Bible Verses About Fathers

ByJenna Updated onMarch 17, 2023

Scripture is full of bible verses about fathers and the important role they play in our lives. Whether it’s offering guidance, providing support, or simply being a source of comfort and strength, fathers are an essential part of any family. Let’s take a closer look at some bible verses that honor fathers and explore what they have to teach us.

Proverbs 23:22 says, “Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” This bible verse serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting our parents, regardless of their age. It also speaks to the bond between fathers and sons or daughters, emphasizing that we should always honor and remember the people who gave us life.

Ephesians 6:4 states, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” This bible verse speaks to the responsibility of fathers to be mindful of their parenting approach. It’s an important reminder that fathers should take care to raise their children with love and guidance, rather than anger or resentment.

Lastly, Psalm 103:13 reminds us that, “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.” This bible verse speaks to the power of a father’s love and encourages us to view our own fathers with understanding and kindness. It also reminds us that the Lord is always there to provide comfort and protection in times of need.

These are just a few of many inspiring scriptures that highlight the importance of fatherhood. They serve as reminders that our parents play an invaluable role in our lives, and how we can be better fathers or children while looking to God as the ultimate example of who a Father is, what a Father does, and how a Father loves.

Father Quotes

Bible verses about fathers: As a father has compassion on his children, As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him. Psalm 103:13

Bible verses about fathers: Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

Bible verses about fathers: Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Proverbs 23:22

Fathers in the Bible

Proverbs 22:6

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

Start children off on the way they should go,
and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Direct your children onto the right path,
and when they are older, they will not leave it.

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

Fathers have a great responsibility to their children, and Proverbs 22:6 is a reminder of this. This proverb speaks to fathers everywhere, encouraging them to be diligent in teaching and guiding their children.

It’s about far more than simply imparting knowledge; fathers are responsible for helping shape their children’s character and values. Additionally, fathers should be helpful in assessing a child’s aptitude and calling, leading and encouraging them as they continue to grow and mature.

This is not a responsibility to take lightly, and fathers must always strive to be a positive example for their children.

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

Proverbs 22:6

Proverbs 23:24-25

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.

²⁴The father of a righteous child has great joy;
a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.
²⁵May your father and mother rejoice;
may she who gave you birth be joyful!

²⁴The father of godly children has cause for joy.
What a pleasure to have children who are wise.
²⁵So give your father and mother joy!
May she who gave you birth be happy.

²⁴The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice;
he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.
²⁵Let your father and mother be glad;
let her who bore you rejoice.

Proverbs 23:24-25 is a poignant reminder of the joy fathers experience when their children are wise and righteous. This verse acknowledges fathers’ deep pride in seeing their own teachings, values, and wise counsel being reflected back to them by their children.

Fathers take great pride and joy in seeing their children walk the righteous path, as it is evidence of fathers’ successful guidance, but most importantly, evidence of the child’s own relationship with 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, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

This verse serves as guidance for fathers to be mindful of how they interact with their children and to guide them in ways that honor God. By doing so, fathers can help ensure that their children are raised according to biblical principles and values.

Deuteronomy 1:31

And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the Lord thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place.

and in the wilderness. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.

And you saw how the Lord your God cared for you all along the way as you traveled through the wilderness, just as a father cares for his child. Now he has brought you to this place.

and in the wilderness, where you have seen how the Lord your God carried you, as a man carries his son, all the way that you went until you came to this place.

In this verse, fathers are urged to be brave and resilient, just as God was for the Israelites in their journey through the wilderness.

Furthermore, fathers are reminded to faithfully provide for their families and lead their households with love, patience and strength. Dads must strive to rise up to this challenge and demonstrate fortitude in living out their responsibilities. It is only through such commitment that fathers can fulfill their God-given roles and bring about the best for their families.

A huge responsibility, fathers everywhere can take comfort in knowing that they are not alone in this task, but rather have a powerful heavenly Father who will provide them with strength and courage when needed.

Hebrews 12:7

If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?

As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?

It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?

Hebrews 12:7 states that it is out of our fathers’ love for us that they provide such discipline. Discipline from fathers serves to teach their children wisdom and discernment, helping them to make better choices in life. It is a sign of care and concern for their growth and maturity.

Fathers, take heart that the discipline of your children is truly an act of love, just as our Lord God disciplines those he loves.

bible verses about fathers:

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?

Hebrews 12:7

Proverbs 1:8-9

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.

⁸Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction
and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
⁹They are a garland to grace your head
and a chain to adorn your neck.

⁸My child, listen when your father corrects you.
Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.
⁹What you learn from them will crown you with grace
and be a chain of honor around your neck.

⁸Hear, my son, your father’s instruction,
and forsake not your mother’s teaching,
⁹for they are a graceful garland for your head
and pendants for your neck.

The Proverbs, written by King Solomon, son of David and a highly revered Biblical figure, is packed full of wisdom. These two verses specifically emphasize the importance that fathers have in teaching their children wisdom.

They encourage fathers to take the time to communicate important lessons that will shape their children’s thinking and life decisions. Proverbs 1:8-9 has such an important message for fathers and sons alike. By taking the time to teach their children wisdom, fathers can help their children lead a faithful life.

Exodus 20:12

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

Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

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

The Fourth Commandment, found in Exodus 20:12, emphasizes the importance of fathers. This commandment serves as a reminder to children of their duty to respect and obey their fathers. It also serves as a reminder to fathers of the responsibility they have to love and care for their children.

Fathers are an essential part of any family unit, and this commandment is a powerful sign that fathers must be honored, respected, and held in high regard. When fathers can fulfill their role in the home with love, joy, humility and wise leadership, the entire family is blessed and strengthened.

bible verses about fathers:

Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

Exodus 20:12

1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

¹¹As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,

¹²That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

¹¹For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, ¹²encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

¹¹And you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children. ¹²We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory.

¹¹For you know how, like a father with his children, ¹²we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

The Apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 speaks of his affection for the believers in Thessalonica. Paul’s words indicate that he was a loving mentor, demonstrating great care for his spiritual children. He wanted them to live good lives, worthy of the God who had called them into His kingdom.

These verses show Paul’s commitment to mentoring these believers and leading them in faith. Fathers can use this wonderful example to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, supporting them spiritually and emotionally.

Psalm 103:13

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.

As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.

The Lord is like a father to his children,
tender and compassionate to those who fear him.

As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.

As it says in Psalm 103:13, “Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.” The Lord’s mercy and love for us is infinite and unconditional. His compassion knows no bounds. Even when we may feel alone or disappointed in ourselves, God’s kindness will never waver.

What can fathers glean from this?

Just as we make mistakes and God forgives us, fathers can (and should) do the same for their children. Kids will make mistakes, and it’s the father’s job to walk through those mistakes with them, offering grace and guidance as earthly and heavenly consequences are shouldered.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

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.

⁶These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.⁷Impress 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.

⁶And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. ⁷Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.

⁶And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. ⁷You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

We are instructed to keep God’s commandments in our hearts and teach them diligently to our children throughout their lives.

This is a serious responsibility that carries great weight; a father’s faithfulness will bring blessings upon himself and future generations. Let us not forget this truth and continue to display our faithfulness by living according to His commands.

Luke 15:20

And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.

So he got up and went to his father.

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.

And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.

In the New Testament, Jesus tells a parable in Luke 15:20 that speaks to the value of repentance and forgiveness. In this parable, Jesus expresses the idea that when one makes the effort to repent and come back to God, the Father will always respond with overwhelming love and acceptance.

This serves as an encouragement for those who have strayed away from Him due to sin or doubt in His power. It is also a reminder for how fathers should welcome back their wayward sons, with loving arms.

Proverbs 14:26

In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress,
and for their children it will be a refuge.

Those who fear the Lord are secure;
he will be a refuge for their children.

In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence,
and his children will have a refuge.

This proverb reinforces the notion that fathers should lead with courage and faith, so that their children can find shelter and security in them.

Fathers are a huge source of guidance and strength, and when they lead with wisdom, fathers provide a safe haven for their children to fall back on throughout life.

bible verses about fathers:

In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.

Proverbs 14:26

Colossians 3:21

Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.

Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

This exhortation from the Apostle Paul reflects the seriousness with which he viewed the responsibility of parenthood. He warns fathers to be mindful of their words and actions towards their children since it could have a lasting impact, even causing their children to sin.

Paul is conveying the idea that parents should love and nurture their children, not to antagonize them.

Proverbs 4:1-4

¹Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.

²For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.

³For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.

⁴He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.

¹ Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction;
    pay attention and gain understanding.
²I give you sound learning,
    so do not forsake my teaching.
³For I too was a son to my father,
    still tender, and cherished by my mother.
⁴Then he taught me, and he said to me,
    “Take hold of my words with all your heart;
    keep my commands, and you will live.“

¹My children, listen when your father corrects you.
    Pay attention and learn good judgment,
²for I am giving you good guidance.
    Don’t turn away from my instructions.
³For I, too, was once my father’s son,
    tenderly loved as my mother’s only child.

⁴My father taught me,
“Take my words to heart.
Follow my commands, and you will live.“

¹ Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction,
    and be attentive, that you may gain insight,
²for I give you good precepts;
    do not forsake my teaching.
³When I was a son with my father,
    tender, the only one in the sight of my mother,
⁴he taught me and said to me,
“Let your heart hold fast my words;
    keep my commandments, and live.“

These verses tell us that fathers have an important role in teaching their children values and knowledge which will help them in life. Fathers should be seen as mentors who guide and nurture their children, teaching them to become strong and responsible individuals.

This is why fathers should take the time to pass on their wisdom to the younger generation. It is not only fathers who have this responsibility, but all fathers should strive to be examples of knowledge and virtue for their children.

3 John 1:4

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

This verse highlights the special joy a parent experiences when their children choose to lead lives of truth and integrity. We can take comfort in knowing that God looks favorably on us when we live our lives following His paths and teachings.

It is important for us to keep in mind this promise from Scripture – that God rejoices as we strive to live faithfully. Fathers can draw strength and courage from this reminder, knowing that God is with them every step of the way.

May we, as children of God, be reminded daily of our responsibility to nurture and guide our loved ones in the ways of truth, and may fathers especially apply this to the rearing of their children.