What does God’s Word say about children and their importance to God? Read these scripture quotes to learn what Jesus says about kids, how parents are commanded to teach them about the LORD, and how children are a reward from God. The list below includes four different Bible translations to help you find the scripture quote most helpful for your children’s ministry.
Children are a Reward from God according to the Bible
Psalms 127:3
(ESV) Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.
(KJV) Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
(NIrV) Children are a gift from the LORD. They are a reward from him.
(NLT) Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.
Psalms 127:4
(ESV) Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.
(KJV) As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
(NIrV) Children who are born to people when they are young are like arrows in the hands of a soldier.
(NLT) Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.
Psalms 127:5
(ESV) 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.
(KJV) 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.
(NIrV) Blessed are those who have many children. They won’t be put to shame when they go up against their enemies in court.
(NLT) How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.
Proverbs 17:6
(ESV) Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.
(KJV) Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
(NIrV) Grandchildren are like a crown to older people. And children are proud of their parents.
(NLT) Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.
These Bible verses about having children show the God places a high value on raising the next generation. These scriptures are often read for child baptism Bible verses.
God Commands Parents to Teach their Children
Proverbs 22:6
(ESV) Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
(KJV) Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
(NIrV) Train a child in the way he should go. When he is old, he will not turn away from it.
(NLT) Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.
Proverbs 13:24
(ESV) Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.
(KJV) He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
(NIrV) Those who don’t correct their children hate them. But those who love them are careful to train them.
(NLT) Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.
Ephesians 6:4
(ESV) Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
(KJV) And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
(NIrV) Fathers, don’t make your children angry. Instead, train them and teach them the ways of the Lord as you raise them.
(NLT) Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.
Isaiah 54:13
(ESV) All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.
(KJV) And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.
(NIrV) I will teach all of your children. And they will enjoy great peace.
(NLT) I will teach all your children, and they will enjoy great peace.
Each Bible verse about children shows the value God puts on raising children, protecting children, and caring for children. Scripture shows parents must respect and protect kids because every child belongs to God.
Deuteronomy 6:7
(ESV) 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.
(KJV) 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.
(NIrV) Make sure your children learn them. Talk about them when you are at home. Talk about them when you walk along the road. Speak about them when you go to bed. And speak about them when you get up.
(NLT) Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.
Jesus Loves Children and Says God Protects Kids
Matthew 18:10
(ESV) “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.
(KJV) 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.
(NIrV) “See that you don’t look down on one of these little ones. Here is what I tell you. Their angels in heaven can go at any time to see my Father who is in heaven.
(NLT) “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.
Matthew 18:6
(ESV) 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.
(KJV) But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
(NIrV) “But what if someone leads one of these little ones who believe in me to sin? If he does, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and be drowned at the bottom of the sea.
(NLT) But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.
These Bible verses about protecting children are often quotes when dealing with hard situations. Child abuse and neglect is a sin that all Christians, Churches, and Pastors should speak against. Did you know this scripture passage is contain many helpful Bible verses for a special needs child. Our Father in Heaven loves all the children, and the Bible makes no excuses for the sin of mistreating a child in any way.
Mark 10:14
(ESV) 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.
(KJV) But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
(NIrV) When Jesus saw this, he was angry. He said to his disciples, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t keep them away. God’s kingdom belongs to people like them.
(NLT) When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.
Mark 10:15
(ESV) Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
(KJV) Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
(NIrV) What I’m about to tell you is true. Anyone who will not receive God’s kingdom like a little child will never enter it.”
(NLT) I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
Matthew 19:14
(ESV) but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
(KJV) But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
(NIrV) Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t keep them away. The kingdom of heaven belongs to people like them.”
(NLT) 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.”
The Bible Commands Children to Obey and Honor Parents
Colossians 3:20
(ESV) Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
(KJV) Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
(NIrV) Children, obey your parents in everything. That pleases the Lord.
(NLT) Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord.
Ephesians 6:1
(ESV) Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
(KJV) Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
(NIrV) Children, obey your parents as believers in the Lord. Obey them because it’s the right thing to do.
(NLT) Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do.
Ephesians 6:2
(ESV) “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise),
(KJV) Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
(NIrV) Scripture says, “Honor your father and mother.” That is the first commandment that has a promise.
(NLT) “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise:
Ephesians 6:3
(ESV) “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”
(KJV) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
(NIrV) “Then things will go well with you. You will live a long time on the earth.” (Deuteronomy 5:16)
(NLT) If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”
Proverbs 1:8
(ESV) Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching,
(KJV) My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
(NIrV) My son, listen to your father’s advice. Don’t turn away from your mother’s teaching.
(NLT) My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.
More Scripture Quotes about Children
Read more about what Jesus says about Children in the Bible from Ministry-To-Children. You can also compare a larger selection of Bible Quotes on Children from 10 Bible Verses.
There are many Bible verses about children. One of my favorites is from Psalm 127: “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.” (NIV)
Another great verse about children is from Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (NIV) This verse reminds us that it’s never too late to start teaching our children what we believe, and that as parents we have a responsibility to guide them on their path in life.
Children are a blessing from the Lord. “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 has his quiver full of them.” Psalm 127:3-5
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