S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

The Bible does not specifically use the term child abuse. What the Bible does tell us is this: children have a special place in God's heart and anyone who harms a child is inviting God's wrath upon...

Login or Sign Up to view the rest of this answer.

July 01 2013 • 4 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does the Bible say about child abuse?

The Bible never uses the modern term child abuse, but it speaks forcefully against every behaviour that harms, oppresses, injures, or mistreats a child. Scripture consistently portrays children as precious, protected by God, and entrusted to adults who must treat them with dignity, gentleness, and care. Any act that wounds, crushes, or exploits a child stands in direct opposition to biblical teaching.

One of the strongest statements comes from Jesus Himself. He warns that harming a child is a grave offence with severe moral weight. He says, "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and be drowned in the depth of the sea" (Matthew 18:6). This is not poetic exaggeration; it is a declaration that harming a child is among the most serious violations a person can commit.

The Bible also teaches that children are a gift, not possessions to be controlled or abused. "Children are a heritage from the Lord" (Psalm 127:3). A heritage is something valuable, entrusted, and meant to be protected. Abuse violates that trust and treats a child as something disposable rather than treasured.

Scripture condemns violence, cruelty, and oppression in all forms. "Do not oppress the weak" (Zechariah 7:10). Children are among society's weakest members, and this command explicitly includes them. Any act of physical, emotional, or sexual harm is oppression, and the Bible stands firmly against it.

Parents are instructed to raise children with guidance, patience, and care—not harshness. "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). Provoking refers to treatment that crushes, humiliates, or wounds. Abuse does exactly that. Scripture calls for discipline that shapes, not violence that destroys.

The Bible also condemns those who use their power to harm the vulnerable. "Woe to those who enact evil statutes and to those who constantly record unjust decisions, to deprive the needy of justice" (Isaiah 10:1–2). Abuse is an unjust use of power. When directed at a child, it becomes even more severe because the victim cannot defend themselves.

God's character consistently shows Him as one who protects the vulnerable. “He defends the cause of the fatherless” (Deuteronomy 10:18). If God defends children, then harming them stands in direct opposition to His nature. Abuse is not only a sin against the child; it is a sin against God Himself.

The Bible also teaches that love is the foundation of all relationships. “Love does no harm to a neighbour” (Romans 13:10). A child is more than a neighbour—they are part ofone'ss own household. If love does no harm, then abuse is the complete rejection of love and therefore a rejection of God's command.

Jesus welcomed children, blessed them, and elevated their value. "Let the little children come to Me… for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14). To harm those whom Jesus welcomes is to oppose His heart and His kingdom.

The Bible teaches that child abuse—whether physical, emotional, sexual, or spiritual—is a direct violation of God's commands, God's character, and God's care for the vulnerable. Scripture calls for protection, gentleness, guidance, and love. Any act that injures a child stands condemned by the very principles the Bible upholds.

3 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report