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50+ Significant Bible Verses About Children
Modified: January 9, 2024
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Bible verses about children to help you equip them with love and truth of God's word. Let these Bible verses guide you in teaching children.
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The Bible tells us of the significant roles children have in the lives of the people around them through different Bible verses about children. Jesus Himself mentioned the significance of children in the kingdom of heaven. He compared to a child the entrance to the kingdom of heaven. If we have any means of helping our children realize the value of a relationship with Christ, we are in any case responsible. Children need nurturing and teaching from the day they begin to perceive things.
In a well-known incident in the Bible where people are bringing even infants to Jesus, the disciples rebuked these kids and their parents who desired for Jesus to touch them. When Jesus saw this hostile response of the apostles towards the children coming to Him, He called them saying these famous lines“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:16-17 ). The disciples learned something very important through these children; to have a trusting attitude towards God as children do to their parents.
In another event in the New Testament, Jesus again compared greatness to children (Mark 9:33-37). He emphasized the importance of children, with a child in His arms He said that whoever receives a child receives Him. The Lord Himself showed us the immeasurable value of children in our lives. Children are dependent on their parents, guardians, and other adults who can influence them. Every grown-up is responsible to influence these little children towards a positive attitude. As Christians, our primary accountability is in directing them to Jesus. Let’s help them grow through these Bible verses about children.
Bible Verses About Children Being a Blessing
The Lord blesses us with various beautiful gifts here on earth. From the things we can see and touch to the things that are always present around us, though we barely notice, these are God’s blessings to us. The Lord gives an abundance of every blessing He gives us. It is just one of His abounding ways of showing His love for His creation. One of God’s great blessings to the world is the joy brought by little children. In their families, they are blessings that can shed sparks of hope, happiness, and love. In the beginning, children will bring joy to their parents. The bond of connection between a wife and a husband gets a little spice up with their children sharing this connection.
Laughter fills a home with children around. Their playful qualities make a home a lot warmer and cheerful. Every child is a blessing from God no matter their looks, characteristics, and sound of their giggles; they can add delight to every home and family. They are never accidents. Even if they were not planned, these children are in God’s mind. Their parents may not be expecting them, but God does. Even before the heart of every child starts to beat, God has chosen them to fill a home with joy.
God forms every child, knitting their inward parts together in their mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13). How wonderful is it to think that as each day passes in an average of nine months, the Lord is intricately and meticulously shaping each part of a child’s body. Imagine the Lord of all creation, continues to create with such beauty in a womb where He gives the child the best and unique qualities every human being has the favor of receiving.
- Psalm 127:3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.
- John 16:21 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.
- Mark 9:36-37 He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me, whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
- James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
- Mark 10:15 Truly I tell you, anyone, who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.
- Matthew 18:5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
- Psalm 139:13-14 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. - Proverbs 17:6 Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.
- Matthew 18:1-3 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
- Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.
Read more: 50 Bible Verses About Sin
Bible Verses About Teaching Children
The first place where children learn and are trained about values is in their own homes. It is their parent’s ultimate responsibility to teach their children to have the right attitude and character before they start to study the fundamentals of certain subjects in schools. As Christians, the values which parents ought to teach their children are the teachings of Jesus. There is no substitute for Christian values. Above all, there is no substitute for the Word of God. The Bible is the only foundation of life living in the standards of Jesus. In the Old Testament, the only teachings recognized by the Israelites which they passed on to their children are the laws given by God to Moses (Deuteronomy 11). The Lord commanded them to teach these laws to their children.
The Word of God is clear in stating “You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” It does not say that parents should wait for Sunday school or bring their children to Church services so their children can hear about God’s Word. It clearly says that the Word of God must dwell in every household. The weight of teaching God’s Word is every parent’s accountability. This responsibility should never be given to Pastors, Church leaders, or teachers alone. In fact, the best place to influence children about the teachings of Jesus is inside their own homes. Children spend most of their early childhood years at home,so their home is of vital importance in their character development.
Here are some of the best Bible verses about children to motivate us in teaching our children in the way they should go.
- Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
- Deuteronomy 6:6-7 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 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.
- Isaiah 54:13 All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
- Deuteronomy 4:9 Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children
- 3 John 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
- Mark 10:14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.”
- Psalm 34:11 Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
- Deuteronomy 4:10 How on the day that you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, the Lord said to me, ‘Gather the people to me, that I may let them hear my words, so that they may learn to fear me all the days that they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children so.
- Deuteronomy 11:18-19 You shall, therefore, lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
Bible Verses About Raising Children
It is never easy to raise children. A parent becomes tied with a lifetime responsibility once he or she has a child. The duty of raising a child becomes more challenging because children are sometimes unpredictable. Their desire to explore and learn new things outside their house can sometimes lead them to harmful and dangerous practices both physically and morally. This is oftentimes misunderstood by their parents as rebellion when they seek to explore things beyond what their parents want. For this reason, a loving and consistent guidance towards them is necessary. Children are very receptive. They listen to everyone, observe almost everything that happens around them, and are always curious. They seek answers. Kids are constantly hungry for knowledge and experiences. They want to explore life.
Children are not perfect no matter how hard we try to raise them to be perfect. We can teach them all that we know and all that is good and they will still fail. It’s because they are, well, kids. Kids are normally subject to commit mistakes. If they stumble, parents should be the first to be there reaching out to help them up. It is the initial response when you see your child’s trip or fall. You’ll run towards your child no matter what you’re doing. But, being with them when they do something wrong doesn’t mean tolerance. Parents should show love through discipline. The different Bible verses about children here instruct the necessity of disciplining children. Disciplining kids is an act of loving them even if sometimes, they may not understand it.
- Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
- Proverbs 13:24 Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.
- Proverbs 23:13-14 Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die.
If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol. - 2 Timothy 3:14-15 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
- Colossians 3:21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
- Proverbs 22:15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
- Proverbs 29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
- Isaiah 28:9-10 To whom will he teach knowledge, and to whom will he explain the message? Those who are weaned from the milk, those taken from the breast? For it is precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little.
- Titus 2:7-8 Always set a good example for others. Be sincere and serious when you teach. Use clean language that no one can criticize. Do this, and your enemies will be too ashamed to say anything against you.
- Deuteronomy 13:4 It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.
Bible Verses About Protecting Children
Children are always dependent on others for their food, clothing, shelter, and protection. For us, it means that we are here to help them with their needs. Many children experience and are exposed to different kinds of violence every day. Furthermore, there are different types of abuse children can encounter in their homes, schools, or wherever they are. It is estimated that up to 1 billion children aged 2–17 years have experienced physical, sexual, emotional violence, or neglect every year according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Other than violence and neglect, there are many other issues children face including bullying, maltreatment, sexual exploitation, and psychological violence.
Children are vulnerable to different dangers which can have a lifelong impact on their well-being. We are to take part in helping and protecting these little children against any violence.
Neglect is a form of violence against children. We, too, can’t be indifferent about children’s maltreatment. They are utterly helpless without adults guiding them. There are Bible verses about children showing us the importance of helping them. Jesus warns us in mistreating the children. He said, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18). Furthermore, Jesus affirmed not to despise children. They are significant. The duty of protecting them lies in every home and community. If you are part of a community, then you are entirely welcome to help and protect these little ones. Start with these Bible verses about children.
- Matthew 18:6 But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
- Proverbs 19:18 Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.
- Matthew 18:10 See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.
- Psalm 8:2 Out of the mouth of babies and infants you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.
- Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
- Psalm 82:3Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.
- Psalm 82:4 Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
- Proverbs 24:11 Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.
- Lamentations 2:11 My eyes are red from crying, my stomach is in knots, and I feel sick all over. My people are being wiped out, and children lie helpless in the streets of the city.
- Lamentations 2:12 They say to their mothers, “Where is bread and wine?” as they faint like the wounded in the streets of the city, as their lives ebb away in their mothers’ arms.
Bible Verses About Children’s Obedience
Children too, like their parents have a responsibility to perform. There are various Bible verses about children that point out the need for their obedience towards their parents. Many times, the Bible tells us to honor both our mother and father for this is right and it pleases God (Ephesians 6:1-3). Moreover, this is the first commandment with a promise. The promise is this, “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth”. Honoring our parents means that we love them, we respect them, and we obey their instructions. An example of honoring one’s parent is the comparison of a wise and foolish son (Proverbs 13:1). A wise son obeys his father’s instruction while the scoffer follows his voice. Obedience is a necessary quality which parents should teach their children.
Parents also have the responsibility to influence their children with obedience. Most children are visual learners. They learn from what they can see and observe. For this reason, parents should model the values they want their children to acquire. Let’s teach obedience by showing them. Other times, it will require parents more than just displaying it. Children will also need to see the importance of obedience. They need to know why they should obey; what it means to obey; and the profit of obedience. Here are some of the best Bible verses about children which you can use to encourage your kids to live with obedience. It matters that they know what the Bible has to say about obedience as early as possible.
- Proverbs 13:1 A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
- Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
- Proverbs 23:22 Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
- Ephesians 6:1-3 New Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.
- Proverbs 23:26 My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.
- Proverbs 23:24-25 The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise. So give your father and mother joy! May she who gave you birth be happy.
- Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
- Proverbs 15:5 A fool despises his father’s instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.
- Proverbs 1:8 Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching
Read more: 50 Bible Verses About Prayer
Praying For Your Children
As Christians, parents have this crucial responsibility of bringing their children to Jesus. It is not just the church’s responsibility to help children grow in their knowledge of Christ and of their faith. The best way to bring your children to God is through prayers. If we want to be the best parents for our children, we need to pray for our children and ourselves so we can nurture them with the love that they need. The Lord knows best what every child wants. Generation changes as time progresses. Both parents are usually generally engaged with a lot of activities. Children are also absorbed with different things online which consumes most of their time. It becomes more difficult for parents to monitor them and what influences them especially with the internet having a variety of subjects to offer.
Because we cannot control everything that can influence our children, we need to rely on God’s power to mold our little kids. If we love our children, our prayers for them will not be out of duty but out of love for both for them and for God. The Bible always reminds us to pray for everyone and everything. There are many Bible verses about children that urge us to pray. The church is also responsible to pray for these little ones and the next generations to come. As Jesus received them, we are to receive them. Let’s bring to God whatever issue it is we have about our children. Let the following prayers and bible verses about children help you to have a prayerful home.
- Matthew 19:13 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.
- Matthew 19:14-15 But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left.
- Lamentations 2:19 Arise, cry out in the night, at the beginning of the night watches! Pour out your heart like water before the presence of the Lord! Lift your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint for hunger
- Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
- 1 John 5:14-15 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
- Matthew 18:19 I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.
- Philippians 4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
- 1 Timothy 2:1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.
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Numbers 6:24-26 I pray that the Lord will bless and protect you, and that he will show you mercy and kindness. May the Lord be good to you and give you peace.
Investing In Children
Engaging in the task of instructing the little children and directing them towards Jesus does not require for anyone to be a parent first. Anyone who sees its importance can help in sharing the Word of God to these children. It is an investment that even Jesus approved and highlighted in His words. 27% percent of the world population comprises children. We can see kids everywhere and there are a variety of sources and people online influencing them. These influences and authorities they recognized in their lives shape their minds and hearts. The problem here is that not all things that can influence them can positively impact them. Not everything that they see, heard, or read is true. They need truth. This truth can alone be found in the Bible. Children need to hear the Word of God more than ever.