Baby dedication is a special ceremony where parents commit to raising their child according to God’s Word and ways. It is a meaningful tradition rooted in Scripture and the faith of generations.
As you prepare to dedicate your baby, one of the most important steps is choosing meaningful Bible verses. Scripture brings truth, encouragement and blessing over your child’s life.
This ultimate guide suggests 50 of the best Bible verses for incorporating into your baby’s dedication. We provide verses from both Old and New Testaments, ranging from parental prayers to godly instruction to special blessings.
Why Choose Bible Verses?
Including Bible verses is a crucial part of a baby dedication for several reasons:
- It helps root the ceremony in Scripture and reminds all attendees that children are a gift from God.
- The verses allow parents to proclaim their faith and intentions for parenting.
- Scripture aids in praying over the child and dedicating them to God’s purposes.
- Bible verses provide wisdom and guidance for raising the child in a godly home.
- They become a blessing spoken over the child’s life that they can carry with them.
Picking meaningful verses is a necessary process. As you make your selections, here are some helpful guidelines:
- Reflect on verses that resonate with your faith and desires as a parent. What wisdom do you most need to raise your child?
- Aim for a balance between Old and New Testament passages. This provides a rich biblical foundation.
- Consider incorporating Christ-centered verses that reflect the hope found in Jesus. These point to God’s ultimate plan for salvation.
- Choose an anchor passage to build your other verses around. This could be a blessing, prayer, or instruction to parents.
- Select verses that will bless, encourage, and exhort your child throughout their life. Pray over your choices.
Now let’s explore 50 of the best options for baby dedication Bible verses!
50 Baby Dedication Bible Verses
Old Testament Verses
The Old Testament provides a wealth of verses about God’s heart for children and parenting wisdom. Here are 15 key passages:
- Genesis 1:27 – So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
- Genesis 33:5 – Then Esau looked up and saw the women and children. “Who are these with you?” he asked. Jacob answered, “They are the children God has graciously given your servant.”
- Exodus 13:14 – “In days to come, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ say to him, ‘With a mighty hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
- Deuteronomy 4:9 – Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
- Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
- Deuteronomy 11:19 – Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
- Psalm 127:3-5 – Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior, are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.
- Psalm 139:13-16 – For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well.
- Proverbs 17:6 – Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.
- Proverbs 22:6 – Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
- Proverbs 29:17 – Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.
- Ecclesiastes 12:1 – Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them.”
- Isaiah 54:13 – All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace.
- Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
- Joel 2:28 – I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
New Testament Verses
The arrival of Jesus provides new inspiration for parents looking for baby dedication Bible verses. Here are 15 key New Testament options:
- Matthew 18:1-5 – At that time, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”
- Matthew 19:13-15 – Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.
- Mark 10:13-16 – People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.
- Luke 18:15-17 – People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
- John 16:21 – A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come, but when her baby is born, she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.
- Acts 2:39 – The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.
- Ephesians 6:1-4 – Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
- Colossians 3:20-21 – Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
- 1 Timothy 4:12 – Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
- 2 Timothy 3:14-15 – But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
- Hebrews 12:5-7 – And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their fathers?
- 1 John 3:1 – See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
- Revelation 1:17 – When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.”
Psalms & Proverbs
In addition to longer passages, individual verses from Psalms and Proverbs provide wisdom and blessing for baby dedication. 10 key options include:
- Psalm 8:2 – Through the praise of children and infants, you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.
- Psalm 23:1 – The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing.
- Psalm 27:1 – The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
- Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
- Psalm 91:11 – For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
- Psalm 118:24 – This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
- Psalm 127:1 – Unless the Lord builds the house, the builder’s labour in vain.
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
- Proverbs 22:6 – Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
- Proverbs 31:25 – She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
Blessings & Benedictions
Special blessings and benedictions provide a meaningful way to conclude a baby’s dedication. 5 great options include:
- Numbers 6:24-26 – “‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.'”
- Psalm 115:14 – May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children.
- Isaiah 40:11 – He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
- 1 Peter 5:6-7 – Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
- Jude 1:24-25 – To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Parent’s Prayers
Baby dedications often include parents offering prayers for their children. Here are 5 meaningful options:
- Psalm 127:3-5 – Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!
- Psalm 139:13-16 – For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
- Psalm 144:12 – May our sons in their youth be like plants full grown, our daughters like corner pillars cut for the structure of a palace.
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
- Isaiah 54:13 – All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.
- 1 Peter 2:2 – Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.
- Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.
Tips for Incorporating Your Verses
You’ve chosen your baby dedication Bible verses. Now it’s time to think about how to incorporate them into the actual ceremony and beyond. Here are some ideas:
- Read the verses aloud during the dedication. You could do this as a reading or work them into a blessing, prayer, or charge to the parents.
- Print the verses in the ceremony program or on handouts. This allows attendees to reflect on them.
- Display the verses visually with posters, banners, slides, or videos. This engages more of the senses.
- Gift a frame, plaque, painting, or keepsake ornament inscribed with the verses for the baby’s room.
- Discuss the meanings and importance of the verses together as a family. Make them part of your child’s early foundation.
- Commit to regularly reinforcing the verses through memorization, family devotions, bedtime prayers, etc.
Raising Your Child in Faith
Baby dedication marks the beginning of your sacred journey as parents. It’s just one step in laying a lifelong biblical foundation for your child through teaching, instruction, and godly example.
Rely daily on the strength and wisdom of God’s Spirit. Be encouraged that, ultimately, your child belongs to Him. The verses you pick today will continue speaking truth, promise, and blessing over your precious little one all the days of their life.
I’m Mithun Debnath, a dedicated dad and the founder of Papa Parenting. I’m here to share my parenting journey, tips, and insights to make your life as a parent a little easier. Join me as we navigate the adventures of fatherhood together.