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What does the Bible say about families?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that families are God-given households where faith, love, authority, care, and daily obedience to the Lord are to be cultivated. Genesis 2:24 presents marriage as a covenantal union in which husband and wife become one flesh. Parents are called to teach God’s Word diligently to their children, as Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says, and fathers must nurture rather than provoke them, according to Ephesians 6:1-4. Children should honor and obey their parents in the Lord. First Timothy 3:4-5 shows that faithful care for one’s household reflects spiritual maturity, while 1 Timothy 5:8 stresses the duty to provide for relatives. Psalm 128:3 portrays family fruitfulness as a blessing flowing from the fear of the Lord.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 1 Timothy 3:5

    (but if a man doesn't know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the assembly of God?)

  • 1 Timothy 3:4

    one who rules his own house well, having children in subjection with all reverence;

  • 1 Timothy 5:8

    But if anyone doesn't provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

  • Ephesians 6:1-4

    [1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [2] "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise: [3] "that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth." [4] You fathers, don't provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

  • Genesis 2:24

    Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother, and will join with his wife, and they will be one flesh.

  • Deuteronomy 6:6-7

    [6] These words, which I command you this day, shall be on your heart; [7] and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.

  • Psalms 128:3

    Your wife will be as a fruitful vine, In the innermost parts of your house; Your children like olive plants, Around your table.

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