What Does the Bible Say About Children?

Children hold a unique place in Scripture. They are welcomed by Jesus, valued as gifts from God, and held up as examples of the faith that enters His kingdom. The Bible treats children with tenderness and seriousness — protecting their vulnerability while recognizing their spiritual significance. These fifteen verses reveal God's heart for children and our calling to receive, teach, and cherish them.

1. 1.

   Matthew 19:14

   "But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.""

   Jesus didn't just tolerate children — He welcomed them as examples of the kind of faith that enters His kingdom.

2. 2.

   Psalm 127:3–5

   "Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate."

   Children are described as weapons of blessing and sources of joy. A full quiver isn't a burden — it's happiness.

3. 3.

   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.""

   Jesus was angry when children were kept away. He insists they have full access to Him and His kingdom.

4. 4.

   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."

   God uses the weakest voices to silence His enemies — Jesus quotes this verse against the religious leaders in Matthew 21. The power belongs to God; children are the means He chooses.

5. 5.

   Proverbs 17:6

   "Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers."

   Children bring honor across generations. Grandchildren crown the elderly, and parents are the glory children reflect.

6. 6.

   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."

   Every child has angelic attention in heaven. To despise a child is to disregard someone heaven takes seriously.

7. 7.

   Ephesians 6:1–3

   "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.""

   Obedience to parents comes with a promise — well-being and longevity. It's the first commandment that guarantees blessing.

8. 8.

   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."

   Every child is handcrafted by God in the womb. There are no accidents — only fearful and wonderful design.

9. 9.

   Proverbs 20:11

   "Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright."

   Children reveal character early. Their actions — even small ones — show whether purity and integrity are taking root.

10. 10.

    Isaiah 54:13

    "All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children."

    When children are taught by God Himself, the result isn't just knowledge — it's deep, lasting peace.

11. 11.

    3 John 1:4

    "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

    For parents and spiritual mentors alike, the greatest joy is seeing children live in the truth they've been taught.

12. 12.

    Psalm 128:3–4

    "Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD."

    Children gathered around the table are a picture of blessing. Family flourishing is a fruit of the fear of the Lord.

13. 13.

    Proverbs 3:12

    "For the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights."

    Discipline and delight aren't opposites — they go together. God corrects the children He loves, and so do wise parents.

14. 14.

    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."

    Faith is a multi-generational project. Each generation is responsible to pass truth to the next two generations.

15. 15.

    Mark 9:36–37

    "And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.""

    Receiving a child in Jesus' name is receiving Jesus Himself. The way we treat children is the way we treat Christ.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.