting that her master, Naaman, seek healing from the prophet Elisha. These children show that faith in God isn’t limited by age, and their examples encourage children today to trust in God, speak boldly, and be examples of faithfulness in their own lives.
Here is a list of more children in the Bible who served as role models of faith:
- David (1 Samuel 16-17) – As a young shepherd boy, David displayed faith in God by defeating Goliath with a slingshot and stones, trusting God’s strength.
- Josiah (2 Kings 22-23) – Became king at eight years old and led the nation of Judah back to following God by reforming worship and restoring the temple.
- Miriam (Exodus 2:1-10) – Moses’ sister, who as a child watched over him when he was placed in the Nile and courageously spoke to Pharaoh’s daughter, helping save his life.
- Isaac (Genesis 22) – As a young boy, Isaac trusted his father, Abraham, even when he didn’t fully understand God’s plan during the sacrifice, showing faith in both God and his father.
- The Boy with the Loaves and Fish (John 6:9) – This unnamed boy offered his small lunch to Jesus, who miraculously used it to feed thousands, demonstrating generosity and trust in Jesus’ power.
- Jesus at the Temple (Luke 2:41-52) – As a twelve-year-old, Jesus amazed the teachers at the temple with His understanding of Scripture, setting an example of dedication to learning God’s Word.
These children show that faith, courage, and obedience to God can start at any age, inspiring others through their example.
What is the role of children in God’s Plan?
Children hold a special place in God’s plan, with Scripture affirming their value and importance in both the kingdom of God and the life of the church. In Matthew 18:1-5, Jesus teaches His disciples that they must become like little children—humble and trusting—if they want to enter the kingdom of heaven, showing the spiritual significance of a childlike heart. Similarly, in Mark 10:13-16, Jesus welcomes and blesses the children, emphasizing that the kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it with the pure faith of a child. These passages highlight how children are not only loved by God but also serve as examples of the kind of faith and humility that all believers are called to embrace. Through them, God shows His care for the innocent and teaches profound lessons about His kingdom.
Does the Bible show God’s special affection and protection for children?
God’s heart for children is evident throughout Scripture, showing His deep love, protection, and care for them. In Matthew 18:10, Jesus emphasizes that children are precious to God, warning not to look down on them because their angels always see the face of the Father in heaven. This demonstrates God’s vigilant care and high regard for the innocence and vulnerability of children. Similarly, in Mark 9:36-37, Jesus takes a child in His arms and teaches that welcoming children is like welcoming Him and the One who sent Him, illustrating the importance of showing love and care to children as part of serving God. These passages reveal that children are not just valued by God but are also at the center of His compassionate heart, teaching us to care for and respect them as He does.
Are there special promise for children in the Bible?
The Bible is full of promises and blessings for the children of God, offering them assurance of their identity and future in Him. In John 1:12, we are told that those who believe in Jesus are given the right to become children of God, a promise of belonging and divine adoption into God’s family. Romans 8:14-17 further expands on this, explaining that as children of God, we are led by the Spirit, no longer slaves to fear but heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. This means that believers not only share in the blessings of God’s love and protection but also in the future glory and inheritance of eternal life. These promises give great hope and encouragement, affirming that being a child of God comes with divine favor, guidance, and the certainty of eternal life with Him.
Most Frequent Scriptures about Kids
Luke 18:16 Jesus said Let the Little Children Come
But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Mark 9:37 Welcome Children in My Name Bible Verse
“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
Luke 18:17 Receive the Kingdom like a child scripture
Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Matthew 18:10 Angels watch over God’s kids Jesus quote
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.
Matthew 18:6 Those who cause a child to stumble Biblical reference
“If anyone causes one of these little ones–those who believe in me–to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.
Matthew 18:14 The Father Not Willing That Any Perish
In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.
Psalm 127:3 Children are a heritage from the Lord reference verse
Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.
Exodus 20:12 Honor your parents scripture quote
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
Ephesians 6:1 children obey parents bible verse
Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do.
Proverbs 22:6 Train up the child biblical quote for parents
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Further Discussion of Bible Verses about Children
Theological Implications: Childlike Faith in the Bible
The concept of childlike faith in Christianity carries profound theological significance. Jesus’ teaching to “become like little children” (Matthew 18:3) suggests that qualities such as trust, humility, and openness are essential for salvation. This perspective challenges adults to approach their relationship with God with innocence and receptivity, emphasizing faith as a gift received rather than a status achieved. Theologians like Karl Barth have explored how this childlike faith informs our understanding of grace and human response to divine love.
Historical Context: The Bible’s View of Children
In biblical times, children were viewed differently than in modern Western societies. They were often seen as economic assets and potential heirs, particularly in agrarian societies. The emphasis on discipline and obedience in biblical passages reflects the cultural norms of the time, where strict child-rearing practices were common to ensure survival and maintain social order. Understanding this context helps explain why certain passages, like Proverbs 13:24, emphasize disciplinary measures that may seem harsh by today’s standards.
Different Interpretations and Challenging Scripture Verses about Children
Many verses about children are subject to multiple interpretations. For instance, Proverbs 22:6 (“Train up a child in the way he should go”) has been variously understood as a promise of guaranteed outcomes, a general principle of child-rearing, or advice to tailor education to a child’s individual bent. Acknowledging these different perspectives allows for a more nuanced understanding of biblical teachings on children and reflects the ongoing scholarly discourse in biblical hermeneutics.
Verses related to disciplining children, such as Proverbs 13:24, can be controversial in modern contexts. It’s crucial to interpret these passages within their historical and cultural framework, recognizing that they reflect ancient Near Eastern parenting practices. Modern interpretations often emphasize the underlying principle of loving guidance rather than advocating for physical punishment. Scholars like William Webb have proposed a “redemptive-movement hermeneutic” to understand how these texts might be applied in contemporary settings.
Practical Applications of Bible Verses about Kids
Biblical teachings on children can be applied in various ways today. In parenting, they encourage nurturing children’s spiritual growth, modeling faith, and providing loving guidance. For example, parents might implement regular family devotions or engage in service projects together. In children’s ministry, these verses inspire creating environments where children can experience God’s love and develop their faith, such as interactive Bible lessons or mentorship programs. Churches can use these principles to ensure children are valued, protected, and included in the community, perhaps by involving them in worship services or creating child-friendly spaces.
Summary: Top 50 Bible Verses About Children – A Comprehensive Guide
This blog post offers a comprehensive guide to Bible verses about children, emphasizing their significance in Christianity. It explores Old and New Testament perspectives, highlighting children as blessings, parental responsibilities, and Jesus’s teachings. The guide includes theological implications, historical context, and practical applications for parenting and children’s ministry. Key verses like Luke 18:16 and Mark 9:37 underscore Jesus’s call to welcome and value children. The document also addresses challenging verses on discipline and offers a nuanced interpretation. Overall, it serves as a valuable resource for understanding the Bible’s teachings on children and their role in God’s plan.