Fathers play a vital role in God’s design for the family. In the New Testament, we see wisdom, instruction, and inspiration given to and about fathers. Whether you’re a father, honoring one, or seeking God’s model of fatherhood, the Bible offers deep guidance. This article explores 35 father Bible verses in the New Testament, complete with explanations to help you understand their meaning and application. As part of your spiritual journey, consider exploring more resources through our Bible Study Topics section for in-depth study.
35 New Testament Scriptures About Fathers
1. Matthew 5:16
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
This verse calls believers to reflect God’s nature. A godly father serves as a reflection of the heavenly Father through good deeds and integrity. Children and communities are drawn to God through the witness of a faithful father.
2. Matthew 6:6
“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”
Fathers are spiritual leaders. This verse encourages private, sincere communication with God, a model for fathers in leading their families in quiet yet powerful faith.
3. Matthew 6:9
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”
Jesus teaches us to begin prayer by acknowledging God as Father. This truth shapes our understanding of God’s loving authority—a perfect model for human fathers.
4. Matthew 7:11
“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”
Jesus compares earthly fathers with the heavenly Father, emphasizing God’s generosity. This encourages fathers to be generous and kind, knowing their goodness reflects God’s character.
5. Matthew 10:29-31
“…yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”
This shows the Father’s deep care and attention to every detail of our lives. Fathers are called to reflect this attentiveness and compassion in their parenting.
6. Matthew 18:14
“Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.”
This verse reflects the Father’s desire to protect and preserve His children. Earthly fathers are to follow this example by safeguarding and guiding their children spiritually and emotionally.
7. Matthew 23:9
“And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.”
Jesus emphasizes the ultimate authority and care of our heavenly Father. While earthly fathers are important, this verse places divine authority above all human structures.
8. Luke 11:13
“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?”
This verse underscores the generosity of God, surpassing all earthly examples. Fathers are reminded to give, not just materially, but spiritually, leading their families toward God.
9. John 1:12-13
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God…”
Becoming children of God through Christ reveals God as our Father. Earthly fathers should strive to reflect the love and acceptance the heavenly Father shows His children.
10. John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son…”
This famous verse displays the ultimate act of a Father’s love—sacrifice. Fathers are challenged to love sacrificially and unconditionally, as God did for humanity.
11. John 14:6-7
“No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Jesus is the way to the Father. A Christian father’s primary role is to lead his children toward a personal relationship with God through Christ.
12. Romans 8:15
“…ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”
We’re adopted into God’s family and can call Him “Abba.” Fathers should model this intimacy and trust in their own relationships with their children.
13. Romans 8:16-17
“The Spirit itself beareth witness… we are the children of God.”
This emphasizes identity and inheritance. Earthly fathers shape their children’s identity. Believing fathers pass on a spiritual legacy of faith.
14. 1 Corinthians 4:15
“…yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.”
Paul acts as a spiritual father. Fathers, both biological and spiritual, are tasked with raising others in the truth of the gospel.
15. 2 Corinthians 6:18
“And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters…”
This promise from God reminds us of His relational desire. Fathers today should mirror this commitment and presence in their families.
16. Galatians 4:6
“God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.”
Our relationship with the Father is heartfelt and intimate. Fathers are called to nurture similar emotional bonds with their children.
17. Ephesians 4:6
“One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
God’s omnipresence reminds fathers of the importance of being involved and available to their families.
18. Ephesians 5:1
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.”
Children imitate their parents. Fathers should imitate God, understanding that their children will follow their example.
19. Ephesians 6:1-2
“Children, obey your parents… Honour thy father and mother…”
This verse teaches children to honor parents. In return, fathers are to be honorable and worthy of that respect through love and guidance.
20. Ephesians 6:4
“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
This direct command to fathers outlines their duty—to lovingly raise children in God’s truth without provoking or discouraging them.
21. Colossians 3:21
“Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.”
A father’s words and actions deeply impact a child’s heart. Encouragement and patience are essential in godly fatherhood.
22. 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
“As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children.”
Paul models a father’s role as one who encourages, comforts, and guides. This is a complete picture of spiritual fatherhood.
23. Hebrews 12:7
“If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?”
Discipline is a sign of love. God disciplines us as His children. Fathers are to lovingly discipline to guide, not punish, their children.
24. Hebrews 12:9-10
“Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us… but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.”
God’s discipline is for our growth. Fathers must train their children with a vision for their character and godliness, not just behavior control.
25. James 1:17
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…”
God is the giver of all good things. Earthly fathers should be channels of these blessings in the lives of their children.
26. 1 Peter 1:17
“And if ye call on the Father… pass the time of your sojourning here in fear.”
The Father is also Judge. Fathers must balance grace and discipline, modeling respect for God’s authority.
27. 1 John 1:3
“…truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.”
Christian fathers should prioritize fellowship with God, encouraging their families to do the same.
28. 1 John 2:13
“I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning.”
Fathers are addressed specifically for their spiritual maturity. They are called to lead with wisdom and knowledge of God.
29. 1 John 3:1
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us…”
The Father’s love defines our identity. Earthly fathers should love in ways that reinforce security, worth, and confidence in their children.
30. 1 John 4:14
“And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.”
This reminds fathers to point their children to the Savior, sharing the gospel in their homes and daily lives.
31. 2 John 1:3
“Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father…”
God the Father is a source of peace and mercy. Fathers are called to be agents of grace in their homes.
32. Revelation 2:27
“Even as I received of my Father.”
Jesus acknowledges His authority coming from the Father. This shows that godly fathers should exercise authority that flows from God, not from ego.
33. Revelation 3:5
“…but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.”
Jesus honors the faithful before the Father. Fathers should desire this recognition and live to please the Father in heaven.
34. Revelation 21:7
“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.”
This is God’s ultimate promise. Fathers should raise their children with eternity in mind, not just earthly success.
35. Revelation 22:3
“…the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him.”
The Father’s presence will be forever. Godly fathers prepare their families to live in His eternal kingdom.
Conclusion
The New Testament reveals a rich picture of God as our perfect Father, and it provides numerous lessons for earthly fathers to follow. From teaching, discipline, and love, to spiritual leadership, fathers are called to mirror the character of God. Whether you’re a father or seeking to honor yours, these verses offer timeless guidance. For more inspiring topics, browse our free Bible Guides and equip yourself with deeper truth for life and family.
May you grow in the love of the Father and reflect His grace in your own relationships.
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