CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Child Support</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/c/child_support.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/ephesians/6-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/c/child.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Child Support</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/c/child_sacrifice_and_witchcraft.htm" title="Child Sacrifice and Witchcraft">◄</a> Child Support <a href="/topical/c/childbearing.htm" title="Childbearing">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#top" title="Topical Bible Verses">Topical</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>Child support, while a modern legal term, finds its roots in biblical principles concerning the care and provision for one's family. The Bible emphasizes the responsibility of parents to provide for their children, ensuring their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.<br><br><b>Biblical Foundation</b><br><br>The concept of providing for one's family is deeply embedded in Scripture. In <a href="/1_timothy/5-8.htm">1 Timothy 5:8</a> , the Apostle Paul writes, "If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." This verse underscores the importance of fulfilling familial obligations, which includes the financial support of one's children.<br><br><b>Parental Responsibility</b><br><br>The Bible consistently highlights the duty of parents to care for their offspring. <a href="/proverbs/13-22.htm">Proverbs 13:22</a> states, "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is passed to the righteous." This proverb suggests that a righteous person not only provides for their immediate children but also considers the welfare of future generations.<br><br>Furthermore, <a href="/ephesians/6-4.htm">Ephesians 6:4</a> instructs, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." While this verse primarily addresses spiritual upbringing, it implies a holistic approach to parenting, which includes meeting the material needs of children.<br><br><b>Justice and Fairness</b><br><br>The Bible also speaks to the principles of justice and fairness, which are relevant to the concept of child support. In <a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a> , it is written, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Ensuring that children receive adequate support from both parents aligns with the biblical call to act justly and mercifully.<br><br><b>Divorce and Separation</b><br><br>While the Bible upholds the sanctity of marriage, it also acknowledges the reality of divorce and separation. In such cases, the responsibility to support one's children remains. <a href="/malachi/2-16.htm">Malachi 2:16</a> states, "For I hate divorce, says the LORD, the God of Israel," yet the welfare of children must be prioritized even in the dissolution of marriage.<br><br><b>Community Support</b><br><br>The early Christian community exemplified mutual support and care, as seen in <a href="/acts/2-44.htm">Acts 2:44-45</a> : "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." While this passage describes communal living, it reflects the broader biblical principle of supporting those in need, including children.<br><br><b>Conclusion</b><br><br>In summary, while the term "child support" is not explicitly found in the Bible, the principles of providing for one's family, acting justly, and ensuring the well-being of children are deeply rooted in Scripture. These principles guide believers in fulfilling their responsibilities to their children, regardless of marital status.<a name="top" id="top"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Bible Verses</div><span class="rtext"><a href="/ephesians/6-1.htm">Ephesians 6:1</a></span><br>Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.<br><span class="source">Topicalbible.org</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6</a></span><br>Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.<br><span class="source">Topicalbible.org</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/proverbs/13-24.htm">Proverbs 13:24</a></span><br>He that spares his rod hates his son: but he that loves him chastens him betimes.<br><span class="source">Topicalbible.org</span><p><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/tertullian/_on_the_flesh_of_christ/chapter_xxiii_simeons_sign_that_should.htm"><span class="l">Simeon's "Sign that Should be Contradicted," Applied to the <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> One of the Heretics' Paradoxes Turned in <b>Support</b> of Catholic Truth. <b>...</b> fulfilled, which<br> he spoke over the recently-born Saviour: [7250] "Behold, this <b>child</b> is set <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../tertullian/ on the flesh of christ/chapter xxiii simeons sign that should.htm</font><p><a href="/library/hippolytus/the_refutation_of_all_heresies/chapter_iii_further_exposition_of_the.htm"><span class="l">Further Exposition of the Heresy of the Naasseni; Profess to <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Acknowledge a Triad of Principles; Their Technical Names of the Triad; <b>Support</b> These<br> on the <b>...</b> it has, says he, been declared, "Israel, thou art my <b>child</b>: fear not <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter iii further exposition of the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/methodius/the_banquet_of_the_ten_virgins_or_concerning_chastity/chapter_vii_the_child_of_the.htm"><span class="l">The <b>Child</b> of the Woman in the Apocalypse not Christ, but the <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man-<b>child</b>. <b>...</b> the ancients;<br> the interpretation the translator favours having little <b>support</b> save among <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter vii the child of the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/philips/the_christian_home/chapter_xxi_the_choice_of.htm"><span class="l">The Choice of Pursuits.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> is not only doing great injustice to the <b>child</b>, but also to human society, subjecting<br> her to expenditure and corruption in the <b>support</b> and influence of paupers <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter xxi the choice of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/various/constitutions_of_the_holy_apostles/sec_iv_on_the_management_of.htm"><span class="l">On the Management of the Resources Collected for the <b>Support</b> of <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> IV."On the Management of the Resources Collected for the <b>Support</b> of the Clergy <b>...</b> I<br> begotten thee?" [2744] By thy bishop, O man, God adopts thee for His <b>child</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iv on the management of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/suso/a_little_book_of_eternal_wisdom/chapter_xvii_on_the_unutterable.htm"><span class="l">On the Unutterable Heart-Rending Grief of the Pure Queen of Heaven <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> how it was with thee in thy mind, and how thou didst <b>support</b> thyself at the foot<br> of the cross, when thou didst behold thy tender <b>Child</b>, the beautiful and <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/chapter xvii on the unutterable.htm</font><p><a href="/library/vogt/church_cooperation_in_community_life/chapter_ix_the_church_and.htm"><span class="l">The Church and Other Rural Agencies</span></a> <br><b>...</b> American Library Association, National University Extension Association, National<br> <b>Child</b> Health Council <b>...</b> and has continued to give them its moral <b>support</b> so long <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../vogt/church cooperation in community life/chapter ix the church and.htm</font><p><a href="/library/edersheim/the_life_and_times_of_jesus_the_messiah/chapter_ix_the_child-life_in.htm"><span class="l">The <b>Child</b>-Life in Nazareth</span></a> <br><b>...</b> came to look after his own interests, as well as to <b>support</b> Archelaus. <b>...</b> with God and<br> man.' Considering what loving care watched over Jewish <b>child</b>-life, tenderly <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ix the child-life in.htm</font><p><a href="/library/lee/sermons_on_various_important_subjects/sermon_xxiv_the_character_and.htm"><span class="l">The Character and Supports of Widows Indeed.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> mindful of his dependence on God, and prevent his resting on the creature for <b>support</b>. <b>...</b><br> The <b>child</b>, when in affliction, is wont to run to its parents and tell <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiv the character and.htm</font><p><a href="/library/kuyper/the_work_of_the_holy_spirit/xxxi_our_status.htm"><span class="l">Our Status.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> And yet it makes no difference whose <b>child</b> it really is, for the state will <b>support</b><br> it in all its rights of inheritance, because it passes for the <b>child</b> of <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxi our status.htm</font><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/death-of-a-child.html">How should Christian parents handle the death of a child? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/spare-rod-spoil-child.html">What does it mean to "spare the rod, spoil the child"? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/inner-child.html">Is the inner child a biblical concept? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/child.htm">Child: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/child.htm">Child</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/child_abuse.htm">Child Abuse</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/child_discipline.htm">Child Discipline</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/child_labor.htm">Child Labor</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/child_of_god.htm">Child of God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/child_rearing.htm">Child Rearing</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/child_sacrifice.htm">Child Sacrifice</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/child_support.htm">Child Support</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bearing.htm">Bearing (150 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/notwithstanding.htm">Notwithstanding (37 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/going.htm">Going (2561 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/discretion.htm">Discretion (20 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/modesty.htm">Modesty (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/preserved.htm">Preserved (27 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/propriety.htm">Propriety (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/child-bearing.htm">Child-bearing (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/childbirth.htm">Childbirth (24 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sobriety.htm">Sobriety (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/continue.htm">Continue (144 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/charity.htm">Charity (29 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/saved.htm">Saved (183 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/holiness.htm">Holiness (76 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/child.htm">Child (355 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sanctification.htm">Sanctification (13 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/c/child_sacrifice_and_witchcraft.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Child Sacrifice and Witchcraft"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Child Sacrifice and Witchcraft" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/c/childbearing.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Childbearing"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Childbearing" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>