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34 verses · KJV · every verse read aloud

Bible Verses About Family

What does the Bible say about family?

The Bible says the family is God's idea. He joined husband and wife (Genesis 2:24), calls children a gift (Psalm 127:3), and tells children to honor their parents (Exodus 20:12). Joshua 24:15 sets the goal for every home: to serve the Lord together. Love, patience and forgiveness hold a family together (Colossians 3:12-14).

  1. God's plan for the family
  2. Love and unity at home
  3. Parents and children

Bible verses about family: God's plan for the family

The home is God's idea, and He blesses a house that serves Him.

6 verses

Joshua 24:15

KJV
King James Version

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.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!”

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Joshua 24:15

Psalms 127:3-5

KJV
King James Version

3Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 4As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. 5Happy 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.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. He will not be put to shame when he confronts the enemies at the gate.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 127:3-5

Genesis 2:24

KJV
King James Version

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Genesis 2:24

Psalms 128:1-4

KJV
King James Version

1Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. 2For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. 3Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. 4Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

A song of ascents. Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways! For when you eat the fruit of your labor, blessings and prosperity will be yours. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine flourishing within your house, your sons like olive shoots sitting around your table. In this way indeed shall blessing come to the man who fears the LORD.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 128:1-4

Ephesians 3:14-15

KJV
King James Version

14For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

... for this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ephesians 3:14-15

Psalms 68:6

KJV
King James Version

God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

God settles the lonely in families; He leads the prisoners out to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 68:6

Bible verses about family: Love and unity at home

6 verses

Psalms 133:1

KJV
King James Version

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

A song of ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 133:1

Colossians 3:12-14

KJV
King James Version

12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.

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1 Peter 4:8

KJV
King James Version

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Peter 4:8

Ephesians 4:2-3

KJV
King James Version

2With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

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1 Peter 3:8

KJV
King James Version

Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.

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Proverbs 15:17

KJV
King James Version

Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Better a dish of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred.

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Bible verses about family: Parents and children

6 verses

Exodus 20:12

KJV
King James Version

Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

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Ephesians 6:1-4

KJV
King James Version

1Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; 3That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. 4And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ephesians 6:1-4

Proverbs 22:6

KJV
King James Version

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

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

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

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 22:6

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

KJV
King James Version

6And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7And 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.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

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Proverbs 1:8-9

KJV
King James Version

8My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 9For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. For they are a garland of grace on your head and a pendant around your neck.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 1:8-9

Colossians 3:20-21

KJV
King James Version

20Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. 21Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Colossians 3:20-21

Bible verses about family: Husbands and wives

For more, see Bible Verses About Marriage.

4 verses

Ephesians 5:33

KJV
King James Version

Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Nevertheless, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ephesians 5:33

Colossians 3:18-19

KJV
King James Version

18Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. 19Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Colossians 3:18-19

1 Peter 3:7

KJV
King James Version

Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Husbands, in the same way, treat your wives with consideration as a delicate vessel, and with honor as fellow heirs of the gracious gift of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Peter 3:7

Proverbs 24:3-4

KJV
King James Version

3Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: 4And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

By wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.

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Bible verses about family: When family is hard — conflict and forgiveness

6 verses

Romans 12:18

KJV
King James Version

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 12:18

Ephesians 4:31-32

KJV
King James Version

31Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

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Proverbs 15:1

KJV
King James Version

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

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Genesis 50:20-21

KJV
King James Version

20But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. 21Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this— to preserve the lives of many people. Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them.

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Psalms 27:10

KJV
King James Version

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 27:10

1 Timothy 5:8

KJV
King James Version

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.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

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Bible verses about family: God's blessing on every generation

6 verses

Psalms 103:17-18

KJV
King James Version

17But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; 18To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But from everlasting to everlasting the loving devotion of the LORD extends to those who fear Him, and His righteousness to their children’s children — to those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts.

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Deuteronomy 7:9

KJV
King James Version

Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Deuteronomy 7:9

Acts 16:31

KJV
King James Version

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.”

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Psalms 145:4

KJV
King James Version

One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

One generation will commend Your works to the next, and will proclaim Your mighty acts—

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Acts 2:39

KJV
King James Version

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.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off — to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself.”

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Acts 2:39

Matthew 12:49-50

KJV
King James Version

49And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! 50For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Pointing to His disciples, He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers. For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Matthew 12:49-50

Short Bible verses about family

Easy to memorize, to write in a card, or to send to a friend.

5 verses

  • “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

    Psalms 133:1 KJV · 15 words

    Listen

  • “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”

    Romans 12:18 KJV · 15 words

    Listen

  • “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

    Proverbs 15:1 KJV · 12 words

    Listen

  • “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.”

    Psalms 27:10 KJV · 15 words

    Listen

  • “One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.”

    Psalms 145:4 KJV · 14 words

    Listen

What the first Christians said about family

Exact words from our library of the early church writers. Each one opens at the place it was written.

“You shall not remove your hand from your son or from your daughter, but from their youth shall teach them the fear of God”

The DidacheThe Teaching of the Twelve Apostles
Read and listen to The Didache

The Greek and Hebrew words for family

The words behind the English. Each word page has a Listen button for how it is said.

Questions people ask about family in the Bible

What does the Bible say about family?

God made the family. He joined the first husband and wife, calls children a gift, and blesses a home that serves Him. Children honor their parents, parents teach their children God's ways, and everyone bears with and forgives one another.

Listen: Genesis 2:24 · Joshua 24:15

What is a good Bible verse for family?

Joshua 24:15 is the verse most families choose: Joshua tells Israel that he and his house will serve the Lord. Psalm 133:1, on how good it is for brothers to dwell together in unity, is a favorite too.

Listen: Joshua 24:15 · Psalms 133:1

What does the Bible say about family conflict?

Scripture asks us to live at peace as far as it depends on us, to answer softly, and to put away bitterness and forgive as God forgave us. Joseph forgave the brothers who sold him and cared for their families.

Listen: Romans 12:18 · Ephesians 4:31-32 · Genesis 50:20-21

What does the Bible say about family members who hurt you?

God sees the hurt. Psalm 27:10 promises that even if father and mother forsake you, the Lord will take you up. We are called to forgive and seek peace, and it is wise to talk with a pastor or trusted friend when family pain runs deep.

Listen: Psalms 27:10 · Colossians 3:13

What does the Bible say about providing for your family?

Paul says that anyone who does not provide for his own, especially those of his own house, has denied the faith. Caring for parents, children and needy relatives is part of following Christ.

Listen: 1 Timothy 5:8

Who is my family in God's eyes?

Jesus pointed to His disciples and said that whoever does the will of His Father is His brother, sister and mother. The church is a family of believers, named after the Father of us all.

Listen: Matthew 12:49-50 · Ephesians 3:14-15