Family holds a significant place in the Bible, as it is a divine institution established by God Himself. From the very beginning, God designed the family unit to be the foundation of human society. In the Old Testament, we see the importance of honoring and respecting one’s parents, with the commandment to honor father and mother.
Family is portrayed throughout the Bible as a place of love, guidance, and nurturing. It is within the family that children are taught about God’s ways, and parents are called to train up their children in the ways of the Lord. We’ve collected our top Bible verses about family…
Scriptures about Family
Genesis 2:24
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
Exodus 20:12
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.”
Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Psalm 127:3
“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
Ephesians 6:1-3
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’ (this is the first commandment with a promise), ‘that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.'”
1 Timothy 5:8
“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Matthew 19:5-6
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Colossians 3:20-21
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”
Psalm 68:6
“God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.”
Joshua 24:15
“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
1 Timothy 3:4-5
“He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?”
Psalm 133:1
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”
Matthew 12:50
“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
Romans 12:10
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
Ephesians 4:2-3
“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.”
Psalm 103:17-18
“But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.”
Proverbs 11:29
“Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.”
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Romans 8:15
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!'”
John 1:12
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
Galatians 6:10
“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Hebrews 13:1
“Let brotherly love continue.”
Final Thoughts on Family Bible Verses
The Bible emphasizes the responsibility of parents to provide for their children and to raise them in a God-fearing manner. Furthermore, the concept of family extends beyond immediate relatives to include extended family and the community of believers. The early church in the New Testament is described as a spiritual family, where believers cared for one another, supported each other, and lived in unity.
However, the Bible also acknowledges that families can face challenges and difficulties. We see examples of dysfunction and brokenness within families, but the Scriptures provide guidance and wisdom for navigating those challenges. Family relationships are to be characterized by love, forgiveness, patience, and selflessness.
Husbands and wives are called to sacrificially love and submit to one another. Parents are to raise their children with discipline and instruction in the ways of the Lord. The Bible also encourages families to gather together, worship God, and pass on the faith from one generation to the next. Ultimately, the teachings of the Bible remind us that family is a gift from God, and when centered on Him, it can bring joy, love, and a sense of belonging.
