What Does the Bible Say About Parenting — In Biblical Context
The Bible calls parents to raise children with love, instruction, discipline, and faith, modeling godliness and teaching God's Word at every opportunity.
The Bible calls parents to raise children with love, instruction, discipline, and faith, modeling godliness and teaching God's Word at every opportunity.
"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children." — Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Parenting is one of Scripture's highest callings. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands parents to teach God's Word constantly—'when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way.' Proverbs instructs: 'Train up a child in the way he should go' (Proverbs 22:6). Paul balances expectations: 'Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord' (Ephesians 6:4). Discipline is presented as loving, not harsh: 'whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth' (Hebrews 12:6). Biblical parenting involves consistent instruction (Deuteronomy 6:7), loving discipline (Proverbs 13:24), modeling faith (2 Timothy 1:5), prayer for children (Job 1:5), creating a secure home (Proverbs 31:27), and gradually releasing children into independence. The goal is not control but discipleship—raising children who love God from their own conviction.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Deuteronomy 6:6-7, sits inside Deuteronomy 6. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children."
Supporting Passages
"And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Does the Bible Say About Parenting?
Marriage & Family
What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?
Marriage & Family
What Does the Bible Say About the Marriage Covenant?
Marriage & Family
Marriage Struggles
Scriptures for couples navigating conflict, distance, or difficulty in their mar
Navigating an Interfaith Marriage
Scriptures for Christians married to a spouse of a different faith or no faith.
Proverbs 22:6 — Meaning & Devotional
Parenting
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.