Bible verses for kids
The Bible has a lot to say to children, and about them. Jesus welcomed little ones when others wanted to send them away, and Moses told parents to talk about God’s words at home, on the road, at bedtime and in the morning. A verse learned in childhood can stay with a person for life.
The short explanations below are written so you can read them aloud to your children. They follow what well-known Bible teachers such as Matthew Henry, John MacArthur and William MacDonald say about each verse, put into simple words.
You do not need to learn them all at once. Pick one verse a week, read it at breakfast or before bed, and talk about it together. The last two verses are for you as a parent.
God made you and loves you
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Gen 1:1 · King James Version (1769)
Before there was anything at all, God was there. He made the sky, the stars, the sea and the whole earth. Everything we see shows how great and strong He is, and the God who made all this made you too.
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Ps 23:1 · King James Version (1769)
A shepherd takes care of his sheep. He finds them grass and water and keeps them safe from wild animals. David was a shepherd when he was a boy, and he knew that God takes care of him in the same way. God is your Shepherd too.
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Matt 19:14 · King James Version (1769)
One day parents brought their little children to Jesus so that He would bless them. The disciples thought the children were a bother and tried to stop them. But Jesus wanted the children to come. William MacDonald says these words have made children of every age love Him ever since.
Growing up with God
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Luke 2:52 · King James Version (1769)
Jesus was once a boy too. William MacDonald points out that He grew in four ways: His mind got wiser, His body grew taller, He grew closer to God, and people liked Him. You can grow in all four ways too.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Ps 119:105 · King James Version (1769)
Imagine walking on a dark path with a flashlight. The light shows you where to step so you do not trip. John MacArthur explains that God’s Word is like that light: it shows us the right way to live.
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;
Eccl 12:1 · King James Version (1769)
You do not have to wait until you are grown up to love God. MacArthur says this verse means we belong to God and can serve Him from when we are young, not only when we are old.
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
1 Tim 4:12 · King James Version (1769)
Timothy was a young church leader, younger than many people he helped. Paul told him not to worry about his age but to be a good example. Children can be good examples too: in the way they talk, love others and trust God.
Being kind and brave
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Eph 6:1 · King James Version (1769)
God asks children to obey their parents, because this is right and it pleases Him. MacArthur explains that when you listen to your mom and dad, you are also obeying the Lord, who gave them to take care of you.
And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
Luke 6:31 · King James Version (1769)
This is sometimes called the Golden Rule. Think about how you like to be treated: with kindness, fairness and patience. Then treat others that way, even when it is hard.
But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
1 Sam 16:7 · King James Version (1769)
God sent Samuel to choose a new king from Jesse’s sons. Samuel thought the tallest, strongest-looking son must be the one, but God chose David, the youngest. Matthew Henry says people can see how we look, but God knows what we are really like inside.
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Ps 27:1 · King James Version (1769)
Everyone feels scared sometimes: in the dark, in a storm or on the first day at a new school. Albert Barnes explains that darkness stands for trouble and light for help and safety. When you are afraid, you can remember that God is with you and you can talk to Him.
For parents
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Prov 22:6 · King James Version (1769)
Barnes notes that the way he should go also means his own way: wise training pays attention to each child’s character. MacArthur adds that what children learn early tends to become a habit for life, so parents can lovingly teach them God’s Word. John Wesley adds a careful note: such a child will not easily turn away from it.
And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 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.
Deut 6:6–7 · King James Version (1769)
Matthew Henry sees two steps here: first God’s words must be in our own hearts, and then we teach them to our children, repeating them often. The best place to learn faith is ordinary family life: meals, walks, bedtime and morning.
Little by little, these verses can become a treasure your children carry with them as they grow.