Table of Contents
- The Bible on Children
- Proverbs 22:6
- Matthew 19:14
- Psalm 127:3-5
- James 1:27
- Genesis 1:1
- Deuteronomy 6:6-7
- Ephesians 6:4
- Isaiah 54:13
- Proverbs 17:6
- Matthew 18:2-5
- Psalm 145:9
- Jeremiah 29:11
- More Bible Passages for Children
- Proverbs 1:8-9
- 3 John 4
- Matthew 18:10
- Jeremiah 1:5
- Joshua 1:9
- Genesis 33:5
- John 3:16
- More Scriptures For Children
- Psalm 127:3
- Matthew 18:1-3
- Philippians 4:4
- Psalm 113:9
- Isaiah 49:15-16
- Psalm 139:15-16
- Mark 9:36-37
- Matthew 22:39
- 2 Timothy 3:14-15
- More Scriptures For Children To Memorize
- Luke 2:52
- Hebrews 12:11
- Colossians 3:21
- Luke 18:16
- Numbers 6:24
- Matthew 21:15-16
- Luke 6:31
- Ephesians 5:1-2
- Mark 9:37
- Psalm 8:2
- Raising Great Children
- The Greatest Parent is God
As a little boy growing up in Sunday school, I didn't know that what I was learning would impact my life for the better 10 to 20 years later, but God knew what He was doing.
He was planting seeds in my life. Today we have Bible verses about children.
And these Scriptures for kids that people sometimes call them (I choose to call them children because I don't want to associate a goat with a child) are here to help you train up your child in the way that he or she should go, as the Scripture says. Seeds of greatness can be planted in a child's life, even before they are born.
The Bible on Children
Some great children Bible Verses:
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Matthew 19:14
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Psalm 127:3-5
Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
James 1:27
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Ephesians 6:4
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Isaiah 54:13
And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.
Proverbs 17:6
Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
Matthew 18:2-5
And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
Psalm 145:9
The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
More Bible Passages for Children
Proverbs 1:8-9
My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
3 John 4
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
Matthew 18:10
Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
Jeremiah 1:5
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
Scholarly Notes on Key Children Verses:
| Scripture | View / Scholarly Notes |
|---|---|
| Psalm 127:3 — “Lo, children are a heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” | Children are a “heritage” and “reward,” emphasizing divine ownership, not merely parental possession. Scholars highlight that the Hebrew naḥălâ (heritage) indicates an allotted, entrusted gift. The verse positions children as covenant blessings given for stewardship. Many interpreters see this as grounding family in God's sovereignty. |
| Proverbs 22:6 — “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” | “Train up” derives from ḥānak, meaning “to dedicate,” just as one would dedicate a house or temple. This frames parenting as consecrating a child to a lifelong path. Scholars emphasize formative discipline beginning early. The verse teaches the lasting power of early moral shaping. |
| Ephesians 6:1–4 — “Children, obey your parents in the Lord… And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” | Paul unites authority and tenderness: children obey, fathers nurture. “Provoke not” warns against harshness that crushes a child’s spirit. Scholars note that Paul reshapes Greco-Roman household codes through Christlike gentleness. Parenting becomes an act of discipleship. |
| Colossians 3:20–21 — “Children, obey your parents in all things… Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.” | The parallel to Ephesians stresses emotional sensitivity. “Discouraged” suggests losing heart due to excessive severity. Scholars identify balance: authority must never eclipse compassion. The home becomes the first setting of Christian formation. |
| Deuteronomy 6:6–7 — “Teach them diligently unto thy children… when thou sittest… walkest… liest down… risest up.” | Parents are commanded to embed God’s Word into daily rhythms. Scholars highlight its covenantal setting: teaching is worship and identity formation. Faith transmission happens through constant immersion. Home becomes the primary spiritual classroom. |
| Proverbs 17:6 — “Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.” | The proverb celebrates generational continuity and honor. Hebrew parallelism ties family stability to communal blessing. Scholars view it as portraying identity formed through lineage. Children and elders mutually dignify each other. |
| Matthew 18:1–6 — “Whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me…” | Jesus redefines greatness through humility and childlikeness. Scholars emphasize the severe warning against causing a child to stumble spiritually. Children become symbols of kingdom openness. The passage elevates their value in God’s sight. |
| Mark 10:13–16 — “Suffer the little children to come unto me… And he took them up in his arms.” | Jesus’ blessing of children contrasts sharply with contemporary cultural insignificance of youth. Scholars note His physical embrace as a sign of divine acceptance. The kingdom belongs to the childlike, not merely the powerful. This text shapes Christian pedagogy and pastoral care. |
| Proverbs 29:15 — “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.” | Discipline is formative, not punitive. Scholars observe Hebrew parallelism showing reproof and correction working together. “Left to himself” portrays abandonment, not liberty. Moral shaping is essential for wisdom. |
| Isaiah 54:13 — “And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.” | Divine instruction becomes the foundation of covenant renewal. Scholars connect this to messianic-era restoration. God Himself becomes the teacher of the next generation. Peace (shalom) is the fruit of divine pedagogy. |
| 1 Samuel 1:27–28 — “For this child I prayed… as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD.” | Hannah views Samuel as received from God and returned to Him. Scholars see this as the paradigm of parental dedication. Parenting becomes stewardship, not possession. It illustrates vow-keeping and covenant faithfulness. |
| Psalm 78:5–7 — “He commanded our fathers… that they should make them known to their children…” | Israel's identity depends on generational instruction. Scholars call this passage the “catechetical backbone” of Israel. Teaching produces hope and obedience. Memory and faith are preserved through storytelling. |
| Exodus 20:12 — “Honour thy father and thy mother…” | This command structures family life under divine authority. Scholars emphasize that it bridges Godward commandments and social commandments. Honoring parents shapes society’s stability. The promise of longevity underscores its seriousness. |
| Proverbs 23:13–14 — “Withhold not correction from the child…” | The Hebrew expresses pedagogical severity but not physical harm. Scholars note hyperbolic imagery common in wisdom literature. Correction aims at moral rescue. The verse highlights loving discipline, not cruelty. |
| Genesis 33:5 — “The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.” | Jacob recognizes children as gifts of divine grace. Scholars see the language of humility and gratitude. The narrative setting of reconciliation emphasizes God’s blessings amid restored relationships. Children reflect God’s generosity. |
| 2 Timothy 3:14–15 — “From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures…” | Timothy’s spiritual foundation rests on early biblical instruction. Scholars highlight multigenerational faith through Lois and Eunice. Early Scripture exposure forms saving faith. Childhood is presented as fertile soil for divine truth. |
| Proverbs 20:11 — “Even a child is known by his doings…” | Children display moral character early. Scholars note that the proverb comments on human nature, not merely behavior. It emphasizes accountability from youth. Formation must begin early. |
| Luke 2:40 — “The child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom…” | Jesus undergoes holistic human development. Scholars emphasize His genuine humanity and growth process. Parental care plays a role in His maturation. This verse models balanced child development. |
| 3 John 4 — “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” | Though referring to spiritual children, it parallels biological parenting. Scholars interpret it as pastoral fatherhood expressing delight in faithfulness. Truth-walking is the ultimate parental joy. The verse underscores generational discipleship. |
| Malachi 2:15 — “He sought a godly seed…” | God ties marriage, covenant, and child-rearing together. Scholars see “godly seed” as the purpose of covenantal marriage. Children continue the story of faithfulness. Their formation is part of God’s redemptive plan. |
More children's day Bible Verses:
Joshua 1:9
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Genesis 33:5
And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
More Scriptures For Children
Psalm 127:3
Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Matthew 18:1-3
At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Scientific Benefts of Parenting in The Lives Of Children:
| Scientific Finding | Review of Findings | Scriptural Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Secure Attachment Shapes Emotional Stability | Long-term studies (Ainsworth, Bowlby, etc.) show that secure attachment with a parent predicts reduced anxiety, stronger emotional regulation, and healthier adult relationships. Children with secure attachments exhibit greater resilience under stress and lower likelihood of internalizing disorders. | Proverbs 22:6 — “Train up a child in the way he should go…” |
| Parental Warmth Predicts Higher Academic Performance | Research in child development (Harvard Center on the Developing Child; Steinberg, 2001) finds that parental warmth and responsiveness correlate with higher test scores, improved executive function, and stronger school engagement. | Deuteronomy 6:6–7 — “Teach them diligently unto thy children…” |
| Consistent Discipline Reduces Behavioral Problems | Studies show that consistent, predictable discipline lowers aggression, impulsivity, and oppositional behaviors (Patterson & Cobb, 1984). Kids thrive when boundaries are loving and stable. | Proverbs 29:17 — “Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest…” |
| Active Father Involvement Improves Cognitive Development | Research from the Journal of Family Psychology indicates that children with engaged fathers show higher IQ scores, better language development, and strong problem-solving skills. | Ephesians 6:4 — “Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath; but bring them up…” |
| Maternal Sensitivity Predicts Lifelong Mental Health | Studies show mothers who respond sensitively to infants contribute to reduced risk of depression, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation later in life. Early maternal responsiveness predicts long-term well-being. | Isaiah 66:13 — “As one whom his mother comforteth…” |
| Parental Modeling Shapes Moral Behavior | Developmental psychologists (Bandura, social learning theory) confirm that children imitate parents’ honesty, empathy, and self-control. Moral modeling is the strongest predictor of children’s ethical behavior. | Proverbs 20:7 — “The just man walketh in his integrity…” |
| Parents Buffer Toxic Stress | Neuroscience research shows that parental presence buffers cortisol spikes during stress, protecting the developing brain (National Scientific Council on the Developing Child). | Psalm 46:1 — “God is our refuge…” (Parents reflect this protective presence.) |
| Positive Parenting Builds Stronger Brain Architecture | Early nurturing increases neural connections, improves working memory, and strengthens prefrontal cortex development (Harvard Center on the Developing Child). | Psalm 103:13 — “Like as a father pitieth his children…” |
| Parental Involvement Reduces Teen Risk Behaviors | Multiple studies show that parental monitoring decreases substance abuse, unsafe sexual behavior, and delinquency (CDC, 2019). | Proverbs 1:8 — “Hear the instruction of thy father…” |
| Reading With Parents Expands Language and Intelligence | Joint-reading studies show massive vocabulary increases, improved literacy, and higher standardized test scores when parents read to children regularly. | 2 Timothy 3:15 — “From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures…” |
| Stable Family Structure Predicts Long-Term Success | Research consistently shows that children raised in stable, nurturing two-parent households have higher graduation rates, better mental health, and better adult outcomes. | Genesis 18:19 — “He will command his children and his household after him…” |
| Parental Encouragement Builds Confidence | Studies indicate that affirming parents increase children’s self-efficacy, motivation, and long-term life satisfaction (Deci & Ryan, Self-Determination Theory). | Colossians 3:21 — “Fathers, provoke not your children, lest they be discouraged.” |
Bible verse on the joy's of having children for a mother:
Psalm 113:9
He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord.
| Hebrew / Greek Word + Transliteration + Meaning | Verse | View |
|---|---|---|
| יֶלֶד — yeled — “child, boy” | Proverbs 22:6 — “Train up a child in the way he should go…” | The use of yeled highlights a child at an impressionable and formative stage of life. Scholars emphasize that the verse points to shaping moral direction early. The phrase implies alignment with the child’s God-designed bent rather than arbitrary parental ambition. Franz Delitzsch — Biblical Commentary on the Proverbs |
| טַף — taf — “little ones, dependent children” | Deuteronomy 6:7 — “You shall teach them diligently unto your children…” | Taf denotes small, dependent children who absorb instruction through repetition and modeling. The verse commands parental transmission of covenant truth in daily life. The term underscores the formative nature of constant teaching. C. F. Keil — Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament |
| βρέφος — brephos — “infant, newborn” | Luke 18:16 — “Suffer little children to come unto Me…” | Brephos emphasizes vulnerability and divine welcome. Jesus elevates infants as examples of kingdom openness. Scholars note this counters ancient social norms that undervalued infants. J. H. Thayer — Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament |
| παιδίον — paidion — “little child, young learner” | Matthew 18:3 — “…unless you become as little children…” | Paidion reflects innocence, receptivity, and dependence. Jesus uses the term to describe the required posture for entering God’s kingdom. Scholars view this as a call to humility and trust. Richard C. Trench — Synonyms of the New Testament |
| נַעַר — naʿar — “youth, adolescent, servant-boy” | 1 Samuel 1:27 — “For this child I prayed…” | Naʿar can refer to a child in later childhood or youth. Hannah dedicates Samuel’s entire developmental years to the Lord. Scholars highlight this as a model of covenant stewardship. E. W. Hengstenberg — Commentary on the Psalms (Introductory Essays) |
| τέκνον — teknon — “child, offspring” | Ephesians 6:1 — “Children, obey your parents in the Lord…” | Teknon highlights familial relationship rather than age. Paul frames obedience as part of Christian discipleship. Scholars view this as the New Testament renewing the 5th commandment under grace. Philip Schaff — Commentary on Ephesians |
| עֲנָוִים — anavim — “humble, teachable ones” (applied to children metaphorically) | Psalm 34:11 — “Come, you children, listen to me…” | Anavim is used poetically for open, teachable hearers—often applied to children. David portrays spiritual instruction as beginning with humility. The term elevates childlike receptivity as ideal for learning God’s ways. Franz Delitzsch — Commentary on the Psalms |
| בֵּן — ben — “son, child” | Psalm 127:3 — “Children are a heritage of the LORD…” | Ben emphasizes covenant belonging and divine gift. Scholars see this verse as grounding family in God’s providence. Children are not possessions but entrusted blessings. C. F. Keil — Commentary on the Old Testament |
| παιδεία — paideia — “instruction, discipline, training” | Hebrews 12:7 — “God deals with you as with sons…” | Paideia refers to formative discipline designed to mature character. Scholars emphasize that divine correction reflects love. The verse unites childhood imagery with spiritual sonship. B. F. Westcott — The Epistle to the Hebrews |
| γαλουχέω — galoucheō — “to nurture, care as a nurse” | 1 Thessalonians 2:7 — “…as a nurse cherishes her children…” | Galoucheō paints a picture of tender, maternal care. Paul applies parental imagery to pastoral ministry. Scholars see this as demonstrating the affection inherent in true Christian leadership. John Eadie — Commentary on the Epistles to the Thessalonians |
Isaiah 49:15-16
Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.
Psalm 139:15-16
My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
Mark 9:36-37
And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
Matthew 22:39
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
2 Timothy 3:14-15
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
More Scriptures For Children To Memorize
Bible quotes for children to memorize:
Luke 2:52
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
Hebrews 12:11
Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Colossians 3:21
Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
What does Jesus say about children?
Luke 18:16
But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Numbers 6:24
The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:
Matthew 21:15-16
And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were sore displeased, And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?
Luke 6:31
And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
Ephesians 5:1-2
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Mark 9:37
Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
Psalm 8:2
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
Raising Great Children
The seeds of greatness. I've found in God's Word, many Scriptures that you can share with your children. Even if you have a little child, God can do a work in him or her. You see, their lives can only be fulfilled through the Lord Jesus Christ, and by sowing seeds in your child's life, about God, salvation, and the Lord Jesus Christ, you place a deposit in them, that God can then use to bring about His glory and honor in your child's life. Our scriptures come from the New Testament and the Old Testament. You can use these as memory verses for your children.
In fact, if your Sunday School is looking for a memory verse page, this is the page for you. And it's our hope that by the power of the Holy Spirit, that your child, when your child comes to know the Lord Jesus Christ, would have eternal life, and that the Lord God Almighty by the power of His Holy Spirit, will make you the parent that your child needs. We pray that God by His Spirit will make you the Christian parent that your child needs.
The Holy Scripture is replete with texts or Bible verses about discipline, living right, obeying your parents, your father and your mother, and many other scriptures that your child should know. So our prayer is that greater joy is your portion as your child grows. And as the scripture in Proverbs says that one should heed his or her father's instruction may the Lord reveal scriptures concerning earthly things like education, finances and marriage. And may the Lord reveal spiritual things like, eternal life, healing, deliverance, salvation and repentance in Jesus' mighty name.
The Greatest Parent is God
The greatest parent we know is our Heavenly Father, who loves us, who sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ to die for our sins that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). It is our prayer that as you read these scriptures, and as you extract a memory verse or two for your child, God will be glorified in your life to the glory and honor of Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
References:
Franz Delitzsch — Biblical Commentary on the Proverbs
Franz Delitzsch — Commentary on the Psalms
C. F. Keil — Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
J. H. Thayer — Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament
Richard C. Trench — Synonyms of the New Testament
E. W. Hengstenberg — Commentary on the Psalms (Introductory Essays)
Philip Schaff — Commentary on Ephesians
B. F. Westcott — The Epistle to the Hebrews
John Eadie — Commentary on the Epistles to the Thessalonians
Scientific Sources (Peer-Reviewed or Major Scholarly Bodies)
Ainsworth, Mary — Patterns of Attachment
Bowlby, John — Attachment and Loss
Patterson, G. R., & Cobb, J. A. — Childhood Aggression and Discipline Consistency
Steinberg, Laurence — Adolescence and Parental Warmth Studies
Harvard Center on the Developing Child — Multiple developmental neuroscience reviews
National Scientific Council on the Developing Child — Excessive Stress Disrupts the Architecture of the Developing Brain
CDC — Parent Monitoring and Youth Risk Behavior Studies
Bandura, Albert — Social Learning Theory
Deci, Edward, & Ryan, Richard — Self-Determination Theory
