Bible verses about children
Psalm 127:3-5, Proverbs 22:6 and Mark 10:13-16 are the verses people reach for most about children. They speak of kids as a gift, of teaching them with care, and of Jesus welcoming them. All eleven verses are below in full.
Free to read, no account. Last updated November 9, 2026. Scripture: King James Version and World English Bible (public domain).
1.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.
In the World English Bible
Behold, children are a heritage of the LORD. The fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They won’t be disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.
Children are called a reward and compared to arrows in a warrior's hands. A tender line on how much they matter.
2.Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
In the World English Bible
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
The most quoted parenting proverb. It is a general principle about teaching, not a guarantee about how any child turns out.
3.Mark 10:13-16
And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. 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. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
In the World English Bible
They were bringing to him little children, that he should touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them. But 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. Most certainly I tell you, whoever will not receive God’s Kingdom like a little child, he will in no way enter into it.” He took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
Parents brought kids to Jesus and the disciples tried to send them off. He was upset with them and welcomed the kids.
4.Matthew 18:2-4
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.
In the World English Bible
Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in the middle of them and said, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Jesus sets a child among his followers as the example of humility.
5.Psalm 139:13-14
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
In the World English Bible
For 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.
David marvels at how a person is put together. Good to read over a baby, or on a day a child doubts themselves.
6.Ephesians 6:4
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
In the World English Bible
You fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Fathers are told not to provoke their kids to anger and to raise them with care. A short check for tired parents.
7.3 John 1:4
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
In the World English Bible
I have no greater joy than this: to hear about my children walking in truth.
John says nothing makes him happier than hearing that his spiritual children are doing well.
8.Psalm 78:4
We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.
In the World English Bible
We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, his strength, and his wondrous deeds that he has done.
A psalm about telling the next generation what God has done instead of keeping it quiet.
9.1 Samuel 1:27
For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:
In the World English Bible
I prayed for this child, and the LORD has given me my petition which I asked of him.
Hannah prayed for a child for years. Here she says thank you for the answer.
10.Proverbs 20:7
The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
In the World English Bible
A righteous man walks in integrity. Blessed are his children after him.
A short line on a parent who lives honestly, and how that can shape the kids who follow.
11.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.
In the World English Bible
From the lips of babes and infants you have established strength, because of your adversaries, that you might silence the enemy and the avenger.
Praise coming from children and infants. Jesus quoted it later in the temple.
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Read today's verseQuestions
What is a good Bible verse about children?
Psalm 127:3-5 is a good place to start. Children are called a reward and compared to arrows in a warrior's hands. A tender line on how much they matter.
What does the Bible say about raising kids?
Proverbs 22:6 and Ephesians 6:4 are the best known: train a child with care, and don't provoke them to anger. Psalm 78:4 stresses telling the next generation what God has done. Proverbs are general principles, not guarantees.
Does Jesus say anything about children?
Yes. In Mark 10:13-16 he welcomes kids when the disciples tried to send them away, and in Matthew 18:2-4 he uses a child as an example of humility. He also quotes Psalm 8:2 in Matthew 21:16.
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Made by Lamplight, a small Sarvixo product. Notes on each verse are ours, written with AI tools and checked against the passage. The verses are printed exactly as published.