Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Having Children Outside Of Marriage?
10 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Having Children Outside Of Marriage in the Bible
What does the Bible say about having children outside of marriage? Browse 18 carefully selected verses that illuminate this biblical theme.
Top 10 Verses About Having Children Outside Of Marriage
- 1Genesis 2:24
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
KJV - 2Deuteronomy 23:2
“A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the LORD.”
KJV - 3Psalms 121:1
“A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. I will: or, Shall I lift up mine eyes to the hills? whence should my help come?”
KJV - 4
- 5Matthew 5:27
“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:”
KJV - 6John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
KJV - 7
- 8Romans 5:8
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
KJV - 9Galatians 2:20
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
KJV - 10Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
KJV
Old Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Having Children Outside Of Marriage? (4 Verses)
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
“A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the LORD.”
“A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. I will: or, Shall I lift up mine eyes to the hills? whence should my help come?”
“Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.”
New Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Having Children Outside Of Marriage? (6 Verses)
“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:”
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.”
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
How to Study What the Bible Says About Having Children Outside Of Marriage
- 1
Begin by reading through every verse listed on this page, noting which ones speak most directly to your current season of life. Write them down and revisit them throughout the week.
- 2
Use a concordance or the search tools on this site to find additional passages about having children outside of marriage. Look for patterns across both the Old and New Testaments to gain a complete picture of what God reveals on this subject.
- 3
Study the context of each verse. Read the surrounding chapter to understand who was speaking, who the audience was, and what circumstances prompted the passage. Context prevents misapplication.
- 4
Memorise at least one key verse about having children outside of marriage and meditate on it daily. Scripture memory transforms thinking and equips you to apply God's Word in real-time situations.
Practical Application
Studying what the Bible says about having children outside of marriage is only the beginning. Scripture is meant to be lived out in daily obedience and faith. Here are practical steps to apply these truths:
Identify one area of your life where the biblical teaching on having children outside of marriage needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about having children outside of marriage with a fellow believer or in a small group setting. Teaching others solidifies your own understanding and encourages mutual growth.
Pray through the key verses about having children outside of marriage, asking God to reveal how His Word applies to your relationships, decisions, and daily habits.
How Well Do You Know What the Bible Says About Having Children Outside Of Marriage?
You have studied 10 verses about having children outside of marriage. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.