Becoming a godparent means walking part of the way together: at the baptism, later at communion, confirmation, or confirmation, and at many moments in between. These 20 Bible verses help with this – as a blessing for the godchild on a card or in a godparent letter and as a reminder of what the role actually entails.
Verses that godparents can give to their godchild
For a card, letter, or speech at the baptism.
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The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26BlessingBaptism verses
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The LORD keep you from all evil; he keep your soul; the LORD keep your going out and your coming in from now and forevermore.
Psalm 121:7-8Protection
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For he has given his angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.
Psalm 91:11AngelsBaptism verses
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See, I have commanded you to be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you in all that you do.
Joshua 1:9EncouragementBaptism verses
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Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10FearConfirmation verses
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I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will guide you with my eyes.
Psalm 32:8GuidanceBaptism verses
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And behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go.
Genesis 28:15aProtectionBaptism verses
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My beloved, I wish you in all things that you may prosper and be in good health, and that your soul may prosper.
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And I am glad and confident that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
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That you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Colossians 1:9bWisdomGod's will
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That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
Ephesians 3:17aHeart
Verses about the role of a godparent
Being a godparent means: accompanying, praying, being there.
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As a child is accustomed, so he will not depart from it when he grows up.
Proverbs 22:6ChildrenSchool enrollment
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And these words, which I command you today, you shall take to heart and teach them to your children, and speak of them when you sit in your house.
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And when I remember the unfailing faith that was in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is also in you.
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But far be it from me to sin against the LORD, so that I should cease to pray for you.
1 Samuel 12:23aPrayer
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For two are better than one, because they enjoy their work well. If one falls, his companion helps him up. Woe to him who is alone! When he falls, there is no one to help him up.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10FriendshipLoneliness
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I thank my God whenever I remember you (for I always pray for you all in all my prayers, and I pray with joy).
Philippians 1:3-4Gratitude
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For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, that I may strengthen you; that is, that I may be encouraged together with you through your faith and my faith, which we have in one another.
Romans 1:11-12Community
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Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, as you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11EncouragementFriendship
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Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17FriendshipMen
Bible texts according to the Luther Bible 1912 (public domain), carefully adapted to modern spelling. Many congregations use newer translations – for the certificate and card, it is best to use the wording of your congregation.
Related topics
This goes well with it
A verse alone is already a gift. Together with something the godchild can actually use, it becomes a keepsake. These four pieces go well with it; our guide Baptism gift from a godparent collects more ideas.
Baptism gift bundle – T-shirt, book & baptism cardT-shirt, book and baptism card in one package – the ready-made godparent gift.€50
Baptizo - PostcardThe baptism card for your blessing as a godparent.€2
Created in God’s Image - Kids SweaterFor little godchildren: “Created in God’s Image” as a soft sweater.€39
Promises Vintage SweaterFor older godchildren: an embroidered sweater that reminds them of God’s promises.€55
What does being a godparent entail?
At the baptism, godparents promise to accompany their godchild in faith. What that means concretely is open – and that is exactly what makes the role challenging. The Bible does not know the word godparent, but describes what good companions do: they pray for someone (1 Samuel 12:23), they pass on what is important to them (Deuteronomy 6:6-7), and they strengthen the other when they fall (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Paul reminds Timothy of the faith of his grandmother and mother – a beautiful image of how faith is often passed on by people who were simply there.
A verse for the godparent letter
Many godparents write a letter to their godchild at the baptism, which is only opened years later. A Bible verse gives the letter a common thread: Why did you choose exactly this verse? What do you wish the child with it? What did the verse mean in your own life? From these three questions, a personal text emerges almost by itself. How the baptism ceremony looks and what role godparents play in it is explained in our article Baptism: Ceremony and the Role of Godparents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do godparents choose the baptism verse?
It varies. Usually, the parents decide, often together with the godparents. If asked, you can bring two or three suggestions – there are options in our baptism verses.
Which verse is suitable for a godparent card?
A blessing verse like Numbers 6:24-26 or Psalm 121:7-8 is almost always suitable. It becomes more personal when you add what you specifically wish the child.
What can godparents do beyond the baptism?
Be there regularly: congratulate on the baptism day, call on birthdays, be present at communion, confirmation, or confirmation. Many godchildren later remember the time spent together more than the gifts.
