The concept of adoption carries profound significance within the pages of the Bible, weaving a rich tapestry of spiritual truths about identity, belonging, and the boundless love of God.
While the term “adoption” may not be explicitly used, the Scriptures illuminate the spiritual reality that believers are chosen and embraced into God’s family.
Join in this journey through the biblical narrative, discovering the depths of God’s love and the profound implications of being chosen, accepted, and cherished as part of His eternal family.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Loyalty (with Explanation)
Bible Verses About Adoption
Ephesians 1:5 (ESV)
“he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.”
Adoption, in the biblical context, is not merely a legal process but a profound spiritual reality. Ephesians 1:5 emphasizes the divine initiative in adoption, highlighting that God predestined believers for adoption as His sons.
This verse underscores the intentional and purposeful nature of God’s plan. The act of adoption is not an afterthought but a central aspect of God’s will, emphasizing His desire for a familial relationship with His children.
Romans 8:15 (NIV)
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him, we cry, ‘Abba, Father.'”
In Romans 8:15, the Apostle Paul draws a vivid picture of the believer’s relationship with God through adoption. The contrast between slavery and sonship is stark, illustrating the transformative power of adoption.
The indwelling Holy Spirit, received upon belief, serves as the catalyst for this adoption, breaking the chains of fear and establishing an intimate connection with God. The use of “Abba, Father” expresses the closeness and familiarity that adoption brings—a relational depth characterized by trust and love.
Galatians 4:4-5 (NLT)
“But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law so that he could adopt us as his very own children.”
In Galatians 4:4-5, the timing of God’s redemptive plan is emphasized. The divine orchestration of events culminates in the sending of God’s Son to not only secure freedom from the law but also to facilitate adoption.
The imagery of being God’s “very own children” underscores the intimacy and permanence of this relationship. Adoption, in this context, is a dual deliverance—from legal bondage and into the loving embrace of a heavenly Father.
Psalm 68:5-6 (NIV)
“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families; he leads out the prisoners with singing.”
Psalm 68:5-6 captures the compassionate nature of God as a Father to the fatherless. The imagery of God setting the lonely in families is a powerful affirmation of His heart for adoption.
God’s role as a defender and provider for the vulnerable extends to placing the solitary in the context of familial love and support. This verse reinforces the idea that adoption is not only a legal transaction but a reflection of God’s heart for the marginalized.
James 1:27 (ESV)
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
James 1:27 challenges believers to embody true religion by caring for orphans and widows. While not explicitly using the term “adoption,” this verse highlights the responsibility of believers to extend compassion and support to those in need.
It implies a call to action, emphasizing that a genuine expression of faith includes actively engaging in the well-being of the vulnerable, including orphans. In doing so, believers mirror God’s heart for adoption and demonstrate a lived-out faith.
John 1:12-13 (NIV)
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”
In John 1:12-13, the concept of adoption is presented in the context of receiving Christ. Believers are granted the remarkable privilege of becoming children of God through faith in Jesus. This verse emphasizes the divine origin of this new identity, emphasizing that it is not based on human lineage or decision but on a spiritual rebirth.
Adoption, in this sense, is a transformative experience initiated by God, where believers are welcomed into His family with all the rights and privileges of true children.
1 John 3:1 (ESV)
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”
The depth of God’s love is highlighted in 1 John 3:1, underscoring the significance of believers being called children of God. The world may not fully comprehend this identity, as it is rooted in a relationship with God that transcends worldly understanding.
Adoption is not just a legal status but a manifestation of God’s love, establishing a unique connection between the believer and the Father. This verse challenges believers to recognize and appreciate the profound nature of their adopted status.
Isaiah 43:1 (NIV)
“But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.'”
Isaiah 43:1 speaks to the reassuring nature of God’s relationship with His people. The language of creation and formation emphasizes God’s intentional and personal involvement in the lives of believers.
The declaration “you are mine” resonates with the essence of adoption, signifying a unique and irrevocable bond between God and His adopted children. This verse echoes the comforting truth that, through redemption, believers belong to God in a profound and secure way.
John 14:18 (ESV)
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
In John 14:18, Jesus assures His disciples that they will not be left as orphans. This statement is both a promise of His abiding presence and a foreshadowing of the coming Holy Spirit. While not explicitly using the term “adoption,” this verse communicates the idea of a divine commitment to providing care and support.
It anticipates the spiritual reality of believers being embraced into God’s family through the work of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11 encapsulates the overarching theme of God’s redemptive plan. While not directly addressing adoption, the promise of plans for welfare, a future, and hope speaks to God’s intentionality in orchestrating a positive outcome for His people.
Adoption fits into this narrative as a means by which God fulfills His plans, providing a future filled with His love and care for those who are embraced into His family.
Matthew 18:5 (ESV)
“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.”
In Matthew 18:5, Jesus associates the act of receiving a child with receiving Him. While this verse doesn’t explicitly use the term “adoption,” it underscores the spiritual significance of caring for and embracing those who are vulnerable, much like the theme of adoption.
It reflects the idea that acts of kindness and care toward others, especially the marginalized, are akin to welcoming Christ Himself.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, the concept of ownership and belonging is explored. While the primary focus is on the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the idea of believers being bought at a price speaks to the redemptive work of Christ.
Adoption, though not explicitly mentioned, aligns with this passage as a profound consequence of being purchased by God. Believers are not their own; they belong to God, illustrating the depth of their relationship with Him.
Hebrews 2:10 (NLT)
“God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation.”
Hebrews 2:10 speaks to God’s purpose in bringing many children into glory through the suffering of Jesus. While the primary focus is on salvation, the idea of being brought into God’s family is inherent in this concept.
Adoption, as a theme, aligns with the notion of believers becoming part of God’s family through the redemptive work of Christ.
Psalm 27:10 (NIV)
“Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.”
Psalm 27:10 highlights the unwavering nature of God’s acceptance. The assurance that even if earthly relationships fail, the Lord will receive the believer, resonates with the security found in adoption.
This verse emphasizes the constancy of God’s love and His role as a steadfast and loving Father to those who may experience brokenness in their earthly families.
2 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV)
“And, ‘I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters,’ says the Lord Almighty.'”
Quoting from the Old Testament (2 Samuel 7:14), 2 Corinthians 6:18 reinforces the familial relationship between God and His people. The declaration, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters,” captures the essence of adoption.
This verse affirms the believers’ status as beloved members of God’s family, emphasizing the intimacy and closeness of the parent-child relationship.
Psalm 82:3-4 (NIV)
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
While not explicitly addressing adoption, Psalm 82:3-4 emphasizes the biblical call to defend and care for the vulnerable. This aligns with the concept of adoption as a means through which believers can actively participate in God’s compassionate and protective nature.
The verses underscore the importance of extending support and care, reflecting God’s heart for those in need.
Proverbs 14:31 (NIV)
“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
Proverbs 14:31 emphasizes the connection between kindness to the needy and honoring God. While not directly referencing adoption, the verse communicates the broader biblical theme of caring for those who are marginalized.
In the context of adoption, believers can see an application of this principle as they engage in acts of kindness and compassion toward vulnerable children, reflecting the honor due to God.
Luke 18:16 (NIV)
“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.'”
In Luke 18:16, Jesus expresses a profound affinity for children and their place in the kingdom of God. This attitude aligns with the spirit of adoption, as it emphasizes the value and significance of children in God’s eyes.
The verse underscores the importance of not hindering or overlooking the place of children, mirroring the inclusive and nurturing nature of adoption.
Psalm 10:14 (NIV)
“But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.”
Psalm 10:14 acknowledges God as the helper of the fatherless. Although not explicitly addressing adoption, the verse conveys the idea of God actively intervening on behalf of those who lack familial support.
It aligns with the biblical theme of God’s care for the fatherless, reinforcing the notion that adoption reflects God’s redemptive and caring nature.
1 Timothy 5:1-2 (NIV)
“Do not rebuke an older man harshly but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.”
While not directly addressing adoption, 1 Timothy 5:1-2 provides guidance on how believers should relate to one another as a spiritual family. The familial language used here echoes the sense of belonging and mutual care emphasized in adoption.
It encourages believers to treat one another with familial love and respect, reinforcing the idea that the church community reflects the bonds of adoption into God’s family.
Psalm 146:9 (NIV)
“The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.”
Psalm 146:9 reaffirms God’s watchful care for the fatherless. While not explicitly mentioning adoption, the verse emphasizes God’s protective role in sustaining those who lack familial support.
This aligns with the biblical theme of God as a defender of the vulnerable, providing a spiritual context for understanding the significance of adoption in reflecting God’s caring nature.
Deuteronomy 10:18 (NIV)
“He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.”
Deuteronomy 10:18 highlights God’s role as a defender of the fatherless and the widow. While not addressing adoption directly, the verse underscores God’s compassionate nature, actively caring for those who lack familial support.
This aligns with the biblical theme that adoption, as an expression of love and care for the vulnerable, reflects the character of God.
Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'”
In Matthew 25:40, Jesus emphasizes the interconnectedness between caring for others and serving Him. While not explicitly about adoption, the verse captures the essence of the biblical call to care for the vulnerable.
Believers engaged in acts of kindness, including adoption, are seen as directly serving Christ, underscoring the spiritual significance of their actions.
Psalm 27:10 (ESV)
“For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in.”
Psalm 27:10, when translated in the English Standard Version (ESV), expresses the assurance that even in the face of human abandonment, the Lord will take the believer in.
This verse resonates with the theme of adoption, highlighting God’s role as the ultimate caregiver who welcomes the forsaken into His family.
Isaiah 1:17 (NIV)
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
Isaiah 1:17 issues a call to seek justice, defend the oppressed, and take up the cause of the fatherless.
While not explicitly addressing adoption, this verse aligns with the biblical theme of believers actively engaging in acts of compassion and justice, including the care and support of vulnerable children.
Exodus 22:22 (NIV)
“Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless.”
In Exodus 22:22, God’s commandment explicitly prohibits the mistreatment or exploitation of the fatherless. Although not directly addressing adoption, this verse underscores the importance of compassion and ethical treatment towards those who lack the protection of a family.
It aligns with the biblical theme of upholding justice and care for the vulnerable.
Jeremiah 22:3 (NIV)
“This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.”
Jeremiah 22:3 emphasizes the importance of doing what is just and right, including rescuing the fatherless from oppression. While not directly mentioning adoption, this verse highlights the biblical mandate to protect and care for the vulnerable.
It reinforces the notion that believers are called to act justly and extend compassion, reflecting God’s heart for the marginalized.
Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV)
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
Proverbs 31:8-9 calls believers to be advocates for the vulnerable, including the fatherless. While not explicitly addressing adoption, the verse aligns with the biblical theme of social justice and compassionate advocacy.
It encourages believers to use their voices and resources to defend the rights of those who cannot speak for themselves, emphasizing the importance of caring for the marginalized.
Isaiah 58:6-7 (NIV)
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”
Isaiah 58:6-7 challenges believers to go beyond ritualistic practices and engage in acts of justice and compassion. While adoption is not explicitly mentioned, the verse aligns with the biblical theme of actively addressing the needs of the oppressed and vulnerable.
It emphasizes the holistic nature of caring for others, extending support and care to those who lack familial connections.
Zechariah 7:9-10 (NIV)
“This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.'”
Zechariah 7:9-10 reinforces the biblical call to administer justice and show mercy and compassion. While not explicitly mentioning adoption, the verse aligns with the overarching theme of caring for the vulnerable.
It emphasizes the importance of justice, mercy, and compassion, providing a foundation for understanding the biblical principles that underlie the act of adoption.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Alcohol (with Explanations)
What Does the Bible Say About Adoption
Ephesians 1:5 (ESV) “he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.”
This verse from Ephesians highlights the intentional and purposeful nature of God’s plan, predestining believers for adoption as His sons. It underscores that becoming part of God’s family is not an accident but a deliberate choice aligned with His divine will.
Romans 8:15 (NIV) “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him, we cry, ‘Abba, Father.'”
In Romans, the Apostle Paul speaks of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, which not only frees believers from fear but establishes a familial relationship with God. The use of “Abba, Father” conveys an intimate and affectionate connection, akin to a child addressing their father.
Galatians 4:4-5 (NLT) “But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law so that he could adopt us as his very own children.”
This passage in Galatians connects the redemptive work of Jesus to adoption, illustrating that through Christ’s sacrifice, believers are not only freed from the law but also adopted as God’s very own children.
A Prayer for Embracing God’s Adoption
Heavenly Father,
We come before you with hearts filled with gratitude for the profound truth that You have predestined us for adoption as Your sons and daughters through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. In the midst of a world that may sometimes make us feel orphaned and alone, we find solace in Your promise to be our Abba, our loving Father.
We praise You for the perfect timing of sending Your Son, Jesus, to buy our freedom and adopt us as Your very own children. In moments of uncertainty and struggle, remind us that we belong to You, secure in the embrace of Your eternal family.
May our lives be a testimony to the world of Your great love, as we, Your adopted children, strive to mirror Your heart for justice, mercy, and compassion. In moments of doubt, reassure us of Your unwavering commitment to us, and inspire us to share this transformative love with others.
In the name of Jesus, our Redeemer and Brother, we pray. Amen.