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33 verses · KJV · every verse read aloud

Bible Verses About Mothers

What does the Bible say about mothers?

The Bible honors mothers. God commands children to honor their father and mother (Exodus 20:12). Proverbs 31:25-30 praises a woman of strength who fears the Lord, whose children rise up and call her blessed. God even compares His own care to a mother's comfort (Isaiah 66:13) and promises that He will never forget His children (Isaiah 49:15).

  1. A mother's strength and worth (Proverbs 31)
  2. Honor your mother
  3. A mother's love, and God's love like it

Bible verses about mothers: A mother's strength and worth (Proverbs 31)

6 verses

Proverbs 31:25-26

KJV
King James Version

25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the days to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

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Proverbs 31:28-29

KJV
King James Version

28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband praises her as well: “Many daughters have done noble things, but you surpass them all!”

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Proverbs 31:30

KJV
King James Version

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

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Proverbs 31:10-12

KJV
King James Version

10Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value. She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life.

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Proverbs 31:27

KJV
King James Version

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

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Proverbs 14:1

KJV
King James Version

Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.

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Bible verses about mothers: Honor your mother

7 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 6:2-3

KJV
King James Version

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.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

“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.”

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Proverbs 23:22-25

KJV
King James Version

22Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old. 23Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. 24The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. 25Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Invest in truth and never sell it— in wisdom and instruction and understanding. The father of a righteous man will greatly rejoice, and he who fathers a wise son will delight in him. May your father and mother be glad, and may she who gave you birth rejoice!

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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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Proverbs 6:20-22

KJV
King James Version

20My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 21Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. 22When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them always upon your heart; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.

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John 19:26-27

KJV
King James Version

26When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! 27Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” So from that hour, this disciple took her into his home.

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Leviticus 19:3

KJV
King James Version

Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Each of you must respect his mother and father, and you must keep My Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God.

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Bible verses about mothers: A mother's love, and God's love like it

5 verses

Isaiah 49:15

KJV
King James Version

Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

“Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you!

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Isaiah 66:13

KJV
King James Version

As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

As a mother comforts her son, so will I comfort you, and you will be consoled over Jerusalem.”

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1 Thessalonians 2:7

KJV
King James Version

But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children.

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Psalms 131:2

KJV
King James Version

Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with his mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.

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Matthew 23:37

KJV
King James Version

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!

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Bible verses about mothers: The gift of children

5 verses

Psalms 127:3

KJV
King James Version

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward.

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Psalms 113:9

KJV
King James Version

He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother to her children. Hallelujah!

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1 Samuel 1:27-28

KJV
King James Version

27For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: 28Therefore 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.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him, I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD.” So they worshiped the LORD there.

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Psalms 139:13-14

KJV
King James Version

13For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. 14I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well.

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Luke 1:46-48

KJV
King James Version

46And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 48For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Then Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed.

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Bible verses about mothers: Mothers teaching children the faith

5 verses

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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2 Timothy 1:5

KJV
King James Version

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.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well.

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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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Titus 2:3-5

KJV
King James Version

3The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but teachers of good. In this way they can train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be discredited.

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2 Timothy 3:15

KJV
King James Version

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.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

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Bible verses about mothers: Strength for tired mothers

5 verses

Isaiah 40:11

KJV
King James Version

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.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.

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Matthew 11:28-30

KJV
King James Version

28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

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Galatians 6:9

KJV
King James Version

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

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2 Corinthians 12:9

KJV
King James Version

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.

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Isaiah 40:29

KJV
King James Version

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak.

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What the first Christians said about mothers

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

“train up their children in the knowledge and fear of God”

PolycarpEpistle to the Philippians
Read and listen to Polycarp

The Greek and Hebrew words for mothers

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

Questions people ask about mothers in the Bible

What is a good Bible verse for a mother?

Proverbs 31:25 and 31:28 are the verses most often given to mothers: she is clothed with strength and honour, and her children rise up and call her blessed. Isaiah 66:13 is a tender choice too.

Listen: Proverbs 31:25-26 · Proverbs 31:28-29

What does the Bible say about a mother's love?

Scripture uses a mother's love as a picture of God's own love. A nursing mother may forget her child, God says, yet He will not forget us. Paul was gentle among new believers even as a nurse cherishes her children.

Listen: Isaiah 49:15 · 1 Thessalonians 2:7

Is there a Bible verse for Mother's Day?

The Bible has no Mother's Day, but it commands us to honor our mothers every day. Exodus 20:12, Proverbs 31:28-29 and Proverbs 23:25 are fitting verses for a card or a church service.

Listen: Exodus 20:12 · Proverbs 23:22-25

What does the Bible say about mothers and sons?

Timothy learned his faith from his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. From the cross, Jesus made sure His mother would be cared for. Proverbs tells a son not to forsake his mother's teaching.

Listen: 2 Timothy 1:5 · John 19:26-27 · Proverbs 1:8-9

What does the Bible say about mothers and daughters?

Ruth refused to leave Naomi, her mother-in-law, and their bond is one of the Bible's warmest. Titus 2 asks older women to teach younger women to love their husbands and children.

Listen: Ruth 1:16-17 · Titus 2:3-5

What Bible verses comfort you after losing your mother?

God is near the brokenhearted. Jesus promised to prepare a place for His people, and believers do not grieve as those who have no hope. It is good to share your grief with a pastor or friend.

Listen: Psalms 34:18 · John 14:1-3 · 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14