Ephesians 6:4 calls fathers to bring up their children in the Lord’s nurture and admonition. This means taking an active part in their growth: caring for them, teaching them God’s Word, and helping them learn to live faithfully before him.
Love your children and take their upbringing to heart
Receive your children with affection, learn their needs, and give yourself to helping them grow. Ephesians 6:4 addresses fathers directly: “bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Nurture and admonition include training and instruction: a father helps his children learn what is good and understand how to live before God. Your care therefore includes both their present needs and the people they are growing to become.
God gives both children and fathers responsibilities in this relationship. Ephesians 6:1–3 calls children to obey their parents in the Lord and honor both father and mother. The charge to fathers in verse 4 follows immediately: they are to bring up those children in the Lord’s ways. As you ask your children to listen and learn, give them faithful teaching and the care they need to receive it. You also answer to the Lord for your example, your words, and your treatment of them.
Psalm 127:3 calls children “an heritage of the LORD.” An heritage is an inheritance or something received; the psalm presents children as a gift from God. That gives a father reason for gratitude and a reason to value the children themselves. Genesis 1:26–27 supplies the wider foundation: God created human beings in his image, male and female. Every son and daughter shares that God-given dignity. The work of raising them begins with recognizing the worth of the people God has placed in your care.
Give that love a dependable place in family life. The household instructions in Colossians 3:18–21 follow a call to compassion, kindness, patience, forgiveness, and love in verses 12–14. These qualities belong to life with Christ and therefore belong in a father’s treatment of his children. Teaching, correction, provision, and encouragement are different expressions of the same faithful concern for their good.
Further study: S. M. Baugh
Let your children see you following the Lord
The teaching you give your children belongs within your own life with God. In Deuteronomy 6:4–7, Moses calls Israel to love the LORD wholeheartedly, keep his words in the heart, and teach them diligently to the children. Those responsibilities belong together. The parent is first a hearer and keeper of God’s Word, then a teacher of it. Give the Scriptures serious attention yourself and let their teaching direct your conduct.
Moses is speaking to Israel before its entry into the promised land. In Deuteronomy 6:10–12, he describes the homes, wells, and vineyards the people will receive and tells them to remember the LORD who brought them out of slavery. The abundance of ordinary life is to be received with continuing gratitude to God. A father can teach this same dependence as he acknowledges God’s gifts and gives obedience a place in the work and relationships of his household.
Proverbs 20:7 speaks of a righteous man walking in integrity and of blessing for his children after him. Integrity means that faithfulness characterizes the life he actually lives. Galatians 5:22–25 gives the character of life by the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are responsibilities shared by Christians. For a father, they shape how he handles his words, his anger, his promises, and the needs of those who live with him.
Following the Lord also includes honestly receiving his forgiveness. First John 1:8–2:2 addresses believers who still need cleansing from sin and identifies Jesus Christ as their advocate with the Father. Verse 1:9 calls for confession and speaks of God’s faithfulness to forgive and cleanse. When you have done wrong, acknowledge it before God, seek his forgiveness, and act on his instruction. Your children should see that the truth you teach also calls you to repentance and growth.
Further study: Brent A. Strawn
Teach God’s Word so your children understand it
Make room for your children to hear Scripture, ask about it, and learn what it means. Deuteronomy 6:6–9 describes teaching woven through life: speaking of God’s words at home and along the way, when lying down and when rising. The repeated settings show the sustained attention this teaching receives. A father is to keep returning to God’s truth with his children, helping them remember it and understand how to obey it.
Give your children reasons to trust and obey God as you teach his commands. In Deuteronomy 6:20–25, a son asks what the commandments mean. The answer begins with Israel’s slavery in Egypt and the LORD’s mighty deliverance. It then explains that God brought the people out to give them the land he had promised and commanded obedience for their good. The parent explains both what God requires and what God has done for his people. Teach in that way: help your children understand God’s faithfulness and goodness as they learn to obey him.
Exodus 12:26–27 gives another example. When children ask about the Passover, parents are to explain how the LORD spared Israel’s households when he struck Egypt. Joshua 4:21–24 similarly directs fathers to explain the memorial stones by telling how God brought Israel through the Jordan on dry ground. The account ends by naming the purpose: that people know the LORD’s mighty hand and that Israel fear him. These observances belong to Israel’s history. Their teaching helps a father see the value of answering a child’s questions with the actual biblical event, what it reveals about God, and the response it calls for.
Psalm 78:4–7 makes the aim of this work explicit. Each generation is to tell the next about the LORD’s works and commands so that children will set their hope in God, remember what he has done, and keep his commandments. The psalm looks beyond the first listeners to children who will eventually teach children of their own. A father’s instruction therefore seeks understanding that can take root and be carried into another life and another generation.
For Christian teaching, the purpose is brought into focus in 2 Timothy 3:14–17. Paul reminds Timothy that he has known the holy Scriptures from childhood and that they can make him wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Scripture also teaches, reproves, corrects, and trains in righteousness, equipping God’s servant for good works. Teach your children to understand who Christ is and what it means to trust him. Help them see how the passage being read teaches truth, addresses conduct, and prepares them to do what is good.
Further study: Brent A. Strawn
Help them learn wisdom and make faithful choices
Children need to learn how to judge what is good and act on that understanding. Proverbs 1:2–7 names wisdom, instruction, justice, judgment, and discretion as the book’s concerns, grounding knowledge in the fear of the LORD. Learning right and wrong begins with reverence for God: his truth and his judgment are to guide our choices. In verses 8–9, the son is called to receive his father’s instruction and his mother’s teaching as something valuable for his life.
Proverbs 4:1–13 shows a father passing on wisdom he first received from his own father. He urges his children to listen and explains that wisdom preserves and guides the person who holds to it. Later, in verses 20–27, that teaching becomes specific: attend to the instruction, guard the heart, speak rightly, look steadily ahead, and consider the path being taken. The heart matters because the direction of a person’s life proceeds from it. A father therefore helps a child understand the desires and judgments behind conduct, as well as the conduct itself.
The book also explains why particular choices matter. Proverbs 1:10–19 describes an invitation to join violent men for profit, then exposes the outcome: their greed threatens their own lives. The father’s instruction gives the son a reason to refuse their path. Proverbs 23:17–23 joins wise listening with reverence for God, sober conduct, honor for parents, and the pursuit of truth. These passages give substance to teaching what is right: explain honesty, faithfulness, self-control, and the consequences attached to conduct in the text.
Give your children an active part in this learning. Proverbs 2:1–9 calls the son to receive words, apply his heart, ask for understanding, and seek wisdom as treasure. The passage says that the LORD gives wisdom and that the learner will come to understand righteousness, judgment, and good paths. Help your children attend carefully, ask what a passage means, and reason about the response it requires. The aim is that they increasingly understand and choose what is good before God.
Correct with love and teach the way forward
Correction belongs to the work of helping a child learn what is right. Ephesians 6:4 joins the father’s responsibility to bring up his children with a command about his manner: “provoke not your children to wrath.” Colossians 3:21 gives a related charge and names the concern: “lest they be discouraged.” A father is to take wrongdoing seriously while treating the child in a way that serves the child’s growth. The desired outcome is a child who understands the instruction and can move toward faithful conduct.
Give correction with the purpose of helping your child become wise. Proverbs 13:24 connects discipline with a father’s love for his son. Proverbs 29:15 says that “the rod and reproof give wisdom”; verse 17 describes the rest and delight that correction can bring. Reproof means making the wrong known so that the child can understand and respond. The opening words of Proverbs 19:18, “Chasten thy son while there is hope,” give a father reason to persevere: instruction can make a difference. When correction is needed, help your child understand what is wrong and learn the good that should take its place.
Correction also looks ahead to where a child’s conduct will lead. Proverbs 23:13–14 describes physical discipline with a rod and states its goal as “deliver his soul from hell.” The NET translators understand the final word as probably referring to death here, explaining the verse as discipline that helps rescue a child from a destructive course of life. Together with the purpose of giving wisdom in Proverbs 29:15, this directs a father’s attention to his child’s lasting good. Help your child understand why his conduct matters and learn the wisdom that will guide his life.
Carry out that responsibility within the whole instruction given to a Christian father. Colossians 3:12–14 calls for patience, kindness, forgiveness, and love. James 1:19–20 joins readiness to listen with restraint in speech and anger, explaining that human anger does not produce God’s righteousness. Listen carefully, identify the conduct that needs correction, explain what is right, and help the child practice the better response. Give instruction with self-control and continue the care that makes correction part of a loving upbringing.
Further study: S. M. Baugh · Biblical Studies Press · Biblical Studies Press · Biblical Studies Press
Know your children and encourage them with compassion
A father’s care includes tenderness toward the child he is raising. Psalm 103:13 says, “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.” Here “pitieth” describes compassion. Verse 14 explains God’s compassionate regard: he knows how we are made and remembers that we are dust. In the surrounding verses, the psalm praises his mercy, patience, and forgiveness. The psalm’s subject is God’s goodness; its comparison draws on the recognizable tenderness of a father who knows his children’s frailty.
Show compassion by taking time to hear your child, understand what is difficult, and respond with kindness and truthful guidance. James 1:19 calls believers to be quick to hear and slow to speak. That instruction applies to your conversations with your children: listen carefully enough to understand the need you are addressing. You can then give guidance that helps the child learn, along with the patience and encouragement needed to receive it.
First Thessalonians 2:11–12 gives a fuller picture of personal encouragement. Paul says he and his companions exhorted, comforted, and charged each believer as a father does his children, so that they would walk worthy of God, who calls them into his kingdom and glory. Exhortation urges them forward; comfort supports them; the solemn charge makes the responsibility clear. Paul is describing his ministry, and he uses fatherly care to explain this combination of affection and direction. His purpose makes the encouragement specific: a life that answers God’s call.
Let your words carry that same concern for the person and the direction of the person’s life. Ephesians 4:29 calls for speech that builds up and benefits its hearers; verses 31–32 join this with kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness grounded in God’s forgiveness through Christ. Speak truth understandably, give comfort where it is needed, and encourage the good you are teaching. A father’s conversations can help his children face their responsibilities with understanding and hope.
Give willing, dependable care to their needs
Love takes material needs seriously. First Timothy 5:3–8 discusses the care of widows and directs relatives to provide for their own household. Verse 16 explains how family help allows the church to care for widows who have no such support. The instruction places provision within the practice of faith. For a father, this means taking responsibility for the people who depend on him, giving attention to their needs, and using his work and resources to help meet them. The passage also keeps care for older relatives within view.
In 2 Corinthians 12:14–15, Paul explains why he is willing to give of himself for the Corinthians. He says that he seeks them, rather than their possessions, and intends to avoid becoming a financial burden to them. To explain this care in his ministry, he points to parents laying up for their children and says he will gladly “spend and be spent” for the Corinthians. Parents give because they seek their children’s good; Paul’s comparison depends on that familiar responsibility. Give attention to the people your work and resources are serving, and let your provision express your love for them.
Matthew 7:7–11 approaches parental giving from another direction. Jesus invites his hearers to ask, seek, and knock as they approach God. He then asks whether a father would give his son a stone when asked for bread, or a serpent when asked for a fish (verses 9–10). The expected answer is no: even sinful human parents know how to give good gifts to their children. Jesus reasons that the heavenly Father can be trusted all the more to give good things to those who ask him (verse 11). His central teaching gives confidence in prayer. The parental example recognizes a father’s concern to answer his child’s need with something good. A father can act with that concern while himself depending on God’s greater goodness.
First John 3:16–18 connects this kind of practical care with Christ’s love. After recalling that Christ laid down his life for us, John asks how God’s love can dwell in someone who has material goods but closes his heart to a brother in need. He calls for love in deed and truth. Ephesians 4:28 similarly joins honest labor with having something to share. These instructions concern the Christian community as a whole and give substance to a father’s care at home: recognize needs, work faithfully, share willingly, and follow loving words with help.
Further study: Douglas Sean O’Donnell
Help your children know Christ and bring their needs to him
Give your children a clear understanding of Jesus’ welcome and a growing knowledge of his Word. Mark 10:13–16 records people bringing children to Jesus, the disciples trying to stop them, and Jesus receiving them. His response includes both instruction and affection: he tells the disciples to let the children come, says that the kingdom of God belongs to such as these, and takes the children in his arms and blesses them. The children’s coming matters to him. A father should take their life with Christ seriously and help them hear and learn from him.
As you help your children come to Christ, receive his teaching with humility yourself. In Mark 10:15, Jesus says that whoever receives God’s kingdom must receive it as a little child. A related scene in Mark 9:33–37 begins with the disciples arguing about who is greatest. Jesus tells them to serve others, takes a child in his arms, and teaches them to welcome a child in his name. Matthew 18:1–5 explicitly calls the disciples to humble themselves like the child Jesus places among them. These scenes help explain the child’s place in his teaching: even the adult who guides others approaches God as someone who needs to receive his care. Teach your children to trust Christ as you humbly depend on him.
Give your children a place in your prayers as well as your teaching. Matthew 19:13–15 records that children were brought to Jesus for him to lay hands on them and pray. Luke 18:15–17 specifically includes infants among those brought to him. Jesus’ welcome gives fathers reason to bring their children before him in prayer and take their life with him seriously. As they grow, help them hear and understand his Word. Second Timothy 3:14–17 explains the aim: knowing the Scriptures that make a person wise for salvation through faith in Christ.
Bring their particular needs to God with honest dependence. In Mark 9:14–29, a father seeks help for a son afflicted by a spirit after the disciples have been unable to deliver him. He asks Jesus for compassion and help, then cries, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief” (verse 24). Jesus drives out the spirit and raises the boy by the hand. The account reveals Jesus’ authority and a father seeking help with both his son’s suffering and his own struggling faith. It gives you a biblical example of bringing your child’s need to the Lord while asking him to strengthen your trust.
Pray also for the direction of your children’s hearts. In 1 Chronicles 29:19, David asks God to give Solomon a heart devoted to keeping his commandments and carrying out the temple work entrusted to him. Solomon’s royal task is particular to that history; his father’s concern is that he serve God wholeheartedly. Luke 11:1–4 gives Jesus’ disciples words for their own prayers: God’s name and kingdom, daily bread, forgiveness, and deliverance. Let these concerns shape your prayer for your family, and join that prayer with patient teaching and faithful care.
Further study: James L. Bailey
Teach family honor through the way you live together
Teach your children to value both their father’s instruction and their mother’s teaching. Proverbs 1:8–9 places the two together and describes them as an adornment for the child’s life. Proverbs 6:20–23 explains that parental instruction guides, guards, and brings light to conduct. A father can carry his own teaching responsibility while honoring the faithful teaching their mother gives. Paul’s remembrance of the sincere faith of Timothy’s grandmother Lois and mother Eunice in 2 Timothy 1:5 likewise recognizes the importance of faith within these family relationships.
If you are married, your responsibilities toward your wife remain part of your obedience to Christ. Ephesians 5:25–29 calls husbands to love their wives according to Christ’s self-giving love for the church and to nourish and cherish them as their own bodies. The instruction requires willing, practical care for the wife herself. As you share family life, let your children see that the person you teach them to honor receives your love and faithful attention.
Help children understand their own part in family life. Ephesians 6:1–3 tells them to obey their parents in the Lord and honor both father and mother, recalling the command with its promise of well-being and life. Teach them to listen, respond to instruction, and treat their parents with respect. The words “in the Lord” place that obedience within their responsibility to Christ. Your teaching should help them understand the good being asked of them and the Lord before whom they live.
Family honor continues as children mature, while their responsibilities develop. Genesis 2:24 describes a man leaving father and mother and being joined to his wife in a new marriage. Proverbs 23:22 still calls for regard for a mother in old age. In Mark 7:9–13, Jesus explains how a tradition about Corban—a gift dedicated to God—was being used to withhold help that could benefit parents. He identifies this as setting aside God’s command to honor them. Together these passages recognize both the formation of a new household and continuing respect and practical care for parents. Prepare your children to carry their own responsibilities with that understanding.
Keep the purpose of family loyalty under the greater call to follow Christ. In Matthew 10:37–39, Jesus tells his disciples that love for him takes precedence even over love for parents or children. Taking up the cross means accepting the cost of following him, even the loss of one’s life. The setting concerns that costly allegiance, including divided households. A father serves his children’s deepest good by helping them give the Lord the devotion that belongs to him. Teach faithful love for family as part of a life directed toward Christ.
Keep nurturing faith as your children grow
Raise your children with the years ahead in view. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” The saying presents childhood training as something that shapes a whole life. Proverbs 2:6–9 explains the wisdom the LORD gives: understanding righteousness, justice, fairness, and the good paths a person can take. In that light, training a child in the right way means helping him learn to live wisely before God. Teach patiently and consistently, seeking understanding and habits of obedience that your children can carry into adulthood.
Help your children make that teaching their own. Proverbs 2:1–5 calls the son to receive instruction, seek understanding, and come to know the fear of the LORD. The father teaches, and the child is called to listen and respond to God. Ezekiel 18:5–20 makes each person’s responsibility clear through three generations: a righteous father, a violent son, and a grandson who sees the violence and chooses a different life. God judges each according to his own conduct. The call at the end of the chapter is to turn and live (verses 30–32). As your children grow, keep helping them understand God’s truth and calling them to trust and obey him for themselves.
Let your children learn among God’s people as well as within your home. In Deuteronomy 31:9–13, Moses directs Israel to gather men, women, children, and resident strangers to hear the law. He expressly includes children who do not yet know it, so that they can hear and learn to fear the LORD. Learning was a concern of the gathered people as well as the household. For the church, Colossians 3:16 calls believers to teach one another and worship with Christ’s word dwelling richly among them. Take part in that shared life of learning and worship, and help your children understand what they hear.
Let your family learn care that reaches beyond itself. James 1:22–27 joins doing the Word with bridling the tongue and attending to orphans and widows in their distress. Psalm 68:5 praises God as father of the fatherless and defender of widows. These texts give faithful family life a generous direction: receive God’s care with gratitude and take the needs of other people seriously. Teach your children kindness and generosity through the same conduct you practice.
You also remain a learner under the heavenly Father’s care. Hebrews 12:5–11 recalls Proverbs 3:11–12 and explains God’s discipline as the training of children he loves. Its stated purpose is their good, a share in his holiness, and the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Verse 10 distinguishes that purpose from earthly fathers’ limited judgment. Receive God’s correction and keep growing as you raise your children. The patient work of fatherhood belongs within your own continuing life of faith, with your hope directed toward the Lord you are helping them know.
Further study: Jason DeRouchie · Biblical Studies Press · Ted Hildebrandt · Adam Ch’ng
Read the passages
Scripture in context
90 contextual selections for this subject, including the passages cited above and further related reading. Every selected range is reproduced in full from the KJV. Context notes identify the setting and kind of evidence.
Creation and household foundations 2 selections
Genesis 1:26–31 KJV · In this guide
Context: The creation account gives male and female a shared blessing and responsibility before God. It establishes human dignity and fruitfulness; it does not give a complete parenting method.
1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
1:29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
1:30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.
1:31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Genesis 2:18–25 KJV · In this guide
Context: The creation narrative culminates in the man and woman’s one-flesh union. Leaving father and mother establishes a new marital household.
2:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
2:19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.
2:20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.
2:21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
2:22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
2:25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
Biblical people and households 19 selections
Genesis 18:16–33 KJV
Context: Within God’s particular covenant purpose for Abraham, verse 19 joins household instruction with righteousness and justice. Abraham’s intercession then concerns Sodom.
18:16 And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.
18:17 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;
18:18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
18:19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
18:20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;
18:21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.
18:22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.
18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
18:24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?
18:25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
18:26 And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.
18:27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:
18:28 Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.
18:29 And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty’s sake.
18:30 And he said unto him, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there.
18:31 And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty’s sake.
18:32 And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten’s sake.
18:33 And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.
Genesis 22:1–19 KJV
Context: God tests Abraham concerning Isaac and provides a ram in his place. The account belongs to Abraham’s unique covenant testing; Hebrews 11 interprets his faith in God’s promise and power to raise the dead.
22:1 And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
22:2 And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.
22:3 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.
22:4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.
22:5 And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.
22:6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.
22:7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
22:8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.
22:9 And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.
22:10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
22:11 And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.
22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
22:13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
22:14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.
22:15 And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time,
22:16 And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:
22:17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
22:18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
22:19 So Abraham returned unto his young men, and they rose up and went together to Beer-sheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beer-sheba.
Joshua 4:1–24 KJV · In this guide
Context: The stones from the Jordan mark a particular act of God in Israel’s entry into the land. Future children’s questions are to receive an explanation of that event.
4:1 And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,
4:2 Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man,
4:3 And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests’ feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night.
4:4 Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man:
4:5 And Joshua said unto them, Pass over before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of Jordan, and take ye up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel:
4:6 That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?
4:7 Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.
4:8 And the children of Israel did so as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the midst of Jordan, as the LORD spake unto Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them unto the place where they lodged, and laid them down there.
4:9 And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests which bare the ark of the covenant stood: and they are there unto this day.
4:10 For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of Jordan, until every thing was finished that the LORD commanded Joshua to speak unto the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua: and the people hasted and passed over.
4:11 And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over, that the ark of the LORD passed over, and the priests, in the presence of the people.
4:12 And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, passed over armed before the children of Israel, as Moses spake unto them:
4:13 About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho.
4:14 On that day the LORD magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they feared Moses, all the days of his life.
4:15 And the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,
4:16 Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of Jordan.
4:17 Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of Jordan.
4:18 And it came to pass, when the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD were come up out of the midst of Jordan, and the soles of the priests’ feet were lifted up unto the dry land, that the waters of Jordan returned unto their place, and flowed over all his banks, as they did before.
4:19 And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho.
4:20 And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal.
4:21 And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones?
4:22 Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land.
4:23 For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over:
4:24 That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever.
Joshua 24:14–28 KJV
Context: Joshua speaks at covenant renewal after recounting the LORD’s acts for Israel. The people themselves answer and accept responsibility to serve the LORD.
24:14 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.
24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
24:16 And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods;
24:17 For the LORD our God, he it is that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed:
24:18 And the LORD drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: therefore will we also serve the LORD; for he is our God.
24:19 And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.
24:20 If ye forsake the LORD, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good.
24:21 And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD.
24:22 And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the LORD, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses.
24:23 Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel.
24:24 And the people said unto Joshua, The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey.
24:25 So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and set them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem.
24:26 And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God, and took a great stone, and set it up there under an oak, that was by the sanctuary of the LORD.
24:27 And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the LORD which he spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God.
24:28 So Joshua let the people depart, every man unto his inheritance.
Judges 13:1–25 KJV
Context: Manoah asks for instruction concerning the promised child, and the messenger reiterates the directions given to his wife. Samson’s Nazirite calling and deliverer role are particular to this account.
13:1 And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years.
13:2 And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bare not.
13:3 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son.
13:4 Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing:
13:5 For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.
13:6 Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, A man of God came unto me, and his countenance was like the countenance of an angel of God, very terrible: but I asked him not whence he was, neither told he me his name:
13:7 But he said unto me, Behold, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and now drink no wine nor strong drink, neither eat any unclean thing: for the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb to the day of his death.
13:8 Then Manoah intreated the LORD, and said, O my Lord, let the man of God which thou didst send come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.
13:9 And God hearkened to the voice of Manoah; and the angel of God came again unto the woman as she sat in the field: but Manoah her husband was not with her.
13:10 And the woman made haste, and ran, and shewed her husband, and said unto him, Behold, the man hath appeared unto me, that came unto me the other day.
13:11 And Manoah arose, and went after his wife, and came to the man, and said unto him, Art thou the man that spakest unto the woman? And he said, I am.
13:12 And Manoah said, Now let thy words come to pass. How shall we order the child, and how shall we do unto him?
13:13 And the angel of the LORD said unto Manoah, Of all that I said unto the woman let her beware.
13:14 She may not eat of any thing that cometh of the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing: all that I commanded her let her observe.
13:15 And Manoah said unto the angel of the LORD, I pray thee, let us detain thee, until we shall have made ready a kid for thee.
13:16 And the angel of the LORD said unto Manoah, Though thou detain me, I will not eat of thy bread: and if thou wilt offer a burnt offering, thou must offer it unto the LORD. For Manoah knew not that he was an angel of the LORD.
13:17 And Manoah said unto the angel of the LORD, What is thy name, that when thy sayings come to pass we may do thee honour?
13:18 And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret?
13:19 So Manoah took a kid with a meat offering, and offered it upon a rock unto the LORD: and the angel did wondrously; and Manoah and his wife looked on.
13:20 For it came to pass, when the flame went up toward heaven from off the altar, that the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame of the altar. And Manoah and his wife looked on it, and fell on their faces to the ground.
13:21 But the angel of the LORD did no more appear to Manoah and to his wife. Then Manoah knew that he was an angel of the LORD.
13:22 And Manoah said unto his wife, We shall surely die, because we have seen God.
13:23 But his wife said unto him, If the LORD were pleased to kill us, he would not have received a burnt offering and a meat offering at our hands, neither would he have shewed us all these things, nor would as at this time have told us such things as these.
13:24 And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him.
13:25 And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.
1 Samuel 2:22–36 KJV
Context: Eli’s sons are adult priests whose sins desecrate worship. Eli reproves them, and God’s messenger also holds Eli accountable for honoring his sons above God.
2:22 Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
2:23 And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people.
2:24 Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD’s people to transgress.
2:25 If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.
2:26 And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.
2:27 And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh’s house?
2:28 And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?
2:29 Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?
2:30 Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.
2:31 Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father’s house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house.
2:32 And thou shalt see an enemy in my habitation, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine house for ever.
2:33 And the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar, shall be to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age.
2:34 And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them.
2:35 And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.
2:36 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in thine house shall come and crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests’ offices, that I may eat a piece of bread.
1 Kings 1:1–10 KJV
Context: Adonijah’s attempt to claim the throne is introduced with the narrator’s observation that David had not challenged his conduct. The setting is a royal succession crisis.
1:1 Now king David was old and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat.
1:2 Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and let her cherish him, and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat.
1:3 So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.
1:4 And the damsel was very fair, and cherished the king, and ministered to him: but the king knew her not.
1:5 Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.
1:6 And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also was a very goodly man; and his mother bare him after Absalom.
1:7 And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped him.
1:8 But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men which belonged to David, were not with Adonijah.
1:9 And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by En-rogel, and called all his brethren the king’s sons, and all the men of Judah the king’s servants:
1:10 But Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother, he called not.
1 Kings 2:1–12 KJV
Context: David’s final charge joins keeping God’s law with the particular demands of dynastic succession and instructions about named political figures.
2:1 Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,
2:2 I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;
2:3 And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:
2:4 That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.
2:5 Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet.
2:6 Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace.
2:7 But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.
2:8 And, behold, thou hast with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the LORD, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword.
2:9 Now therefore hold him not guiltless: for thou art a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him; but his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood.
2:10 So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.
2:11 And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.
2:12 Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.
1 Chronicles 28:1–21 KJV
Context: David charges Solomon before Israel’s leaders to know and serve God, in the specific royal calling to build the temple with the plans and resources supplied.
28:1 And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem.
28:2 Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building:
28:3 But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood.
28:4 Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make me king over all Israel:
28:5 And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.
28:6 And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.
28:7 Moreover I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments, as at this day.
28:8 Now therefore in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the LORD, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the LORD your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you for ever.
28:9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.
28:10 Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.
28:11 Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlours thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat,
28:12 And the pattern of all that he had by the spirit, of the courts of the house of the LORD, and of all the chambers round about, of the treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries of the dedicated things:
28:13 Also for the courses of the priests and the Levites, and for all the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and for all the vessels of service in the house of the LORD.
28:14 He gave of gold by weight for things of gold, for all instruments of all manner of service; silver also for all instruments of silver by weight, for all instruments of every kind of service:
28:15 Even the weight for the candlesticks of gold, and for their lamps of gold, by weight for every candlestick, and for the lamps thereof: and for the candlesticks of silver by weight, both for the candlestick, and also for the lamps thereof, according to the use of every candlestick.
28:16 And by weight he gave gold for the tables of shewbread, for every table; and likewise silver for the tables of silver:
28:17 Also pure gold for the fleshhooks, and the bowls, and the cups: and for the golden basons he gave gold by weight for every bason; and likewise silver by weight for every bason of silver:
28:18 And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubims, that spread out their wings, and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD.
28:19 All this, said David, the LORD made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern.
28:20 And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.
28:21 And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, even they shall be with thee for all the service of the house of God: and there shall be with thee for all manner of workmanship every willing skilful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment.
1 Chronicles 29:10–20 KJV · In this guide
Context: David praises God for the people’s gifts and prays that Solomon will have a heart to keep God’s commandments and build the temple.
29:10 Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.
29:11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.
29:12 Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.
29:13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
29:14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.
29:15 For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.
29:16 O LORD our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own.
29:17 I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.
29:18 O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee:
29:19 And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.
29:20 And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the LORD your God. And all the congregation blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the LORD, and the king.
Job 1:1–5 KJV
Context: The narrative introduces Job’s integrity and regular concern for his children through burnt offerings. It describes his practice before the book’s account of suffering.
1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
1:2 And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.
1:3 His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.
1:4 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.
1:5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.
Matthew 1:18–25 KJV
Context: Joseph obeys the angel’s message, receives Mary, and names Jesus. The birth is explicitly by the Holy Ghost; Joseph’s household role does not make him Jesus’ biological father.
1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
1:24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
1:25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Matthew 2:13–23 KJV
Context: Joseph obeys divine directions to take the child and his mother to Egypt and later settle in Nazareth. Matthew interprets events through fulfilled Scripture.
2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
2:14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
2:15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
2:17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
2:19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
2:20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life.
2:21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
2:23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
Mark 5:21–43 KJV
Context: Jairus seeks Jesus for his daughter, and the account includes the healing of a woman before Jesus raises the child. Mark reveals Jesus’ authority and calls for faith.
5:21 And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.
5:22 And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,
5:23 And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.
5:24 And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.
5:25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
5:26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
5:27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
5:28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
5:29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
5:30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?
5:31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
5:32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.
5:33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
5:34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
5:35 While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?
5:36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.
5:37 And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.
5:38 And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.
5:39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.
5:40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.
5:41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.
5:42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.
5:43 And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.
Mark 9:14–29 KJV · In this guide
Context: A father brings his afflicted son amid the disciples’ inability to help. His appeal expresses both belief and need for help; Jesus’ authority is central.
9:14 And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.
9:15 And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.
9:16 And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?
9:17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;
9:18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.
9:19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
9:20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.
9:21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.
9:22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
9:24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
9:25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
9:26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.
9:27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.
9:28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?
9:29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
Luke 1:13–17 KJV
Context: Gabriel announces John’s particular prophetic mission to Zacharias, using Malachi’s language of fathers’ hearts and preparing a people for the Lord.
1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
1:14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.
1:16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
1:17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
Luke 2:39–52 KJV
Context: Luke describes Jesus’ growth, his parents’ Passover journey, and his return in subjection to them after the temple episode. His reference to his Father identifies his unique mission.
2:39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
2:41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
2:42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
2:43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
2:44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
2:45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
2:46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
2:47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
2:48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
2:49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
2:50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
2:51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
John 4:43–54 KJV
Context: An official asks Jesus to heal his son and believes Jesus’ word; his household believes. John identifies this as a sign.
4:43 Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.
4:44 For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.
4:45 Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilæans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.
4:46 So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.
4:47 When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judæa into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.
4:48 Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.
4:49 The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.
4:50 Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.
4:51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.
4:52 Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.
4:53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.
4:54 This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judæa into Galilee.
Acts 16:25–34 KJV
Context: The Philippian jailer hears the gospel, and the word is spoken to all in his house. The narrative records their response and hospitality; the children’s ages are unstated.
16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
16:26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
16:27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
16:28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
16:29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
16:30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
16:32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
16:33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
16:34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
Israel’s covenant and prophetic teaching 15 selections
Exodus 12:21–28 KJV · In this guide
Context: Moses instructs Israel at the first Passover. Children’s questions are answered by explaining the LORD’s deliverance. The Passover command belongs to that covenant setting.
12:21 Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover.
12:22 And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.
12:23 For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.
12:24 And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever.
12:25 And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which the LORD will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service.
12:26 And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?
12:27 That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD’s passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.
12:28 And the children of Israel went away, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.
Exodus 13:1–16 KJV
Context: Consecration of the firstborn and unleavened bread recall the exodus. The repeated explanation to a son connects observance with God’s saving act.
13:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
13:2 Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.
13:3 And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.
13:4 This day came ye out in the month Abib.
13:5 And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, that thou shalt keep this service in this month.
13:6 Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day shall be a feast to the LORD.
13:7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters.
13:8 And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the LORD did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt.
13:9 And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the LORD’s law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the LORD brought thee out of Egypt.
13:10 Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance in his season from year to year.
13:11 And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, as he sware unto thee and to thy fathers, and shall give it thee,
13:12 That thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males shall be the LORD’s.
13:13 And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.
13:14 And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:
13:15 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem.
13:16 And it shall be for a token upon thine hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes: for by strength of hand the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt.
Exodus 20:1–17 KJV
Context: God addresses Israel after bringing them from Egypt. Honor for father and mother stands within worship, Sabbath rest, and obligations toward neighbors.
20:1 And God spake all these words, saying,
20:2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
20:6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
20:9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
20:10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
20:11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
20:13 Thou shalt not kill.
20:14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
20:15 Thou shalt not steal.
20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.
Numbers 30:1–16 KJV
Context: Moses gives Israel laws concerning vows, including a young daughter in her father’s house, married women, widows, and divorced women. Household relationships and the timing of response matter to the law.
30:1 And Moses spake unto the heads of the tribes concerning the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded.
30:2 If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.
30:3 If a woman also vow a vow unto the LORD, and bind herself by a bond, being in her father’s house in her youth;
30:4 And her father hear her vow, and her bond wherewith she hath bound her soul, and her father shall hold his peace at her: then all her vows shall stand, and every bond wherewith she hath bound her soul shall stand.
30:5 But if her father disallow her in the day that he heareth; not any of her vows, or of her bonds wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand: and the LORD shall forgive her, because her father disallowed her.
30:6 And if she had at all an husband, when she vowed, or uttered ought out of her lips, wherewith she bound her soul;
30:7 And her husband heard it, and held his peace at her in the day that he heard it: then her vows shall stand, and her bonds wherewith she bound her soul shall stand.
30:8 But if her husband disallowed her on the day that he heard it; then he shall make her vow which she vowed, and that which she uttered with her lips, wherewith she bound her soul, of none effect: and the LORD shall forgive her.
30:9 But every vow of a widow, and of her that is divorced, wherewith they have bound their souls, shall stand against her.
30:10 And if she vowed in her husband’s house, or bound her soul by a bond with an oath;
30:11 And her husband heard it, and held his peace at her, and disallowed her not: then all her vows shall stand, and every bond wherewith she bound her soul shall stand.
30:12 But if her husband hath utterly made them void on the day he heard them; then whatsoever proceeded out of her lips concerning her vows, or concerning the bond of her soul, shall not stand: her husband hath made them void; and the LORD shall forgive her.
30:13 Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void.
30:14 But if her husband altogether hold his peace at her from day to day; then he establisheth all her vows, or all her bonds, which are upon her: he confirmeth them, because he held his peace at her in the day that he heard them.
30:15 But if he shall any ways make them void after that he hath heard them; then he shall bear her iniquity.
30:16 These are the statutes, which the LORD commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, between the father and his daughter, being yet in her youth in her father’s house.
Deuteronomy 4:1–14 KJV
Context: Moses exhorts Israel before entry into the land, recalling Horeb and commanding them to teach children and grandchildren what they have seen and heard.
4:1 Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.
4:2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
4:3 Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baal-peor: for all the men that followed Baal-peor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you.
4:4 But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day.
4:5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.
4:6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.
4:7 For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?
4:8 And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?
4:9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons;
4:10 Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.
4:11 And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness.
4:12 And the LORD spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice.
4:13 And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.
4:14 And the LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go over to possess it.
Deuteronomy 6:1–25 KJV · In this guide
Context: Moses joins love for the LORD, words kept in the heart, repeated household teaching, and a son’s question about the commandments. The answer recalls deliverance from Egypt.
6:1 Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it:
6:2 That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.
6:3 Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.
6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
6:6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
6:8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
6:9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
6:10 And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,
6:11 And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;
6:12 Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.
6:13 Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.
6:14 Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you;
6:15 (For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.
6:16 Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.
6:17 Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee.
6:18 And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the LORD: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers,
6:19 To cast out all thine enemies from before thee, as the LORD hath spoken.
6:20 And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD our God hath commanded you?
6:21 Then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh’s bondmen in Egypt; and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand:
6:22 And the LORD shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes:
6:23 And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers.
6:24 And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day.
6:25 And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us.
Deuteronomy 8:1–20 KJV
Context: Moses explains Israel’s wilderness experience, manna, dependence on God, and the coming prosperity of the land. A father’s correction of a son supplies a comparison for God’s dealings with Israel.
8:1 All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers.
8:2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.
8:3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.
8:4 Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years.
8:5 Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.
8:6 Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.
8:7 For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills;
8:8 A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey;
8:9 A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass.
8:10 When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.
8:11 Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:
8:12 Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein;
8:13 And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied;
8:14 Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;
8:15 Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;
8:16 Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end;
8:17 And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.
8:18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
8:19 And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish.
8:20 As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God.
Deuteronomy 11:13–21 KJV
Context: Within Israel’s covenant blessings concerning rain and land, parents are told to keep the words before them and teach their children throughout daily life.
11:13 And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,
11:14 That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.
11:15 And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full.
11:16 Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;
11:17 And then the LORD’s wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you.
11:18 Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.
11:19 And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
11:20 And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates:
11:21 That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth.
Deuteronomy 21:15–21 KJV
Context: These are Israelite laws about firstborn inheritance and judicial treatment of a persistently rebellious son. The latter involves both parents and the elders at the city gate.
21:15 If a man have two wives, one beloved, and another hated, and they have born him children, both the beloved and the hated; and if the firstborn son be hers that was hated:
21:16 Then it shall be, when he maketh his sons to inherit that which he hath, that he may not make the son of the beloved firstborn before the son of the hated, which is indeed the firstborn:
21:17 But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.
21:18 If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them:
21:19 Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place;
21:20 And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard.
21:21 And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.
Deuteronomy 24:16–22 KJV
Context: Israel’s laws distinguish personal criminal responsibility and protect the stranger, fatherless, and widow. The exodus supplies the reason for generous justice.
24:16 The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.
24:17 Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow’s raiment to pledge:
24:18 But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing.
24:19 When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands.
24:20 When thou beatest thine olive tree, thou shalt not go over the boughs again: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow.
24:21 When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean it afterward: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow.
24:22 And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt: therefore I command thee to do this thing.
Deuteronomy 31:9–13 KJV · In this guide
Context: Moses commands a public reading of the law at the appointed feast, gathering men, women, children, and strangers to hear and learn.
31:9 And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel.
31:10 And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles,
31:11 When all Israel is come to appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing.
31:12 Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law:
31:13 And that their children, which have not known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.
Deuteronomy 32:44–47 KJV
Context: After Moses’ song, Israel is urged to set its heart on these words and command its children to observe them. Land and length of days belong to the address to Israel.
32:44 And Moses came and spake all the words of this song in the ears of the people, he, and Hoshea the son of Nun.
32:45 And Moses made an end of speaking all these words to all Israel:
32:46 And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.
32:47 For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.
Ezekiel 18:1–32 KJV · In this guide
Context: God answers an Israelite proverb about inherited guilt through three generations and a call to repent. The chapter distinguishes a person’s own righteousness and wickedness.
18:1 The word of the LORD came unto me again, saying,
18:2 What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge?
18:3 As I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel.
18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
18:5 But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right,
18:6 And hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour’s wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman,
18:7 And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;
18:8 He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,
18:9 Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord GOD.
18:10 If he beget a son that is a robber, a shedder of blood, and that doeth the like to any one of these things,
18:11 And that doeth not any of those duties, but even hath eaten upon the mountains, and defiled his neighbour’s wife,
18:12 Hath oppressed the poor and needy, hath spoiled by violence, hath not restored the pledge, and hath lifted up his eyes to the idols, hath committed abomination,
18:13 Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him.
18:14 Now, lo, if he beget a son, that seeth all his father’s sins which he hath done, and considereth, and doeth not such like,
18:15 That hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, hath not defiled his neighbour’s wife,
18:16 Neither hath oppressed any, hath not withholden the pledge, neither hath spoiled by violence, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment,
18:17 That hath taken off his hand from the poor, that hath not received usury nor increase, hath executed my judgments, hath walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live.
18:18 As for his father, because he cruelly oppressed, spoiled his brother by violence, and did that which is not good among his people, lo, even he shall die in his iniquity.
18:19 Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live.
18:20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
18:21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
18:22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.
18:23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?
18:24 But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.
18:25 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?
18:26 When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.
18:27 Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.
18:28 Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
18:29 Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal?
18:30 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
18:31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
18:32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.
Joel 1:1–3 KJV
Context: Joel opens a prophetic summons by telling elders and inhabitants to recount a devastating event across generations. The following verses identify the calamity.
1:1 The word of the LORD that came to Joel the son of Pethuel.
1:2 Hear this, ye old men, and give ear, all ye inhabitants of the land. Hath this been in your days, or even in the days of your fathers?
1:3 Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation.
Malachi 4:1–6 KJV
Context: The book closes with the coming day of the LORD, remembrance of Moses’ law, and an Elijah promise involving the hearts of fathers and children.
4:1 For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
4:2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
4:3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.
4:4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.
4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:
4:6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
Wisdom, worship, and instruction 25 selections
Psalms 34:8–22 KJV
Context: A psalmist invites hearers called children to learn the fear of the LORD through speech, goodness, and peace. It is wisdom instruction for the faithful, broader than biological parenting.
34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
34:9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
34:10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
34:11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
34:12 What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?
34:13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
34:14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
34:15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
34:16 The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
34:17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
34:20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
34:21 Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
34:22 The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.
Psalms 68:1–6 KJV · In this guide
Context: This hymn celebrates God’s victory and identifies him as father of the fatherless and defender of widows. Human fatherhood is considered under his compassionate rule.
68:1 Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.
68:2 As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
68:3 But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.
68:4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name Jah, and rejoice before him.
68:5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.
68:6 God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.
Psalms 78:1–8 KJV · In this guide
Context: The psalm opens a long retelling of Israel’s history by explaining why each generation must tell the next about God’s works and commands.
78:1 Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
78:3 Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.
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.
78:5 For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:
78:6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:
78:7 That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:
78:8 And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.
Psalms 103:1–22 KJV · In this guide
Context: A hymn of praise compares the LORD’s compassion with a father’s pity for his children, while remembering human frailty and God’s enduring mercy.
103:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
103:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
103:3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
103:4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
103:5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
103:6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
103:7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
103:8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
103:9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
103:10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
103:11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
103:13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
103:14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
103:15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
103:16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
103:17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;
103:18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
103:19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
103:20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
103:21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
103:22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
Psalms 112:1–10 KJV
Context: An acrostic wisdom psalm celebrates fear of the LORD, generosity, justice, and a household’s blessing. Its depiction of wealth and descendants belongs to its poetic portrait.
112:1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
112:2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.
112:3 Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
112:4 Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
112:5 A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.
112:6 Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.
112:7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.
112:8 His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.
112:9 He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.
112:10 The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.
Psalms 127:1–5 KJV · In this guide
Context: A song of ascents places household building, labor, and children under the LORD’s provision. Its heritage and arrow language is poetry.
127:1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
127:4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
127:5 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.
Psalms 128:1–6 KJV
Context: A wisdom-shaped song of ascents pictures a God-fearing household and prays for blessing from Zion. Vines and olive plants are poetic images.
128:1 Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.
128:2 For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
128:3 Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
128:4 Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.
128:5 The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
128:6 Yea, thou shalt see thy children’s children, and peace upon Israel.
Proverbs 1:1–19 KJV · In this guide
Context: The book introduces wisdom’s purpose and the fear of the LORD, then addresses a son about his father’s instruction, mother’s teaching, and resisting violent gain.
1:1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
1:2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
1:3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
1:4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
1:5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
1:6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
1:8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
1:9 For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
1:11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:
1:12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:
1:13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:
1:14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:
1:15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:
1:16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.
1:17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.
1:18 And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.
1:19 So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.
Proverbs 2:1–22 KJV · In this guide
Context: A fatherly address urges the son to seek wisdom and describes the paths from which it preserves him. The child is addressed as an active learner.
2:1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
2:2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
2:3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
2:4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
2:5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
2:7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
2:8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
2:9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.
2:10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;
2:11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:
2:12 To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;
2:13 Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;
2:14 Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked;
2:15 Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:
2:16 To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;
2:17 Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.
2:18 For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.
2:19 None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.
2:20 That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.
2:21 For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.
2:22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.
Proverbs 3:1–12 KJV · In this guide
Context: A son is taught trust, faithful conduct, generosity, and reception of the LORD’s correction. The father-son comparison in verse 12 explains loving reproof.
3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
3:2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
3:3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
3:4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
3:8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
3:9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
3:10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
Proverbs 4:1–27 KJV · In this guide
Context: An instructor recalls his own father’s teaching and urges the next generation to obtain wisdom, guard the heart, and walk thoughtfully.
4:1 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.
4:2 For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.
4:3 For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.
4:4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.
4:5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
4:6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
4:8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.
4:9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.
4:10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.
4:11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.
4:12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
4:13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.
4:14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
4:15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
4:16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
4:17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
4:19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
4:20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
4:21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
4:22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
4:24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.
4:25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
4:26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
4:27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
Proverbs 6:20–35 KJV · In this guide
Context: The parental instruction is described as light and life, followed by concrete teaching concerning adultery and its consequences.
6:20 My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
6:21 Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.
6:22 When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.
6:23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
6:24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.
6:25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
6:26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.
6:27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
6:28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?
6:29 So he that goeth in to his neighbour’s wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.
6:30 Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;
6:31 But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.
6:32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
6:33 A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.
6:34 For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
6:35 He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.
Proverbs 13:1–6 KJV
Context: A set of distinct sayings begins with a son’s response to his father’s instruction and continues with speech, diligence, truth, and righteousness.
13:1 A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.
13:2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.
13:3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
13:4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
13:5 A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.
13:6 Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
Proverbs 13:20–25 KJV · In this guide
Context: A sequence of distinct wisdom sayings addresses companions, inheritance, justice, correction, and provision. Verse 24 connects correction with a father’s love.
13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
13:21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
13:22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
13:23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.
13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
13:25 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.
Proverbs 14:26–27 KJV
Context: Two sayings describe confidence and refuge in the fear of the LORD, including the children of the one who fears him.
Proverbs 17:1–6 KJV
Context: These distinct sayings include household peace, tested hearts, treatment of the poor, and the honor shared between parents and descendants.
17:1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
17:2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.
17:3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
17:4 A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
17:5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
17:6 Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
Proverbs 19:18–21 KJV · In this guide
Context: Several individual sayings connect correction with hope, anger with consequences, and counsel with wisdom. The LORD’s purpose governs human plans.
19:18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
19:19 A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.
19:20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
19:21 There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
Proverbs 19:26–29 KJV
Context: A sequence of sayings treats mistreatment of parents, instruction, false witness, and judgment. Verse 27 has a difficult instruction whose KJV wording must be distinguished from alternative readings.
19:26 He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.
19:27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.
19:28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.
19:29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.
Proverbs 20:5–12 KJV · In this guide
Context: These distinct sayings address counsel, faithfulness, integrity, judgment, human sin, and God as maker. Verse 7 pronounces blessing on a righteous person’s children.
20:5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
20:6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
20:8 A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
20:9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
20:10 Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.
20:11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
20:12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.
Proverbs 22:1–16 KJV · In this guide
Context: This collection includes reputation, humility, wise paths, training a child, justice, generosity, and correction. Verse 6 is a compact proverb with debated wording.
22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
22:2 The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.
22:3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
22:4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
22:5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
22:7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
22:8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.
22:9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
22:10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.
22:11 He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.
22:12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.
22:13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.
22:14 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.
22:15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
22:16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.
Proverbs 23:12–35 KJV · In this guide
Context: A sustained series of parental exhortations joins receptive learning, correction, wisdom, reverence, honoring parents, purity, and sober judgment.
23:12 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.
23:13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
23:14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
23:15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.
23:16 Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.
23:17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.
23:18 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.
23:19 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.
23:20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:
23:21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.
23:22 Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.
23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
23:24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.
23:25 Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.
23:26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.
23:27 For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.
23:28 She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.
23:29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
23:30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
23:31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
23:32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
23:33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.
23:34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
23:35 They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.
Proverbs 29:15–18 KJV · In this guide
Context: These individual wisdom sayings connect the rod and reproof with wisdom, a child’s upbringing with parental peace, and the keeping of divine instruction with blessing.
29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
29:16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
29:17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Proverbs 31:1–9 KJV
Context: King Lemuel receives his mother’s instruction about sexual conduct, drink, and justice for the vulnerable. Her royal audience gives the advice a particular setting.
31:1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
31:2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
31:3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
31:5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
31:6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
31:7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
31:8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
31:9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
Ecclesiastes 11:7–12:14 KJV
Context: The conclusion addresses youth, age, the Creator, and God’s judgment. Its final charge is addressed to all who hear.
11:7 Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun:
11:8 But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity.
11:9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.
11:10 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.
12:1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;
12:2 While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:
12:3 In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened,
12:4 And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low;
12:5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:
12:6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.
12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
12:8 Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.
12:9 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
12:10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.
12:11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Isaiah 38:9–20 KJV
Context: Hezekiah’s song after illness gives thanks for life and speaks of fathers making God’s truth known to children.
38:9 The writing of Hezekiah king of Judah, when he had been sick, and was recovered of his sickness:
38:10 I said in the cutting off of my days, I shall go to the gates of the grave: I am deprived of the residue of my years.
38:11 I said, I shall not see the LORD, even the LORD, in the land of the living: I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world.
38:12 Mine age is departed, and is removed from me as a shepherd’s tent: I have cut off like a weaver my life: he will cut me off with pining sickness: from day even to night wilt thou make an end of me.
38:13 I reckoned till morning, that, as a lion, so will he break all my bones: from day even to night wilt thou make an end of me.
38:14 Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail with looking upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me.
38:15 What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done it: I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul.
38:16 O Lord, by these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my spirit: so wilt thou recover me, and make me to live.
38:17 Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.
38:18 For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth.
38:19 The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth.
38:20 The LORD was ready to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD.
Jesus, children, and the Father’s care 10 selections
Matthew 7:7–12 KJV · In this guide
Context: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reasons from parents giving food to children to the greater goodness of the heavenly Father. The main instruction concerns prayer and treatment of others.
7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
7:8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
7:9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
7:10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Matthew 10:34–42 KJV · In this guide
Context: Jesus tells the Twelve about the cost of allegiance to him, including opposition within families, then speaks about receiving his messengers.
10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
10:36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.
10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
10:39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
10:40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
10:41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.
10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
Matthew 18:1–14 KJV · In this guide
Context: Jesus answers the disciples’ question about greatness with a child, then teaches about receiving little ones, stumbling, and the Father’s concern for the lost. The little ones include believers within the discipleship argument.
18:1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
18:2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
18:3 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.
18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
18:5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
18:7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
18:8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
18:9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
18:10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
18:11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
18:12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
18:13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.
18:14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
Matthew 19:13–15 KJV · In this guide
Context: People bring children for Jesus to pray and lay hands on them. Jesus receives them and speaks about the kingdom; the following episode concerns the rich young man.
19:13 Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
19:15 And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.
Mark 7:1–13 KJV · In this guide
Context: Jesus challenges a tradition that permits property dedicated as Corban to displace help for father or mother. The issue is whether human tradition nullifies God’s command.
7:1 Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.
7:2 And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.
7:3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.
7:4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.
7:5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
7:10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
7:11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.
7:12 And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;
7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
Mark 9:33–37 KJV · In this guide
Context: After the disciples argue about greatness, Jesus teaches being last and servant of all, embraces a child, and identifies receiving such a child in his name with receiving him and the one who sent him.
9:33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?
9:34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.
9:35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.
9:36 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,
9:37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
Mark 10:13–16 KJV · In this guide
Context: Jesus receives and blesses children and teaches about receiving God’s kingdom. The passage concerns the children themselves as well as the disciples who would turn them away.
10:13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
10:14 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.
10:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
10:16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
Luke 11:1–13 KJV · In this guide
Context: Jesus teaches his disciples to pray and uses parental gift-giving in an argument about the Father’s goodness. Luke specifies the gift of the Holy Spirit.
11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
11:2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
11:3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
11:4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
11:5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;
11:6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?
11:7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
11:8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
11:10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
11:11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
11:12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Luke 15:1–32 KJV
Context: Jesus answers complaints about receiving sinners with three parables, ending with a father and two sons. The father’s welcome and appeal illuminate joy over repentance.
15:1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
15:2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
15:3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
15:4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
15:5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
15:6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
15:8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?
15:9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.
15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
15:11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:
15:12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
15:13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
15:14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15:15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
15:16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
15:17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
15:18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
15:19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
15:20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
15:21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
15:22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
15:23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
15:24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
15:25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
15:26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
15:27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
15:28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
15:29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
15:30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
15:31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
15:32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
Luke 18:15–17 KJV · In this guide
Context: Luke specifies infants being brought to Jesus and records his welcome and teaching on receiving the kingdom.
18:15 And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
18:16 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
Christian households and discipleship 19 selections
1 Corinthians 4:14–21 KJV
Context: Paul addresses his converts as beloved children and calls himself their father through the gospel. His apostolic relationship and authority define the metaphor.
4:14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
4:16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
4:17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
4:18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
4:19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
4:21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
2 Corinthians 12:14–18 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul explains his financial conduct toward Corinth using the analogy of parents providing for children. This is an apostolic ministry argument.
12:14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
12:15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.
12:16 But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
12:17 Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?
12:18 I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?
Galatians 5:13–26 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul addresses the churches about freedom expressed in love and life by the Spirit. The virtues are shared Christian responsibilities.
5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
5:15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
5:24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Ephesians 4:25–5:2 KJV · In this guide
Context: Instructions to the whole church join truth, honest work, useful speech, kindness, forgiveness, and walking in Christ’s self-giving love.
4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Ephesians 5:21–33 KJV · In this guide
Context: Within Spirit-filled life and the household instructions, husbands are called to love their wives with Christ’s self-giving as the model.
5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
5:28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
5:32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
5:33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Ephesians 6:1–4 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul addresses children and then fathers within his household instructions. Children honor parents; fathers bring them up in the Lord’s nurture and admonition.
6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
6:2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
6:3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Colossians 3:12–21 KJV · In this guide
Context: Compassion, patience, forgiveness, love, and the word of Christ precede the household instructions. Fathers are directly charged to consider their children’s discouragement.
3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
3:17 And what soever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
3:18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
3:19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
3:21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
1 Thessalonians 2:1–12 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul defends the character of his ministry with maternal and paternal comparisons. He describes affection, labor, integrity, and exhorting each believer toward God.
2:1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:
2:2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.
2:3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
2:4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
2:5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
2:6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
2:7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
2:8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
2:9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
2:10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
2:11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
1 Timothy 3:1–13 KJV
Context: Paul specifies qualifications for overseers and deacons, including how they manage their own households. These are qualifications for particular church offices.
3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
3:4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
3:5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
3:7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
3:8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
3:9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
3:10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
3:11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
3:12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 5:1–16 KJV · In this guide
Context: Timothy is instructed about respectful relationships and support for widows. Relatives, including children and grandchildren, are responsible for household care.
5:1 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;
5:2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
5:3 Honour widows that are widows indeed.
5:4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.
5:5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
5:6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
5:7 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.
5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
5:9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,
5:10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
5:11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;
5:12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
5:14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
5:15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.
5:16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.
2 Timothy 1:3–7 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul remembers Timothy’s sincere faith and the faith of his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice as he encourages him in ministry.
1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
1:4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;
1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 3:10–17 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul reminds Timothy of his example, persecutions, received teaching, and childhood knowledge of Scripture, then explains Scripture’s saving and formative use.
3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
3:11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Titus 1:5–9 KJV
Context: Paul directs Titus to appoint elders and gives their qualifications, including household conduct and holding the faithful word.
1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
1:6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
1:8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Hebrews 11:17–29 KJV
Context: A series of faith examples includes Abraham and Isaac, Isaac and Jacob, Joseph, Moses’ parents, and Moses. Each act is interpreted by the author in relation to God’s promise.
11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
11:18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
11:19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
11:20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
11:22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
11:23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.
11:24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;
11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
11:26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
11:27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
11:28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
11:29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
Hebrews 12:1–13 KJV · In this guide
Context: The hearers are exhorted to endure, looking to Jesus. Proverbs 3 is applied to God’s loving discipline, with an explicit comparison and contrast to earthly fathers.
12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
12:10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
12:12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
12:13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
James 1:19–27 KJV · In this guide
Context: James addresses believers about receptive hearing, measured speech, anger, obedience, and care for the fatherless and widows.
1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
1:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
1 John 1:5–2:2 KJV · In this guide
Context: John addresses the fellowship about walking in light, confessing sin, forgiveness, and Jesus Christ as advocate.
1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 John 3:11–24 KJV · In this guide
Context: John contrasts hatred with love, grounds self-giving in Christ laying down his life, and connects material help with love in deed and truth. Faith in Christ and love for one another belong together.
3:11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
3:12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.
3:13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.
3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
3:17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
3:19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
3:20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
3:21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
Go deeper
Sources & interpretation
The teaching starts with the cited Scripture. These consulted works inform wording, context, and interpretive questions. No qualified human review has been recorded for this guide.
How should Proverbs 22:6 be understood?
Proverbs 22:6 raises two questions for a parent: what is the way in which a child should be trained, and what does the statement about continuing in that way when older promise? The differences discussed below concern the meaning and application of the verse.
- Training in what is right: the NET notes and Jason DeRouchie understand the verse as teaching a young person to live wisely before God. Proverbs 2:1–9 supports this explanation by joining the child’s learning to the wisdom and understanding that God gives.
- Preparation for a particular role: Ted Hildebrandt argues that the verse concerns initiating a young person into a position or responsibility in society. His explanation gives the young person’s age and social position a more specific meaning than the general parenting interpretation does.
- Other proposals discussed by these sources include training suited to individual aptitude and an ironic description of allowing a child to follow a foolish inclination. These represent differing readings of the wording, not additional commands stated by the verse.
The main teaching follows the first explanation: help children learn to live wisely before God. This interpretation is PROBABLE. The NET notes understand the statement about old age as the expected, lasting result of good training, while recognizing that wisdom sayings can have exceptions. Proverbs 2:1–9 calls the child to receive and seek wisdom; Ezekiel 18:5–20 holds each generation responsible for its own conduct. Taken together, these passages give a father reason to teach with hope and to help his child develop a personal response to God. Ephesians 6:4 directly establishes the father’s duty to bring up his children in the Lord.
Further study: Biblical Studies Press · Jason DeRouchie · Ted Hildebrandt
Further examination: Read Proverbs 2:1–9 alongside Proverbs 22:6. What is the parent teaching, and what is the child called to do with that instruction?
What do the correction passages actually say?
Proverbs 13:24 links discipline to love; 29:15 joins rod and reproof with wisdom; 23:13–14 explicitly describes physical chastening. The New Testament gives fathers the task of nurture and instruction while directing them to consider anger and discouragement in their children.
- The rod language has a physical reference in these sayings. Reading it solely as a symbol of verbal instruction would omit the action expressly described in Proverbs 23:13–14.
- The sayings are concerned with formation, wisdom, and life. Applying them to a father’s conduct also requires the direct instructions about treatment in Ephesians 6:4 and Colossians 3:21.
Loving correction seeks the child’s wisdom and good (STRONG). Proverbs 19:18 begins by connecting correction with hope. Its second clause reads “let not thy soul spare for his crying” in the KJV; the NET notes discuss a different reading, concerning causing the child’s death. That difference affects whether the clause emphasizes persistence despite crying or restraint in discipline, so it merits examination beside the complete verse. In Proverbs 23:14, the KJV’s “hell” represents Sheol. The NET translators judge that death is the probable meaning in this context and explain discipline as helping preserve the child’s life. The main teaching retains that qualification. Together with Ephesians 6:4 and Colossians 3:21, these passages direct attention to both the child’s growth and the father’s manner.
Further study: S. M. Baugh · Biblical Studies Press · Biblical Studies Press · Biblical Studies Press
Further examination: How do wisdom in Proverbs 29:15, hope in Proverbs 19:18, and the child’s encouragement in Colossians 3:21 help explain the purpose of correction?
How do comparisons with the heavenly Father inform fatherhood?
In Psalm 103:13–14, a father’s compassion helps explain God’s mercy and knowledge of human frailty. In Matthew 7:7–11, human parents’ good gifts support confidence in the greater goodness of God. Hebrews 12:5–11 uses parental training to explain God’s formative purpose.
- These passages affirm recognizable goods in parental care: compassion, provision, and formation. Their relevance to earthly fathers follows from those stated comparisons.
- Their primary purpose is to teach about God. Hebrews 12:10 expressly distinguishes earthly fathers’ limited judgment from God’s purpose of sharing his holiness with his people.
Keep both the parental connection and the main teaching about God (STRONG). A father can learn from the care described and receive the invitation to trust and obey God himself. Luke 11:13 specifies the gift of the Holy Spirit, while Matthew 7:11 speaks of good things; the accounts are retained with their own wording.
Further study: Douglas Sean O’Donnell · Adam Ch’ng
Further examination: Each comparison is explained on its own terms. God’s perfect knowledge and judgment are not transferred to a human parent.
How are shared responsibilities and particular callings distinguished?
Ephesians 6:4 addresses fathers; its preceding verses address children and name both parents. Proverbs recognizes a mother’s teaching alongside a father’s. First Timothy 3:1–13 and Titus 1:5–9 discuss household conduct as part of qualifications for church offices.
- A direct instruction to fathers establishes a fatherly responsibility. Shared Christian and parental instructions also apply to him within their stated scope.
- Office qualifications evaluate particular forms of church service. Numbers 30:1–16 addresses vows within Israel’s households; Deuteronomy 21:15–21 addresses inheritance rights and the community’s judgment of a persistently rebellious son. These are laws within Israel’s covenant setting.
The main teaching distinguishes fatherhood, marriage, shared discipleship, and the growing child’s responsibilities. The wider Scripture collection retains the legal and office passages so their actual settings can be examined. A father’s work is exercised before the Lord; Genesis 2:24 and Matthew 10:37–39 also matter when considering mature children and ultimate allegiance.
Further examination: Questions about church-office eligibility or a comprehensive rule for household decisions remain distinct subjects. They are not settled merely by collecting verses that mention fathers or households.
Why does Jesus connect receiving the kingdom with a child?
Mark 10:13–16 includes Jesus’ welcome, his statement about the kingdom belonging to such as these, his charge to receive it as a child, and his blessing. Mark 9:33–37 connects a child with teaching about service; Matthew 18:1–5 explicitly names humility in a related scene.
- One interpretation emphasizes the child’s receptiveness and dependence. Another emphasizes receiving the kingdom from the lowly and dependent position represented by a child. Bailey examines both approaches and favors attention to the surrounding narrative.
- A further formulation connects welcoming the child with welcoming the kingdom. Mark 9:37 explicitly links receiving a child in Jesus’ name with receiving Jesus and the one who sent him.
The article understands the child comparison in terms of humble dependence, with Mark’s service and welcome scenes providing context (PROBABLE). Jesus’ welcome and blessing are explicit. The fatherhood connection is to take children’s coming to Christ seriously while also receiving his teaching as a dependent disciple.
Further study: James L. Bailey
Further examination: The related accounts are presented distinctly. This short passage does not by itself resolve every question concerning childhood, baptism, or salvation.
- Ephesians: To Children and Parents (6:1–4)
S. M. Baugh · The Gospel Coalition Bible Commentary
Relates the address to children and fathers to the household instructions and the wisdom tradition of training and reproof.
What was reviewed
The complete section “To Children and Parents (6:1–4)” and its placement after 5:22–33; web text lines 577–586. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.
This section was read, not the entire commentary. Its covenant-membership inference and broad historical comparisons are not premises of this guide.
- Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:1–9
Brent A. Strawn · Working Preacher / Luther Seminary · 2009-11-01
Explains the covenant setting and the breadth of instruction across household life, beginning with God’s words kept in the heart.
What was reviewed
Complete commentary body, from the account of Deuteronomy 1–5 through the discussion of 6:4–9 and its closing connection to Jesus. Accessed 2026-09-25.
A scholarly preaching commentary. Its cited books were not read, and its preferred translation of 6:4 does not replace the displayed KJV.
- NET Bible: Proverbs 19:18, translator notes
Biblical Studies Press · NET Bible
Identifies the difference between the KJV wording and the reading about causing death, and the relation of correction to hope.
What was reviewed
Displayed verse and notes 1–3, including the explanation of the KJV’s “for his crying”; web text lines 85–88. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.
The underlying philological works were not separately read. Both the KJV text and the attributed alternative remain distinguishable.
- NET Bible: Proverbs 23:14, translator notes
Biblical Studies Press · NET Bible
Explains the KJV’s “hell” through the underlying term Sheol; the notes judge death to be its probable meaning here and relate the proverb to the child’s life.
What was reviewed
Displayed verse and notes 1–3; web text lines 68–70. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.
The Ahiqar comparison is reported inside the notes but was not independently read. No claim about a modern disciplinary method follows from that comparison.
- NET Bible: Proverbs 22, translator notes
Biblical Studies Press · NET Bible
Presents the training and way questions, the formative force of a proverb, and the physical reference of the rod.
What was reviewed
Notes 14–17 on 22:6 and note 42 on 22:15; web text lines 142–151 and 190. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.
The lexicons and historical commentators cited inside the notes were not independently inspected. The notes are tested against the passage and competing arguments.
- Matthew: prayer in 7:7–11
Douglas Sean O’Donnell · The Gospel Coalition Bible Commentary
Corroborates that parental giving serves Jesus’ teaching about confidence in the heavenly Father.
What was reviewed
Discussion of 7:1–12 within “Warnings (7:1–29),” specifically the prayer argument of 7:7–11; inspected September 25, 2026. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.
A section was inspected, not the whole commentary. Wider claims about relationships between adjacent sayings are not required premises here.
- Experiencing the Kingdom as a Little Child: A Rereading of Mark 10:13–16
James L. Bailey · Word & World 15/1 · 1995
Tests the children/kingdom explanation against the narrative’s teaching about service and receiving a child.
What was reviewed
Printed pp. 58–62, introduction and section I: competing interpretations and the relationship between Mark 9:33–37 and 10:13–16. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.
Read in part. Its later modern applications and cited commentaries were not consulted. Historical claims about all ancient children are not adopted; the guide uses the narrated scenes.
- Train Up a Child in the Way He Should Go
Jason DeRouchie · Desiring God · 2016-09-20
Argues for intentional moral formation, gives reasons against an ironic reading, and relates the result to the young person’s response.
What was reviewed
Complete article body, especially “Cultivating and Shaping Potential” and “A Proverb for Parents and Children”. Accessed 2026-09-25.
An Old Testament scholar’s pastoral argument, not a consensus statement. Personal family illustrations and linked books are not incorporated as evidence.
- Proverbs 22:6a: Train Up a Child?
Ted Hildebrandt · Grace Theological Journal 9/1, pp. 3–19 · 1988
Provides a substantive alternative: initiation of a young person into a socially defined role, rather than a general instruction about early childhood.
What was reviewed
Printed pp. 15–18 (PDF indices 12–15): competing readings, status interpretation, and conclusion. The argument’s conclusion was read directly, not inferred from an abstract. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.
Read in part. Its full lexical evidence and cited ancient corpus were not independently reproduced; the restricted social-status proposal is recorded rather than adopted.
- Transposing Genre: Reading Hebrews 12:4–13 as Proverbial Wisdom
Adam Ch’ng · Themelios 50/3, pp. 512–526 · 2025-12
Connects Hebrews 12 to Proverbs 3 and distinguishes God’s discipline and formative purpose from earthly fathers’ limited judgment.
What was reviewed
Printed pp. 519–520 (PDF indices 89–90), sections 2.2.2 “Rhetorical Structure: Paternal Voice” and 2.2.3 “Function: Moral Formation”; surrounding discussion on pp. 517–518 also inspected. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.
Read in part. The article’s entire genre-transposition thesis is not adopted; its cited books were not thereby read. The HTML article was intermittently inaccessible, so the journal PDF supplies the locator.