Draw a random verse to welcome a newborn, from children as a heritage to blessings, dedications and the joy of birth, for cards and baby books.
What the Bible Says About a New Baby
The Bible treats the birth of a child as an occasion for gratitude. Psalm 127 calls children a heritage from the Lord, Psalm 139 pictures God knitting a person together before birth, and Jesus welcomes children with open arms when others try to send them away. These passages do not promise an easy path for parents, but they offer a steady message: a child is a gift, known and valued by God from the beginning.
Scripture also records the waiting that often comes first. Sarah, Rachel, Hannah and Elizabeth all wait for a child, and their stories end with thanksgiving. Those verses can be a quiet comfort for families who have waited a long time, adopted a child, or who are celebrating after a difficult pregnancy.
Where Births and Babies Appear
Genesis and Samuel are full of birth stories, with names chosen to express a mother's hope, and Luke gives the fullest account of Jesus' infancy, including the shepherds, Simeon and Anna. The Psalms and Proverbs reflect on raising children and handing faith to the next generation. Isaiah and Jeremiah speak of being called before birth, and Paul uses adoption to describe how believers become God's children. Taken together, the verses cover pregnancy, naming, dedication, growth and the hope that a child will come to know God.
Ways to Use These Verses
- Include a verse in a baby shower card, a birth announcement or a baby book.
- Read a blessing, such as the priestly blessing in Numbers 6, at a dedication or christening.
- Choose a verse for the nursery wall, or as a caption on a first photo.
- Offer a short reading at a family gathering to welcome a newborn.
- Pick a verse about waiting and trust for friends who are expecting or hoping to adopt.
A Few Notes on Using Them Well
Churches differ on how to welcome a baby. Some hold infant baptism, some a dedication, and some a simple prayer, and the Bible does not give one single ceremony. Hannah's dedication of Samuel and Mary and Joseph presenting Jesus at the temple are examples of families marking a birth with worship, but they are not rules for every church. Be sensitive as well: a family that has lost a child, or one still waiting, may find joyful baby verses hard, and a verse about God's nearness may fit better.
Draw a verse from the list, read the note about who is speaking and why, and then decide how you will share it. For other moments you can use the Bible verse randomizer, try the random encouraging Bible verse page for steady words of hope, or look through the Bible books to read the birth stories in context.
Verses in This Collection
- Genesis 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.
God blesses the first humans and tells them to be fruitful, so the Bible opens with children as part of God's good plan. - Genesis 4:1 – And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD .
Eve gives birth to Cain, the first child in Scripture, and says she has gotten a man with the help of the Lord. - Genesis 16:11 – And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.
An angel tells Hagar that she will have a son and that his name will recall how the Lord heard her suffering. - Genesis 21:1-3 – And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken. For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.
After a long wait, Sarah conceives and bears Isaac at the time God had promised, and Abraham names the child as instructed. - Genesis 25:24-26 – And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau’s heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.
Rebekah gives birth to twins, Esau and Jacob, and their unusual arrival and names hint at the story that will follow. - Genesis 29:32 – And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.
Leah, who has felt unloved, conceives and names her first son Reuben, hoping his birth will lead her husband to notice her. - Genesis 30:22-24 – And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb. And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach: And she called his name Joseph; and said, The LORD shall add to me another son.
Rachel, who has waited many years, gives birth to Joseph, names him with a wish for another son, and sees her shame taken away. - Genesis 33:5 – And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.
Jacob introduces his family to his brother Esau and describes the children with him as a gift graciously given by God. - Genesis 48:9 – And Joseph said unto his father, They are my sons, whom God hath given me in this place . And he said, Bring them, I pray thee, unto me, and I will bless them.
Joseph presents his two sons to his dying father Jacob and describes them as the children God has given him in Egypt. - Genesis 50:23 – And Joseph saw Ephraim’s children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph’s knees.
Joseph lives long enough to see his great-grandchildren, a reminder that children's children are also part of a long and blessed life. - Exodus 2:2 – And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child , she hid him three months.
Moses' mother sees that her newborn son is a fine child, and that observation leads her to protect him at great risk. - Exodus 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.
The firstborn of Israel are to be set apart for God, which reminded families that each child's life belonged to him. - Leviticus 12:2-3 – Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean. And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.
The law gives guidance for a mother after childbirth and sets the circumcision of a son on the eighth day, a ritual of belonging. - Numbers 6:24-26 – The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
The priestly blessing asks God to bless, keep and look kindly on his people, and it is often spoken over babies and children. - Deuteronomy 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;
Israel is told to remember what God has done and to pass it on to their children and grandchildren all their lives. - Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – 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.
Parents are told to keep God's words in their own hearts and to talk about them at home, walking, resting and rising. - Deuteronomy 7:13 – And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land, thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep, in the land which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee.
Among the blessings promised for covenant faithfulness is the blessing of children, along with crops and animals, as signs of God's goodness. - Deuteronomy 28:4 – Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.
The blessings listed for obedience include the fruit of the womb, placing the gift of children alongside land and livestock. - Judges 13:3-5 – 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. Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing: 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.
An angel tells a childless woman she will bear a son and gives her instructions for the pregnancy and the boy's future. - Judges 13:24 – And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him.
The child promised to Manoah's wife is born, given the name Samson, and the writer notes that the Lord blessed him as he grew. - Ruth 4:13 – So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son.
Boaz and Ruth marry and the Lord enables her to conceive, giving a son to a woman who had known great loss. - Ruth 4:14-15 – And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD , which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.
The women of Bethlehem bless God for providing Naomi with a family heir, saying the baby will renew her life and sustain her. - 1 Samuel 1:11 – And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.
Hannah prays with great feeling for a child and vows that, if God gives her a son, she will give him back for God's service. - 1 Samuel 1:17-18 – Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him. And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad .
The priest Eli sends Hannah away with a blessing, and she leaves in peace, no longer looking sad, before her prayer is answered. - 1 Samuel 1:20 – Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying , Because I have asked him of the LORD .
Hannah conceives and bears a son, naming him Samuel, a name connected with the fact that she had asked the Lord for him. - 1 Samuel 1:27-28 – For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD ; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD . And he worshipped the LORD there.
After weaning Samuel, Hannah brings him to the sanctuary and gives him to the Lord, fulfilling her promise with thanksgiving. - 1 Samuel 2:1 – And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD , mine horn is exalted in the LORD : my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.
Hannah's prayer of thanks rejoices in God's strength and describes how her heart and her voice are lifted because of the answered prayer. - 1 Samuel 2:21 – And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD .
The Lord remembers Hannah with more children, three sons and two daughters, while Samuel keeps growing in the Lord's presence. - 1 Samuel 2:26 – And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD , and also with men.
The young Samuel keeps growing and is described as having favor with both the Lord and people, a short picture of a child maturing. - 2 Samuel 12:24-25 – And David comforted Bath-sheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him. And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD .
After the death of an earlier child, David and Bathsheba have Solomon, and the text says the Lord loved him and sent word through Nathan. - 2 Kings 4:16-17 – And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid. And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.
The Shunammite woman is told she will hold a son in a year, and she conceives and bears him exactly as Elisha said. - Job 10:8-11 – Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about; yet thou dost destroy me. Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou bring me into dust again? Hast thou not poured me out as milk, and curdled me like cheese? Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and hast fenced me with bones and sinews.
Job, in anguish, reflects that God shaped him, formed him like clay and gave him life and kindness, watching over him from the beginning. - Psalm 8:2 – Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
The psalmist says that praise is established by the mouths of children and infants, so even the youngest voices have a part in worship. - Psalm 8:3-4 – When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Looking at the night sky, the psalmist wonders why the Creator pays attention to human beings, a question that new parents often feel too. - Psalm 22:9-10 – But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother’s breasts. I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother’s belly.
The psalmist remembers that God brought him safely from the womb and that he has depended on him since infancy. - Psalm 22:30-31 – A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation. They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this .
The psalm closes with the hope that future generations will serve God and be told of what he has done, even to a people not yet born. - Psalm 71:5-6 – For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD : thou art my trust from my youth. By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother’s bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.
An older believer reflects that he has relied on God since youth and that God has upheld him since the day of his birth. - Psalm 78:4-7 – 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. 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: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:
The psalmist insists that the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord should not be hidden but taught to each next generation so they put their trust in God. - Psalm 103:13 – Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
The psalm compares God's compassion toward those who honor him to the compassion a father feels for his children. - Psalm 103:17-18 – But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
God's steadfast love is said to reach from everlasting to everlasting and to children's children of those who keep his covenant. - Psalm 112:1-2 – Praise ye the LORD . Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD , that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.
The psalm says that the person who honors God and delights in his commands will see his descendants prosper and be blessed. - Psalm 113:9 – He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD .
God is praised for giving the childless woman a home and the joy of being a mother, a theme echoing Sarah, Rachel and Hannah. - Psalm 115:14-15 – The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children. Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.
A blessing asks that the Lord will increase the people, both them and their children, and it affirms that heaven and earth belong to him. - Psalm 127:3-5 – Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD : and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. 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.
Children are called a heritage and a reward from the Lord, and the image of arrows in a warrior's hand pictures their value. - Psalm 128:1-4 – Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD ; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be , and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD .
The psalm describes a household of those who honor God, where children gather around the table like olive shoots around a tree. - Psalm 139:13-16 – For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
David marvels that God formed his inner being and knit him together in the womb, with every day of his life known before it began. - Psalm 144:12 – That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace:
The prayer asks that sons may be like well-nurtured plants and daughters like carved pillars, a hope for flourishing children. - Psalm 145:4 – One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.
One generation will commend God's works to the next, the psalmist says, describing praise as something handed down in families. - Proverbs 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.
A good person leaves an inheritance for grandchildren, which can include wise habits and values as well as property. - Proverbs 14:26 – In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
Reverence for the Lord is said to give confidence and a place of safety for children, a basis for family security. - Proverbs 17:6 – Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
Grandchildren are described as the crown of older people, and parents are the pride of their children, a picture of mutual honor. - Proverbs 20:7 – The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
A person who lives with integrity leaves a good legacy, and his children are said to be blessed after him. - Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
This well-known proverb advises guiding a child according to the right way for him or her, with the hope that it will last. - Ecclesiastes 11:5 – As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.
The Teacher admits that people cannot understand how a baby takes shape in the womb, just as they cannot fully understand God's work. - Isaiah 8:18 – Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.
Isaiah looks at the children God has given him and describes them as signs and symbols from the Lord to the people of Israel. - Isaiah 9:6 – For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
The prophet announces a child born and a son given, with titles pointing to hope that Christians see fulfilled in Jesus. - Isaiah 40:11 – He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
The Lord is pictured as a shepherd who gathers lambs in his arm and carries them close, an image of gentle care. - Isaiah 44:3 – For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:
God promises to pour out his Spirit on the descendants of his people, so that blessing reaches the next generation. - Isaiah 49:1 – Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.
The servant says the Lord called him from the womb and spoke his name before he was born, tying calling to the beginning of life. - Isaiah 54:13 – And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD ; and great shall be the peace of thy children.
God says that all his people's children will be taught by the Lord and that they will have great peace. - Isaiah 65:23 – They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD , and their offspring with them.
In the promised renewal of the world, people will not labor in vain or bear children for trouble, because their families are blessed. - Isaiah 66:9 – Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD : shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb ? saith thy God.
God asks whether he would bring his people to the moment of birth and then not deliver them, assuring them he will finish what he starts. - Jeremiah 1:5 – Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
God tells Jeremiah that he knew him before he was formed in the womb and set him apart, showing that life begins in God's purpose. - Lamentations 3:22-23 – It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
The writer, in the middle of grief, affirms that God's mercies are renewed every morning, a verse often read for fresh starts. - Joel 1:3 – Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation.
Joel tells the people to tell their children about the events they have seen, and for those children to tell their own. - Malachi 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.
The last promise of the Old Testament says that God will turn the hearts of parents to their children and children to their parents. - Matthew 1:20-23 – 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. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 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.
An angel tells Joseph that Mary's child is from the Holy Spirit, is to be named Jesus, and is the fulfillment of the prophecy of Immanuel. - Matthew 2:10-11 – When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
The wise men follow the star to the house, see the child with Mary, and bow down to offer gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. - Matthew 18:2-5 – And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 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. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
Jesus places a child in the middle of the disciples and teaches that humility like a child's is the way into the kingdom. - Matthew 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.
Jesus warns against despising the little ones and says their angels have constant access to his Father in heaven. - Matthew 19:13-15 – Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.
Parents bring children to Jesus for blessing, the disciples try to turn them away, and Jesus welcomes them and lays his hands on them. - Matthew 21:16 – And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?
Children in the temple shout praise to Jesus, and when leaders complain he answers that God has prepared praise from the mouths of infants. - Mark 9:36-37 – 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, 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.
Jesus takes a child in his arms and says that welcoming a child in his name is welcoming him and the one who sent him. - Mark 10:13-16 – And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them . 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. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
Jesus becomes indignant when disciples block children and then takes them in his arms and blesses them, and he says the kingdom belongs to such as these. - Luke 1:13-16 – 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. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. 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. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
Gabriel tells Zechariah that his prayer is heard, that Elizabeth will bear a son named John, and that the child will bring many back to God. - Luke 1:57-58 – Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
Elizabeth gives birth to John, and her neighbors and relatives rejoice with her because the Lord has shown her great mercy. - Luke 1:76-79 – And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Zechariah blesses his newborn son with a prophecy that he will prepare the way for the Lord, bringing light and peace. - Luke 1:80 – And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
John, the child of Zechariah and Elizabeth, grows and becomes strong in spirit, living in the wilderness until he appears publicly. - Luke 2:10-12 – And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
An angel tells shepherds that good news of great joy has come, with the sign of a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. - Luke 2:16-18 – And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it , they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
The shepherds hurry to find Mary, Joseph and the baby, and then tell everyone what they were told, leaving listeners amazed. - Luke 2:21 – And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Eight days after birth, the baby is circumcised and is given the name Jesus, which the angel had announced before his conception. - Luke 2:22-24 – And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
Mary and Joseph take their baby to the temple in Jerusalem to present him to the Lord and offer the sacrifice prescribed for poorer families. - Luke 2:25-28 – And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Simeon, a devout man in Jerusalem, takes the infant Jesus in his arms and blesses God, having been promised he would see the Messiah. - Luke 2:36-38 – And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
The elderly prophet Anna sees the baby in the temple, gives thanks to God and speaks about him to people waiting for redemption. - Luke 2:40 – And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
The child Jesus grows, becomes strong and wise, and the favor of God is on him, a simple summary of his early years. - Luke 2:52 – And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
Jesus is described as increasing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and people, covering the growth of mind, body and character. - Luke 18:15-17 – And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it , they rebuked them. 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. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
People bring even their infants to Jesus to be touched, and he calls them over and says the kingdom belongs to those like them. - John 16:21-22 – A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
Jesus compares the sorrow of the disciples to a woman in labor, whose pain is replaced by joy that a child has been born. - Acts 2:38-39 – Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Peter tells the crowd at Pentecost that the promise of forgiveness and the Holy Spirit is for them, their children and those far away. - Acts 16:31-34 – And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
After the Philippian jailer believes, he and his whole household are baptized, and he celebrates with his family that they now trust God. - Romans 8:15-16 – For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Paul says believers receive the Spirit of adoption and may call God Father, the Spirit assuring them they are God's children. - Galatians 4:4-7 – But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
When the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, so that believers could be adopted as children and heirs. - Ephesians 1:4-5 – According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Paul says God chose believers before creation and, out of love, decided to adopt them as his children through Jesus Christ. - Ephesians 6:4 – And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Fathers are told not to exasperate their children but to bring them up with the Lord's instruction and discipline. - Colossians 3:21 – Fathers, provoke not your children to anger , lest they be discouraged.
Parents are told not to embitter their children, so that they do not lose heart, a reminder that encouragement shapes a child. - 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 – As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
Paul compares his encouragement of the church to a father with his children, urging them to live in a way worthy of God. - Hebrews 2:13 – And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.
The writer quotes a prophet to show Jesus saying that he and the children God gave him belong together, as one family. - Hebrews 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.
Moses' parents see that their baby is no ordinary child, and by faith they hide him for three months despite the royal order. - 1 John 3:1 – Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
John marvels at the love the Father has shown in letting believers be called his children, and he says that is what they are. - 3 John 1:4 – I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
The elder tells Gaius that nothing gives him more joy than hearing that his spiritual children continue to walk in truth.
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