While the term “toddlers” is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, however the Scriptures provide guidance and life changing principles that can be applied to the care and upbringing of children, and this includes toddlers.
The Bible emphasizes the importance of nurturing, teaching, and caring for the youngest members of the society. Welcome to the Spirit and scripture website, Here are some relevant bible verses, along with powerful commentary on what the Bible says about toddlers:
Bible Verses For Toddlers
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV):
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
Commentary: This verse underscores the significance of early guidance and training. It encourages parents and caregivers to instill positive values and principles in children from a young age, fostering a foundation that endures into adulthood.
Matthew 19:14 (NIV):
“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'”
Commentary: Jesus expresses the importance of welcoming and valuing children. This verse highlights the purity and innocence of children, affirming their place in God’s kingdom and emphasizing the need for a nurturing environment.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV):
“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.”
Commentary: This passage emphasizes the constant and intentional teaching of God’s commandments to children. It underscores the idea that the process of imparting spiritual and moral values is an ongoing, daily commitment.
Psalm 127:3 (NIV):
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”
Commentary: This verse acknowledges children as a blessing and a gift from God. It encourages a perspective that views children as valuable and worthy of love, care, and intentional upbringing.
Ephesians 6:4 (NIV):
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
Commentary: This verse speaks to the responsibility of parents, particularly fathers, to avoid causing frustration or irritation in their children. Instead, they are called to provide spiritual training and instruction rooted in the teachings of the Lord.
Colossians 3:21 (NIV):
“Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”
Commentary: Similar to Ephesians 6:4, this verse warns against actions that could lead to discouragement in children. It emphasizes the importance of fostering a positive and encouraging environment within the family.
Mark 10:13-16 (NIV):
“People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 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.'”
Commentary: This passage reiterates the value Jesus places on children. It serves as a reminder to prioritize the spiritual well-being of children and to create an environment that allows them to encounter and follow Jesus.
1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV):
“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.”
Commentary: While not explicitly about toddlers, this verse encourages even young children to set positive examples in their behavior, speech, and attitudes. It underscores the idea that children, even at a young age, can embody qualities that reflect their faith.
Psalm 8:2 (NIV):
“Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.”
Commentary: This verse highlights the significance of the praises and expressions of faith from children. It suggests that even the youngest can play a role in glorifying God and contributing to His purposes.
Titus 2:7 (NIV):
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness.”
Commentary: While directed toward a broader audience, this verse provides a principle that can be applied to the upbringing of toddlers. It emphasizes the importance of setting a positive example and teaching with integrity.
Psalm 139:13-16 (NIV):
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Commentary: This passage speaks to the intrinsic value of every individual, emphasizing the intentional and unique creation of each person by God. It encourages an appreciation for the uniqueness of toddlers and a recognition of their worth.
Proverbs 17:6 (NIV):
“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”
Commentary: While this verse speaks more broadly about the relationship between generations, it indirectly underscores the importance of positive relationships between parents and children. The joy and pride experienced by parents in their children extend to the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren.
Psalm 22:9-10 (NIV):
“Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God.”
Commentary: This passage reflects the idea of God’s care from the earliest moments of life. It can inspire a sense of trust and dependency on God for both parents and toddlers, acknowledging God’s role in their lives from the very beginning.
Luke 18:15-17 (NIV):
“People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. 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.'”
Commentary: This passage reiterates the importance of children in Jesus’ eyes. It emphasizes the openness and inclusivity of God’s kingdom, encouraging an environment that allows toddlers to experience and be embraced by the love of Christ.
Psalm 127:4-5 (NIV):
“Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.”
Commentary: While metaphorical, this passage likens children to arrows in a warrior’s hands, suggesting that they have a purpose and direction. It can inspire parents to view their role in guiding and directing their children toward positive and meaningful goals.
1 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV):
“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.”
Commentary: While not directly related to toddlers, this verse acknowledges the developmental stages of life. It encourages an understanding of the changing needs and perspectives of children as they grow, emphasizing the importance of adapting parenting approaches accordingly.
Psalm 78:4-7 (NIV):
“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.”
Commentary: This passage underscores the responsibility of passing down the knowledge of God’s deeds and wonders to the next generation. It encourages intentional teaching and sharing of spiritual truths with toddlers and children.
1 Timothy 5:8 (NIV):
“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Commentary: While not specifically about toddlers, this verse emphasizes the broader principle of providing for and caring for one’s family. It underscores the importance of meeting the physical and emotional needs of children within the family unit.
Matthew 18:3 (NIV):
“And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'”
Commentary: Jesus’ words here highlight the qualities of humility, trust, and simplicity found in children. It encourages adults to adopt these childlike qualities in their relationship with God, setting an example for toddlers in their faith journey.
Ephesians 6:1-4 (NIV):
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise—’so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’ Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
Commentary: This passage provides practical guidance for both children and parents. It emphasizes obedience, honor, and the responsibility of parents to nurture their children spiritually and emotionally.
Also Read: Bible Verses For Generation (With Commentary)