What does the Bible say about children?

Key Bible verses about children

1. Psalm 127:3-5

   Behold, children are a heritage of the LORD. 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.

2. Psalm 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.

3. Mark 10:13-16

   They were bringing to him little children, that he should touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them. But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation and said to them, “Allow the little children to come to me! Don’t forbid them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these. Most certainly I tell you, whoever will not receive God’s Kingdom like a little child, he will in no way enter into it.” He took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

4. Matthew 18:3-5

   and said, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Whoever receives one such little child in my name receives me,

5. Exodus 20:12

   “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the LORD your God gives you.

6. Ephesians 6:1-3

   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.”

7. Colossians 3:20

   Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord.

8. Proverbs 1:8

   My son, listen to your father’s instruction, and don’t forsake your mother’s teaching;

9. Proverbs 22:6

   Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

10. 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.

11. 2 Timothy 3:15

    From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Scripture: World English Bible (public domain). Short quotations in the introduction are from the ESV. Read each passage in its chapter for the full context.