Does the Bible say anything about child abuse?

from the old testament

• Scripture presents children as gifts from the LORD and a blessing to be received with gratitude and care. Parents are called to teach their children to love and obey God as a way of life, talking about His commands at home and elsewhere, morning and night (Deuteronomy 6:5-7; Psalm 127:3). This provides the foundation for all correction: discipline is meant to guide a child toward wisdom and worship, not as a way to vent anger or control the child. In short, the goal is the child’s moral and spiritual growth (Deuteronomy 6:2).
• Proverbs explains that correction, when done rightly, is actually an expression of love. It says, “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him” (Proverbs 13:24). Such discipline is not permission for harshness; rather, it is a call for measured, intentional training that protects a child from greater harm (Proverbs 23:13-14; 29:15). The goal of discipline is always to rescue a person from continuing down a path of sin and death. It teaches that sin has consequences to help prevent eternal destruction.
• The LORD’s own character demonstrates that discipline should be guided by compassion. He revealed Himself as “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6). Parents are called to imitate that restraint and love in their correction.
• God’s law also demanded justice for the vulnerable and condemned all cruelty, including the horror of child sacrifice (Deuteronomy 24:17; Leviticus 18:21; Jeremiah 7:31). Discipline rooted in love reflects God’s heart; abuse that harms or degrades the child opposes it.

from the new testament

• Jesus used children as an example of humble faith and then warned of severe judgment for anyone who leads His “little ones” into sin (Mark 9:42). In context, the phrase refers to believers who trust Him with childlike dependence, but His words also emphasize the seriousness of harming the weak or vulnerable (Matthew 18:5-6). By using a child to illustrate His point, Jesus revealed God’s heart toward those who are easily mistreated. The warning, therefore, goes beyond spiritual harm to include any abuse of power or neglect of care.
• The apostles provided parents with a positive example of what godly authority looks like. Paul wrote, “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged” (Colossians 3:21) and encouraged parents to “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). He was emphasizing that no discipline should cross the line into physical or spiritual harm. Parental correction should reflect the patience, gentleness, and love of Christ Himself.
• God’s own discipline provides the ultimate example. Hebrews teaches that “the Lord disciplines the one he loves” and that His correction produces “the peaceful fruit of righteousness” in those trained by it (Hebrews 12:6, 11). His discipline is not driven by anger but by compassion, always aimed at the believer’s holiness and lasting good. Though it may be painful at the moment, discipline that reflects God’s heart seeks a child’s repentance, growth, and eternal well-being.
• Because love governs every Christian relationship, any form of abuse—physical, verbal, emotional, sexual, or spiritual—is incompatible with faith in Christ. Love “is patient and kind” and “does not insist on its own way” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). While different sins may require different levels of correction, all proper discipline aims at restoration and reconciliation with God. Any act that humiliates or harms rather than heals departs from the love of Christ and goes against His will for the family.

implications for today

Godly discipline is never about control or anger. It flows from love that seeks a child’s good and reflects the Lord’s own correction. Healthy discipline is patient, measured, and consistent—it teaches that actions have consequences while guiding the child toward repentance and faith in Christ. Parents who discipline with gentleness, prayer, and humility mirror God’s heart and help children see that His ways bring life and peace.

Because love also protects, believers must never ignore signs of abuse. If you suspect a child is being harmed, take action. Love does not stay silent when someone is in danger. Contact the proper civil authorities and trusted church leaders immediately to ensure the child’s safety. If you’re unsure how to proceed, seek help from a pastor or qualified counselor. Taking clear, protective steps is part of Christian obedience and caring for the vulnerable.

If you carry wounds from past abuse, remember that God sees you and grieves the wrong done to you. He heals the brokenhearted and offers hope through His people. In Christ, you are not defined by what happened to you but by His love, forgiveness, and power to restore.

Because all people are sinners, the Gospel offers forgiveness to everyone—including those who have sinned grievously—when repentance is genuine. Forgiveness never cancels justice, but it makes redemption possible even for the most wicked. By God’s grace, even families broken by abuse can start anew. As believers walk in humility and wisdom, their homes can reflect the patient, protective love of their heavenly Father.