The Bible has a lot to say about homes, including verses about the importance of home, instructions for home life, descriptions of heavenly homes, and more. Here is an overview of some key Bible verses about homes:
Verses about the importance of home
“Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife” (Proverbs 17:1). This verse emphasizes the importance of peace and relationships over material possessions in a home.
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord” (Proverbs 18:22). Marriage and family are viewed as blessings from God.
“Be hospitable to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9). Christians are called to open their homes to others and share generously.
Instructions for home life
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Fathers are given responsibility for directing their children’s upbringing.
“Older women…[should] train the young women to love their husbands and children” (Titus 2:3-4). Older women are called to mentor younger women, especially regarding their families.
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it” (Proverbs 3:27). Families should seek to do good for each other.
Descriptions of heavenly homes
“In my Father’s house are many rooms…I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). Jesus describes heaven in terms of a perfect heavenly home.
“But our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). Followers of Christ are described as citizens of a heavenly home.
“For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1). Our future with God is depicted as an eternal home.
Home as a refuge
“How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!” (Psalm 84:1) Home can be a peaceful refuge when God is present.
“The Lord preserves the sojourners” (Psalm 146:9). God protects those far from home.
“Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise!” (Psalm 84:4) Time at home with God should be joyful.
Responsibilities at home
“He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him” (Proverbs 14:31). Meet material needs of your household well.
“She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness” (Proverbs 31:27). Work diligently to care for your home.
“Manage your own household competently” (1 Timothy 3:4). Taking care of home is an important responsibility.
Loving family
“Let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband” (Ephesians 5:33). Spouses should sacrificially love and respect each other.
“Love one another with brotherly affection…Outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10). Treat family with great love and honor.
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). Lead family spiritually by serving God together.
Hospitality
“Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality” (Romans 12:13). Open your home to care for fellow Christians.
“Show hospitality to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9). Willingly share your home with an open heart.
“Let not the foreigner who has joined himself to the Lord say ‘The Lord will surely separate me from his people’” (Isaiah 56:3). Welcome outsiders into fellowship.
Unity and blessing
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” (Psalm 133:1) Home relationships thrive when unified.
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20). God’s presence blesses even small family gatherings.
“May the Lord bless you from Zion, he who made heaven and earth!” (Psalm 134:3) Ask God to bless your home and family.
Providing for family
“If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8). Caring for family’s needs is crucial.
“She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life” (Proverbs 31:12). A wife should actively do good for her husband.
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord” (Colossians 3:20). Children should respectfully obey parents.
Safe refuge
“The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it” (Proverbs 27:12). Home should be a safe refuge protected from harm.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). God promises to be present with us wherever we live.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Rely on God in difficult times.
Contentment
“Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it” (Proverbs 15:17). Loving relationships are most important, not lavish possessions.
“Godliness with contentment is great gain…But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content” (1 Timothy 6:6,8). Find contentment in simple provisions.
“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have” (Hebrews 13:5). Avoid jealousy and desire for more; be content.
Hard work
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Work diligently and wholeheartedly.
“A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich” (Proverbs 10:4). Diligence leads to provision.
“She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness” (Proverbs 31:27). Manage home wisely and avoid laziness.
Lack of home
“Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (Luke 9:58). Jesus gave up the comforts of home for ministry.
“Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations” (Psalm 90:1). For those without permanent homes, God is their refuge.
“The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). Jesus came to rescue the displaced and spiritual wanderers.
Future hope
“For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1). Our eternal home with God awaits.
“In my Father’s house are many rooms…I go to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2). Jesus prepares heavenly homes for us.
“For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14). This world is temporary; our sights should be set on eternity.