What Does the Bible Say About Children? 8 Verses and What Each One Means
The main Bible verses about children are Psalms 127:3, Proverbs 22:6, Matthew 19:14 and Psalms 139:13-14. Psalms 127:3 is the most quoted: "children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward". Proverbs 22:6 is about training a child in the way he should go, with an effect that lasts a lifetime. Matthew 19:14 shows Jesus interrupting the adults: "Allow the little children, and don't forbid them to come to me". Psalms 139:13-14 speaks of each person being formed before birth. This page collects 8 Bible verses about children with the full text, the reference and a one-line explanation for each.
"Children are a heritage of Yahweh", says Psalm 127 — not property, a heritage: something received to be cared for. The Bible speaks of children with tenderness and with responsibility. It teaches to train a child in the way he should go, asks parents not to provoke their children to anger, and shows Jesus interrupting the adults to bless children the disciples wanted to send away. It also speaks from the child's side: obey, honor, learn. The verses on this page are for praying over children (from little ones to grown adults), for writing in a birth card, for a dedication or baptism, and for the days when raising them feels bigger than we are. If you have children, choose a verse and pray it with each one's name.
Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward.
Psalms 127:3Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6But 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.”
Matthew 19:14For 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.
Psalms 139:13-14You fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4I have no greater joy than this: to hear about my children walking in truth.
3 John 1:4But 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.
Mark 10:14All your children will be taught by Yahweh, and your children’s peace will be great.
Isaiah 54:13
Frequently asked questions
Which verse says children are a heritage from the Lord?
Psalm 127:3: "Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward".
Which verse works in a birth card?
Psalm 139:13-14 ("you formed my inmost being") and Numbers 6:24-26 (the priestly blessing) are the most chosen.
How do I pray for my children?
Name each child, give thanks for them, ask for protection, for wisdom to raise them and that they come to know God. See the prayer for children in the prayers section.
See also
Scripture text: World English Bible (WEB), public domain. Prayers, introductions and reflections: original text by this site, not affiliated with any denomination. Devotional content; it does not replace medical, psychological or legal advice.