Grandmothers hold a special place in families, and the Bible acknowledges the wisdom and nurturing spirit that comes with age. Scripture speaks of the important role grandparents play in passing down faith and values to future generations. Let’s explore what the Bible says about the influence and significance of grandmothers.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Caring For The Elderly
What Does The Bible Say About Grandmothers
Proverbs 17:6
“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”
This verse highlights the special role that grandparents play in a family. Grandchildren bring joy and honor to their grandparents, and grandparents bring pride to their own children. It emphasizes the importance of the intergenerational bond and the value of wisdom and experience that grandparents bring to the family.
2 Timothy 1:5
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”
This verse demonstrates the powerful influence that a grandmother can have on the faith of her grandchildren. The sincere faith of Lois was passed down to her daughter Eunice and then to Timothy, who became a faithful follower of Christ. It serves as an encouragement for grandmothers to be a spiritual example and influence for their grandchildren.
Titus 2:3-5
“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”
This passage encourages older women, including grandmothers, to live in a way that reflects reverence and wisdom. It emphasizes their role in teaching and mentoring younger women, including their daughters and granddaughters, in various aspects of life. Grandmothers are called to be examples of love, self-control, purity, and hospitality, all while honoring the authority of their husbands, in order to uphold and protect the reputation of the Word of God.
Proverbs 13:22
“A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.”
This verse highlights the importance of leaving a legacy for future generations. A good person, including a wise and generous grandmother, desires to provide for her children and grandchildren both materially and spiritually. This inheritance goes beyond financial wealth and includes passing down values, wisdom, and a strong foundation in faith.
Psalm 128:6
“May you live to see your children’s children—peace be on Israel!”
This verse is a blessing that expresses the joy and fulfillment of seeing the next generation, including grandchildren. It represents the hope and prayers of a grandmother to witness the growth and prosperity of her descendants, both physically and spiritually. It also acknowledges the significance of peace within the family and the wider community.
Proverbs 31:26-28
“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”
This passage describes the virtuous woman, who can also represent a godly grandmother. She is characterized by her wisdom, her diligence, and her concern for her family. Her children and husband hold her in high regard and acknowledge her blessings. A godly grandmother embodies these qualities, providing guidance, support, and a loving presence within her family.
Ruth 4:15
“He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.”
This verse refers to Naomi, the mother-in-law of Ruth, who became a grandmother. It speaks of the provision and blessing that grandparents can experience, especially when they have a loving and caring relationship with their daughter-in-law or son-in-law. Grandmothers can find comfort and support in the younger generation, bringing renewal and sustenance to their lives.
Psalm 103:17-18
“But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.”
This psalm assures that God’s love and righteousness extend not only to the present generation but also to the future generations. The fear of the Lord, faithfulness, and obedience to His commandments will impact not only the children but also their children’s children. Grandmothers play a significant role in passing on the love for God and His ways to subsequent generations.
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.”
This verse reinforces the responsibility of grandparents, including grandmothers, to pass down their faith and the knowledge of God’s faithfulness to their children and grandchildren. It emphasizes the importance of intentional teaching and ensuring that the legacy of faith does not fade away but continues to shape the future generations.
Ephesians 6:2-3
“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.”
This verse reminds grandchildren of their duty to honor and respect their grandparents, including their grandmothers. It is not only a commandment but also carries a promise of blessings and a long and well-lived life. Honoring grandmothers entails acknowledging their wisdom, valuing their presence, and appreciating their love and guidance.
Psalm 78:4
“We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.”
This verse emphasizes the role of grandparents, specifically grandmothers, in passing down the stories and testimonies of God’s faithfulness and miraculous works to the following generations. It encourages the sharing of God’s goodness and marvels so that the younger ones may also come to know, love, and trust in the Lord.
1 Timothy 5:4
“But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.”
This verse reminds grandchildren of their responsibility to care for and support their widowed grandmothers. Supporting them and actively demonstrating their faith by fulfilling their familial obligations is considered an act of pleasing God. It urges grandchildren to honor their grandmothers by prioritizing their well-being and providing for their needs.
Psalm 139:13-14
“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.”
This passage acknowledges the sovereignty of God as the Creator and highlights the value and uniqueness of every individual. It also applies to the role of a grandmother, who, through her love and care, can help her grandchildren understand their worth and purpose in God’s eyes. A godly grandmother affirms her grandchildren’s identity, reminding them that they are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Proverbs 31:10
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”
This verse praises women of noble character, which can include grandmothers. It emphasizes their immeasurable worth and value, surpassing material possessions. Grandmothers are treasured and esteemed for their wisdom, love, and influence over their families, as they leave a lasting impact on their children and grandchildren.
Psalm 112:1-2
“Praise the LORD. Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in his commands. Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.”
This psalm emphasizes the blessings that come to those who fear and delight in the Lord. The promise extends to their children and future generations, including grandchildren. Grandmothers who fear the Lord and raise their families in His ways can expect God’s favor and blessings to manifest not only in their own lives but also in the lives of their descendants.
Proverbs 16:31
“Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.”
This verse speaks to the honor and respect due to elderly individuals, particularly grandmothers who display gray hair. It celebrates the wisdom, experience, and righteousness that comes with age. Grandmothers are to be valued and esteemed for the beauty their gray hair symbolizes, representing a life well-lived in accordance with God’s principles.
Psalm 17:6
“I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.”
This verse acknowledges God’s faithfulness and ability to hear and answer prayers. As grandmothers intercede on behalf of their children and grandchildren, this verse affirms that God is attentive and responsive. It reminds grandmothers to bring their requests and concerns before the Lord, trusting in His provision and guidance as they seek His intervention in the lives of their loved ones.
Proverbs 31:28-29
“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.'”
This verse describes the praise and admiration that a woman of noble character receives from her children and husband. A godly grandmother, who embodies these noble qualities, commands the respect and appreciation of her family. Her influence and impact go beyond her daily tasks and extend to the legacy she leaves in the lives of her children and grandchildren.
Exodus 20:12
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.”
This commandment, which includes honoring grandparents, serves as a reminder to grandchildren of their duty to respect and care for their grandmothers. By honoring their grandparents, they demonstrate gratitude for their love and sacrifice. The promise of long life in the land further accentuates the importance and benefits of honoring and cherishing the elderly.
Proverbs 14:26
“Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.”
This verse underscores the importance of fearing the Lord, which can also be translated as reverence and trust in Him. When grandmothers have such a foundation, it transcends through the generations, providing security and refuge for their children and grandchildren. A godly grandmother is a stronghold of faith and a source of comfort and protection for her family.
Psalm 78:1-4
“My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old— things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.”
This psalm emphasizes the importance of passing down the testimony of God’s faithfulness and marvelous works from one generation to another. It places the responsibility on grandmothers to ensure that the stories and teachings of God are not forgotten but shared with their children and grandchildren. By doing so, they instill faith and a deep appreciation for God’s power and faithfulness in the young hearts.
Psalm 145:4
“One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.”
This verse speaks to the intergenerational transmission of faith and the declaration of God’s mighty acts from one generation to another. Grandmothers play a crucial role in passing down the knowledge and experiences of God’s faithfulness, ensuring that their children and grandchildren are aware of His wonderful deeds. By doing so, they create a lineage of faith and a continuity of praising God’s works.
Proverbs 31:29
“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
This verse acknowledges the noble acts and qualities that many women possess. However, it specifically highlights the exceptional nature of a godly grandmother who exceeds them all. Grandmothers who embody the virtues of a godly woman, combined with their unconditional love and sacrifices for their families, stand out as important role models and inspirations for their children and grandchildren.
Philippians 1:3-5
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”
This passage expresses gratitude and joy for the partnership and involvement in spreading the gospel. Grandmothers who actively participate in the spiritual journey of their children and grandchildren, offering prayers and support, bring immense joy and appreciation. Their investment in their family’s faith journey creates a legacy of spiritual strength and unity.