In the Bible, ‘little ones’ often refer to children, but can also symbolize those of humble disposition or lesser status in the eyes of the world. These little ones hold a special place in the heart of God. In both the Old and New Testaments, these verses emphasize the importance of nurturing, protecting, and valuing the little ones among us, reflecting God’s love and care for all His creation.
Bible Verses about Little Ones
1. Matthew 18:10 – The Value of Little Ones
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” – Matthew 18:10
Cross-References
Psalm 91:11 – “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”
Hebrews 1:14 – “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”
Luke 18:16 – “But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'”
2. Mark 10:14 – Welcoming Children
“When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’” – Mark 10:14
Cross-References
Romans 14:1 – “Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.”
3. Matthew 18:6 – Protecting the Innocent
“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” – Matthew 18:6
Cross-References
Luke 17:2 – “It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.”
Romans 14:13 – “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”
1 Corinthians 8:12 – “When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.”
4. Matthew 19:14 – Like Little Children
“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” – Matthew 19:14
Cross-References
Mark 10:15 – “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
1 Peter 2:2 – “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”
5. Proverbs 22:6 – Training Up a Child
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” – Proverbs 22:6
Cross-References
Deuteronomy 6:7 – “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
6. Isaiah 11:6 – The Peaceful Kingdom
“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.” – Isaiah 11:6
Cross-References
Isaiah 65:25 – “The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, says the Lord.”
Romans 8:21 – “That the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.”
Revelation 21:4 – “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
7. Psalm 8:2 – Strength from Children
“Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” – Psalm 8:2
Cross-References
1 Corinthians 1:27 – “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
Luke 10:21 – “At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.'”
8. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – Passing Down the Teachings
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” – Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Cross-References
Colossians 3:16 – “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
9. Luke 9:48 – The Greatest in God’s Eyes
“Then he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.’” – Luke 9:48
Cross-References
Matthew 18:4 – “Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Mark 9:37 – “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
10. 1 Corinthians 14:20 – Childlike Innocence
“Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.” – 1 Corinthians 14:20
Cross-References
Ephesians 4:14 – “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.”
Hebrews 5:13 – “Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.”
11. Matthew 11:25 – Hidden from the Wise
“At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.’” – Matthew 11:25
Cross-References
1 Corinthians 1:26-27 – “Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.”
James 2:5 – “Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?”
12. Ephesians 6:1 – Obeying Parents
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” – Ephesians 6:1
Cross-References
Colossians 3:20 – “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
Proverbs 1:8 – “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.”
Exodus 20:12 – “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
13. Jeremiah 1:7 – Youthful Strength
“But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, “I am too young.” You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.’” – Jeremiah 1:7
Cross-References
1 Timothy 4:12 – “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
Psalm 71:5-6 – “For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you.”
Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
14. Proverbs 20:11 – Even a Child
“Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright?” – Proverbs 20:11
Cross-References
Matthew 7:16 – “By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?”
1 John 3:7 – “Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.”
Luke 6:44 – “Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers.”
15. Psalm 127:3 – Heritage from the Lord
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” – Psalm 127:3
Cross-References
Genesis 33:5 – “Then Esau looked up and saw the women and children. ‘Who are these with you?’ he asked. Jacob answered, ‘They are the children God has graciously given your servant.'”
Proverbs 17:6 – “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”
Deuteronomy 28:4 – “The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks.”
16. Colossians 3:21 – Do Not Embitter
“Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” – Colossians 3:21
Cross-References
Proverbs 29:15 – “A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.”
Proverbs 13:24 – “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”
17. Isaiah 54:13 – Taught by the Lord
“All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.” – Isaiah 54:13
Cross-References
John 6:45 – “It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me.”
Jeremiah 31:34 – “No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
Matthew 11:29 – “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.”
18. 2 Timothy 3:14-15 – Continue in What You Have Learned
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” – 2 Timothy 3:14-15
Cross-References
Romans 15:4 – “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”
19. Matthew 21:16 – Praise from Children
“’Do you hear what these children are saying?’ they asked him. ‘Yes,’ replied Jesus, ‘have you never read, “From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise”?’” – Matthew 21:16
Cross-References
Luke 19:40 – “‘I tell you,’ he replied, ‘if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.'”
20. Hebrews 12:9 – Discipline and Respect
“Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!” – Hebrews 12:9
Cross-References
Ephesians 6:4 – “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
Proverbs 3:11-12 – “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”
Revelation 3:19 – “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.”
21. Jeremiah 29:11 – Plans for Welfare
“For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” – Jeremiah 29:11
Cross-References
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Philippians 1:6 – “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Proverbs 16:9 – “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
22. Matthew 5:9 – Peacemakers
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
Cross-References
James 3:18 – “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Isaiah 32:17 – “The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.”
23. Matthew 21:15 – Children Singing
“But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David,’ they were indignant.” – Matthew 21:15
Cross-References
Psalm 118:25-26 – “Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you.”
Mark 11:9-10 – “Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, ‘Hosanna!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'”
Luke 19:37-38 – “When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: ‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!'”
24. 1 Samuel 2:26 – Growing in Favor
“And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with people.” – 1 Samuel 2:26
Cross-References
Proverbs 3:3-4 – “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”
Genesis 39:21 – “The Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.”
25. Exodus 2:10 – Nurture in Childhood
“When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, ‘I drew him out of the water.’” – Exodus 2:10
Cross-References
Acts 7:21 – “When he was placed outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him and brought him up as her own son.”
Hebrews 11:24 – “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.”
Exodus 2:2-3 – “And she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months. But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile.”
26. Luke 2:40 – Jesus’s Early Life
“And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.” – Luke 2:40
Cross-References
Luke 2:52 – “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
27. Job 5:25 – Generations to Come
“You will know that your children will be many, and your descendants like the grass of the earth.” – Job 5:25
Cross-References
Genesis 15:5 – “He took him outside and said, ‘Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.'”
Psalm 112:2 – “Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.”
Isaiah 44:3 – “For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.”
28. Genesis 48:16 – Future Blessing
“The Angel who has delivered me from all harm—may he bless these boys. May they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they increase greatly on the earth.” – Genesis 48:16
Cross-References
Genesis 28:15 – “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
Genesis 27:28 – “May God give you heaven’s dew and earth’s richness—an abundance of grain and new wine.”
Numbers 6:24-26 – “‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.'”
29. Matthew 18:3 – Childlike Faith
“And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’” – Matthew 18:3
Cross-References
John 3:3 – “Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.'”
Luke 18:17 – “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
30. Deuteronomy 4:9 – Teach Your Children
“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” – Deuteronomy 4:9
Cross-References
Psalm 78:4 – “We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.”
Proverbs 13:22 – “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.”
31. Lamentations 3:27 – Bearing the Yoke
“It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young.” – Lamentations 3:27
Cross-References
Romans 5:3 – “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance.”
Hebrews 12:11 – “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
James 1:2-3 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
32. 1 Peter 2:2-3 – Desire Pure Milk
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” – 1 Peter 2:2-3
Cross-References
Hebrews 5:12-13 – “In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.”
1 Corinthians 3:1-2 – “Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.”
Psalm 34:8 – “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”
Final Thought
Throughout these verses, the Bible emphasizes the invaluable significance of the little ones in our lives. Not only do they reflect purity and innocence, but they also serve as exemplars of faith for adults. Their reliance on others highlights the importance of trusting and depending on God wholeheartedly. Scripture beckons us to nurture children with love and care, teaching them the Word of God, so they grow in wisdom and stature, much like Jesus. The themes of protection, humility, and faithfulness resonate, reminding believers that the spiritual lessons we instill in these ‘little ones’ today bear eternal significance.
Prioritizing their spiritual growth aligns with God’s divine purpose, for through them, His kingdom is glorified. As communities of faith, let us uphold the virtues of love, guidance, and service towards children, embracing Jesus’s instruction to welcome them graciously into His fold, ensuring that their paths remain steadfastly anchored in His truth.