What does the Bible say about having children?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible presents children as a gracious gift from God, calls humanity to receive life fruitfully under his sovereignty, and directs parents to raise children in faith and obedience to him. Genesis 1:28 and 9:1 give the original blessing and mandate to be fruitful and multiply, while Psalm 127:3-5 calls children a heritage and reward from the Lord. Psalm 113:9 praises God’s compassionate care for the barren, reminding us that conception and family size rest in his providence, not human control. First Timothy 2:11-15 honors faithful godliness in women without making motherhood a measure of salvation or worth. Christians should welcome children with gratitude, seek wisdom in family decisions, and trust God in both joy and sorrow.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Psalms 127:3-5 27 votes
Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. 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.
- Genesis 1:28 20 votes
God blessed them. God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
- Psalms 113:9 18 votes
He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother of children. Praise Yah!
- Genesis 9:1 14 votes
God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, and replenish the earth.
- 1 Timothy 2:11-15 7 votes
Let a woman learn in quietness with full submission. But I don’t permit a woman to teach, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in quietness. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. Adam wasn’t deceived, but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience; but she will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness with sobriety.
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