Bible Verses about Fatherhood

Role model

There’s no doubt about it, fathers are considered role models for their families, churches, and communities. You might’ve grown up looking for the perfect Father’s Day scriptures to include in a card to your own dad.

Perhaps you didn’t have a father to “show you the ropes” growing up. Or maybe you had an amazing father figure who took on that role in school or at church.

Regardless of your past, know that God is your Heavenly Father who desires good things for you.

You are His child, and He will never let you down or forsake you. You can look to Him for guidance no matter what mistakes you make, or what life throws your way.

“You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”—Psalm 32:7-8 (ESV)

“I will guide you in the way of wisdom and I will lead you in upright paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered, and when you run, you will not stumble.”—Proverbs 4:11-12 (NLT)

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.”—1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)

“And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”—2 Corinthians 6:18 (NLT)

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”—Jeremiah 31:3 (ESV)

Family life

Whether it's using the best dad jokes, starting family prayer, finding common ground with your teenagers, building a work-life balance, or reading bedtime stories to your toddler, family life looks different in every stage.

As you navigate life’s changes, take comfort in the fact that the fathers of the Bible encountered the same challenges you’re facing today. Nothing you’re encountering today is new to the fathers who have come before you. Plus—we have a God who understands and sympathizes with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). He has the best parenting advice for your children:

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”—Ephesians 6:4 (ESV)

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”—Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)

“The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise.”—Proverbs 23:24 (NLT)

“And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat 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.”—Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NLT)

You are the right father for your children. You have been given this calling, this opportunity, and this moment in time to make a difference.

Take courage and know that God has placed you here for such a time as this. Remember that He knows exactly what you need, and He is strong enough to tackle every challenge. Walk out your calling with courage and know that Christ will be with you each time. You’re a great dad.