Who Is A Child According To The Bible? Children are also spoken of as representing simplicity and humility ( Matthew 19:13-15 ; Mark 10:13-16 ; Luke 18:15-17 ). Believers are “children of light” ( Luke 16:8 ; 1 Thessalonians 5:5 ) and “children of obedience” ( 1 Peter 1:14 ).
The Bible refers to children as those who have not yet reached adulthood, which means that in most cases, a child is any person under the age of 18. The Bible also uses the term “youth” to refer to someone who has not yet reached adulthood. The term “youth” refers more specifically to someone who has not yet been married or had children. We are all children of God in the sense that we are all created in God’s image. Every person is valuable and precious because they are made by God. But the Bible also makes it very clear that our sin separates us from God. Sin is offensive to God and He cannot allow any sin into His presence.
Who Is A Child According To The Bible
Who Is A Child According To The Bible?
A child according to the bible is anyone who has not yet reached puberty. The age of puberty varies depending on your culture, but it is generally agreed upon that puberty begins around the age of 10.
When you are 10 years old, you are not yet capable of having children. You are also not yet capable of making any decisions for yourself, or taking responsibility for your actions. Therefore, you cannot be held accountable for what you do at this age.
The Bible clearly states that a child should be protected from harm and evil as much as possible (Proverbs 22:6). This means that if someone hurts a child or does something bad to a child, it is considered an evil act and should be punished accordingly (Deuteronomy 21:18-21).
What Does the Bible Say About Children?
To help you connect with God’s heart for children, we have compiled this list of Bible verses about children being a blessing in our lives and how God asks us to relate to and regard children.
Bible Verses About Children Being a Blessing
Children have significance in God’s plan and there are numerous Bible verses about children being a blessing. The account of Jesus taking the children into His arms is recorded several times in the Bible. We can follow Jesus’ example by showing a child that he or she has value in our eyes and in the eyes of God.
- Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there. — Matthew 19:13-14
- Children are a heritage from the Lord, and offspring are a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children 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. — Psalm 127:3-5
Children are a heritage and a reward. They are a blessing!
Scriptures for Children’s Protection
God’s Word also contains several Scriptures on the importance of protecting children. Jesus calls us to care for children and not send them away as insignificant. Children are valuable to Him! In many cultures around the world, children are often abused, neglected and discarded. They may be sold for profit into the sex industry or sold as slaves to work in horrible conditions.
Jesus has committed children into our arms of protection.
- See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. Matthew 18:10
- A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous. — Proverbs 13:22
- Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. — James 1:27
James describes “true religion” much differently than many people in our culture. He explains it as the act of “look[ing] after orphans and widows.” God has special concern for those most vulnerable, those who fall at the margins of society who are often exploited. God claims to be their protector and James instructs us to follow His example.
Deuteronomy 10:18 says that God “executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing.” James reiterates that truth in the verse above and shares that the responsibility to care for widows and orphans is ours as well.
It is a tremendous blessing to love, serve, and protect the most vulnerable in this world and share God’s love with them. He’s the greatest Protector of all.
Bible Verses About Teaching Children
God instructs us to place value on teaching children to know and love Him.
- These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. – Deuteronomy 6:6-7
- People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. — Mark 10:13-16
- Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them. — Proverbs 13:24
Moments of discipline offer the opportunity to teach a child that God disciplines us because He loves us and that, as parents, we do the same for our children.
God wants parents to teach their children about Him—to leave God’s wisdom as an inheritance. God specifically commanded the Israelites to teach their children all He had done for them. He wanted the future generations to have the greatest inheritance—godly wisdom! When parents fail in this crucial assignment, society quickly declines. That’s one reason why there are so many Bible verses about teaching children.
Bible Verses About A Mother’s Love for Her Child
A mother’s love is a beautiful thing to behold. God’s Word often compares a mother’s love for her child to His love for His people. Take Isaiah 66:13 for example, “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” A mother’s love is deep and comforting.
- A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. — John 16:21
- She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. — Proverbs 31:25-30
- Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. – Isaiah 49:15
Children Are a Gift from God
God created the family, and children are a gift from Him. In fact, the Bible says that offspring are a reward from Him! Because of this, God cares about how children are raised and nurtured. Children are a gift from God.
- People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”— Luke 18:15–17
- Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. — Proverbs 17:6
- An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” — Luke 9:46–47 (also Mark 9:35–37)
The Bible makes it clear that children are to be looked upon as a blessing, not an inconvenience. They are a reward from God! Truly, children are a gift from God.
Child Characters in The Bible
Children are the most important people in the world. They are the only ones who can make a difference in this world and they can change it. Children are the future and they need to be protected and cared for because they will be our future leaders.
Many people believe that children should not be considered adults, but some think that they should. They say that if a child is responsible enough, they should be treated like an adult. If a child is old enough, then he or she should have rights like an adult does.
In the Bible, children are considered young people who have not reached adulthood yet, which is why we must take care of them and protect them from anything that could harm them physically or mentally. There are many verses in the Bible about children, such as: Matthew 18:1-6: “At that time, the disciples came to Jesus and asked him, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child over and put him among them.” Matthew 19:13-15:
What Does The Bible Say About Children
As Christians, we turn to the Bible as our guide for living. It has much to say to us about spiritual things, but also about what’s practical. So what does the Bible say about children?
1. Children are part of God’s creative plan.
God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. …’—Genesis 1:28 (NIV)
After creating Adam and Eve, God commanded that they be fruitful, or have children. The original design included families with children. Kids weren’t an afterthought. Everything about creation was pronounced good, including his design for children.
2. Children are gifts from God to families.
Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.—Psalm 127:3 (NIV)
The word “heritage” comes from the root meaning “to get or inherit.” It is an honor and responsibility to be entrusted with a little one from God. We stand beside him to shepherd their growth and development, to advocate for them, and provide for their needs while they’re in our care.
3. Children need nurture and guidance.
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.—Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)
When planting vines and some bushes, gardeners will attach them to a framework, like a pole or trellis, to keep them from spreading out of control. Kids need solid structure to keep their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual growth on track too. This means we are present in their lives, supporting their growth and development, and leading by our godly example.
4. Children need discipline.
Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.—Proverbs 29:17 (NIV)
There’s no question, disciplining kids is hard work. It takes the fruit of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control spoken of in Galatians 5:22-23. Parents who really love their kids will discipline them, as God does with us (Hebrews 12:7). Not harshly, but gently with the goal of leading them in the ways of the Lord. Done this way, they’ll become adults that fulfill all the Creator intends for them to become.
5. Orphans, displaced and refugee children, and children living in poverty need special care.
Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor …—Zechariah 7:10 (NIV)
Children are vulnerable even in good circumstances, but when there’s poverty or violence, kids can suffer real damage. The Bible singles out orphans for us to help. Those without fathers are close behind orphans. And children living as refugees (strangers) or displaced by conflict or living in extreme poverty (the poor) are also vulnerable. There is no social or financial safety net for them — no one to provide for their nurture or needs. God asks people who worship him to help take care of kids in such vulnerable places.
6. Children need protection.
… Meanwhile our women and children will live in fortified cities, for protection from the inhabitants in the land.—Numbers 32:17 (NIV)
We live in a world corrupted by evil. Child labor, physical abuse, child exploitation, and child marriage are only some of the challenges kids today may encounter, not to mention things like drug and alcohol addiction, bullying, or gang involvement. God is our deliverer from trouble and enemies, and we should protect kids from people who seek their harm as an extension of our love for him. Some of us are even called further by God to act as advocates or to become professionals in child-protection programs and organizations. But whether a professional or not, we can all be aware and help protect the kids in our lives.
7. Children are blessed by God.
And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.—Mark 10:16 (NIV)
In blessing the children while here on earth as God incarnate, Jesus shows his heart toward little ones. In verse 13 of this passage, the disciples rebuked the people for bringing their kids to Jesus, probably because he was talking with self-important religious leaders. His response was anger at his followers’ ignorance and pettiness. Their actions were unkind and unworthy of disciples. Children aren’t too unimportant to have God’s undivided attention. He always desires to bless them in every way.
Bible Verses About Children and Parenting
We’re all God’s children, after all, and the scripture has plenty to say about the subject.
There’s a saying that rings true for all parents: Having a child is like having your heart walking around outside of your body. As any mother or father knows, the process of raising a child is rich with emotions, uncertainties, joys, and sorrows. Whether you’re a parent, expectant parent, or grandparent, there’s an endless well of comfort, advice, and quotes about gratitude to be found in the Bible.
After all, we’re all children of God, so it’s no surprise His Word is full of parenting wisdom, and understanding, when it comes to the unconditional love (and, also: the worrying, discipline, second-guessing…) that goes into caring for another human. If you’re looking to celebrate a new mom with baby shower ideas, these words might offer just the encouragement she needs, and they’re just the thing to jot down in a card coupled with a gift for a new mom. They’re also worth taking note of for yourself, for those days when you need a little reassurance that you’re directing your child—your heart—down the right path.
Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Isaiah 54:13
“All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.”
Proverbs 1:8-9
“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.”
Psalm 127:3
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.”
Matthew 19:14
“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ ”
Proverbs 17:6
“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”
3 John 1:4
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
Deuteronomy 5:29
“Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!”
Ephesians 6:4
“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.”
Matthew 18:1-3
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’ ”
Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Psalm 139:15-16
“My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
Isaiah 54:13
“All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.”
Psalm 139: 13-14
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Ephesians 6:1-3
“Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. ‘Honor your father and mother.’ This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, ‘Things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.’ ”
Proverbs 29:17
“Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad.”
Mark 10:15-16
“I tell you the truth, ‘Anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.’ Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.”
Philippians 1:6
“And so I am sure confident that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it on until it is finished on the Day of Christ Jesus.”
Colossians 3:21
“Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”