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What does the Bible say about those who hurt children?

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The Bible fiercely condemns those who harm children, calls God’s people to receive and protect them, and leaves vengeance and final judgment to God. Jesus warns in Matthew 18:6 and Luke 17:2 that causing a little one to stumble is a grave offense, while Matthew 18:10 affirms their special dignity before the Father. Believers should pursue safety, truth, and just accountability rather than personal revenge, trusting God’s promise in Romans 12:19 and Deuteronomy 32:35 to judge evil rightly. Matthew 25:40 teaches that care for the vulnerable is service to Christ. Yet John 3:16-17 reminds us that even serious sinners must be called to repentance and faith in Christ, whose grace transforms and forgives.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • Matthew 18:6 7 votes

    but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him that a huge millstone should be hung around his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depths of the sea.

  • Romans 12:19 3 votes

    Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord."

  • Luke 17:2 3 votes

    It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, rather than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble.

  • Matthew 25:40 3 votes

    "The King will answer them, 'Most assuredly I tell you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'

  • Matthew 18:10 3 votes

    See that you don't despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.

  • Deuteronomy 32:35 2 votes

    Vengeance is mine, and recompense, At the time when their foot shall slide: For the day of their calamity is at hand, The things that are to come on them shall make haste.

  • John 3:16-17 2 votes

    [16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. [17] For God didn't send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him.

  • Proverbs 22:6 2 votes

    Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

  • Deuteronomy 18:9-13 2 votes

    [9] When you are come into the land which Yahweh your God gives you, you shall not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. [10] There shall not be found with you anyone who makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices sorcery, or an enchanter, or a sorcerer, [11] or a charmer, or a consulter with a familiar spirit, or a wizard, or a necromancer. [12] For whoever does these things is an abomination to Yahweh: and because of these abominations Yahweh your God does drive them out from before you. [13] You shall be perfect with Yahweh your God.

  • Matthew 18:5 2 votes

    Whoever receives one such little child in my name receives me,

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