Child

A child is a son or daughter from birth until adulthood. In the Bible, children were valued as gifts from God and were an important part of the family. Parents were responsible for caring for them, teaching them, and helping them follow God's ways. Children were also expected to honor and obey their parents.

The Bible also uses the word "child" in wider ways. "Children" can mean all the descendants of a person, whatever their age. For example, "the children of Israel" means all the people descended from Israel (Jacob). The word can also describe a close relationship rather than physical birth. People who trust in God are called "children of God" (John 1:12). Paul called believers he taught "my children" because he cared for them like a father (1 Corinthians 4:14).

See Family Life and Relations.