Skip to main content
    In Context

    What Does the Bible Say About Children — In Biblical Context

    The Bible describes children as a blessing from God, commands parents to raise them in the faith, and records Jesus welcoming and blessing little children.

    Quick Answer

    The Bible describes children as a blessing from God, commands parents to raise them in the faith, and records Jesus welcoming and blessing little children.

    "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward." Psalm 127:3 (KJV)

    The Biblical Context

    Scripture consistently presents children as a gift from God. Psalm 127:3 declares, 'Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.' God commands parents to diligently teach their children about Him: 'Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it' (Proverbs 22:6). Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs parents to talk about God's commands 'when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.' Jesus had a special regard for children. When His disciples tried to turn them away, He rebuked them: 'Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God' (Mark 10:14). He used a child as an example of the humble faith required to enter God's Kingdom. Paul balanced this with practical instruction: 'Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right' while telling fathers, 'provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord' (Ephesians 6:1, 4).

    Where It Sits in Scripture

    The core passage for this question, Psalm 127:3, sits inside Psalms 127. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.

    "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."
    Psalm 127:3 (KJV)

    Supporting Passages

    Proverbs 22:6
    "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
    Mark 10:14
    "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God."

    Explore this question from another angle

    Related Reading

    Continue your study with related content from across our library: