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, 'Allow the little children, and don't forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these.'"

   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 of Yahweh. 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."

   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

   "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 the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'"

   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 mouths of babes and nursing babies you have established strength, because of your adversaries, that you might silence the enemy and the avenger."

   God uses the weakest voices to silence His enemies. Children aren't insignificant — they're strategically powerful.

5. 5.

   Proverbs 17:6

   "Grandchildren are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their parents."

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

6. 6.

   Matthew 18:10

   "See that you don't 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,' which is the first commandment with a promise: 'that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.'"

   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

   "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."

   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 deeds, whether what he does is pure and whether it is right."

   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 will be taught of Yahweh, and your children's peace will be great."

    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 this: 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 as a fruitful vine, in the innermost parts of your house; your children like olive plants, around your table. Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears Yahweh."

    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 whom Yahweh loves, he reproves, even as a father reproves 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

    "Know today, and establish it in your heart, that Yahweh is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath. There is no other. You shall keep his statutes and his commandments which I command you today, and teach them 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

    "He took a little child, and set him in the middle of them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 'Whoever receives one such little child in my name, receives me, and whoever receives me, doesn't receive 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 World English Bible (WEB), which is in the public domain.