Parenting is one of the most important and challenging responsibilities in life. Ideas about what makes a good parent vary widely - across families, cultures, and communities - but for most parents and carers discipline is seen as a vital part of raising children. Within Christian communities, many turn to the Bible for guidance on how to discipline in a way that reflects their faith values.
One topic that often arises around this is corporal or physical punishment - the use of physical methods, such as smacking or hitting, to correct behaviour. Some Christians believe this is biblically endorsed, while others argue that such interpretations misrepresent Scripture. This conversation is particularly relevant as there are increasing calls in England and Northern Ireland to remove the legal defence of 'reasonable punishment' in cases of child assault, aligning with Scotland and Wales. Some view this as government overreach into family life.
But what does the Bible say about disciplining children? And how should Christians respond to the legal and ethical questions surrounding physical punishment?
What does Scripture say about discipline?
The Bible affirms the importance of discipline in a child’s life. It is portrayed not as punishment for its own sake, but as a loving act of guidance and formation. In Proverbs 3:11–12, we read: “Do not despise the Lord’s discipline… because the Lord disciplines those he loves.” Similarly, Ephesians 6:4 instructs: “…do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
These verses along with others, highlight that discipline should be rooted in love, patience, and instruction - not frustration or control. The goal is to nurture wisdom and character, not to instil fear.
Jesus consistently treated children with dignity and compassion. He welcomed them as models of faith (Mark 10:14–16) and warned against causing them harm (Matthew 18:6). In the broader biblical narrative, God’s discipline is consistent, purposeful, and always rooted in love. Hebrews 12:6 reminds us: “The Lord disciplines the one he loves…” and Colossians 3:21 cautions: “…do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”
Christian parenting, then, is called to mirror this divine model - discipline that guides, not wounds.
Interpreting the “rod” verses
Some of the most debated verses on this topic are the ‘rod’ verses that come from the Old Testament including Proverbs 13:24 “Whoever spares the rod hates their children…” At first glance, these verses seem to endorse physical punishment. However, many biblical scholars see this as a misreading of the text, especially when taken out of context.
In ancient Hebrew culture, the “rod” was a symbol of guidance and authority, associated with shepherds, not necessarily a tool of violence. In Psalm 23, the rod is a source of comfort: “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Old Testament scholars note that Proverbs is a book of wisdom literature, rich in metaphor and poetic language and most agree that references to the “rod” are best understood as representing firm, loving correction - not physical harm. The emphasis throughout Proverbs is on moral and spiritual formation, not punishment.
Even Proverbs 23:13–14, which refers to striking with a rod, is interpreted by many scholars as metaphorical. The goal is to deliver the child from spiritual ruin - not to inflict pain. Theologians argue that the language reflects the seriousness of guiding children toward righteousness, not a literal endorsement of physical punishment.
The broader Biblical ethic
Beyond Proverbs, the Bible consistently upholds the dignity and protection of the vulnerable. Isaiah 1:17 calls believers to: “Rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan…”
This ethic aligns with the protection of children, not causing them harm. Jesus’ ministry was marked by gentleness, healing, and restoration. There is no record of him using violence to correct behaviour - especially not with children.
Christian ethicists propose that the broader biblical themes of justice, compassion, and mercy contradict the use of physical punishment. Discipline, in the biblical sense, is about formation, not fear.
Why physical punishment falls short
Many parents who continue to use physical discipline often do so with good intentions—seeking to correct, protect, and guide, perhaps using models their own parents or culture used when they were a child. But modern research shows us that physical punishment is not an effective method in correcting children’s behaviour and can lead to unintended and harmful consequences including increased aggression and anxiety, lower self-esteem, strained parent-child relationships, and long-term mental health issues.
These outcomes conflict with the biblical call to raise children in love and wisdom. Christian scholars propose that non-violent discipline that is loving, consistent, and rooted in relationship is more effective—and better reflects the values of justice, compassion, and dignity found in Scripture.
Rights and Responsibilities
The issue of physical punishment often sparks strong opinions. Sometimes the debate is framed as a clash between parents’ rights and children’s rights. But it may be more helpful to think of it in terms of shared responsibilities. Parents have the right to raise their children according to their values—but also the responsibility to protect them from harm. Governments have a duty to safeguard vulnerable citizens—including children—especially when harm may be hidden or normalised.
The Law Society of Scotland notes that the right to family life does not extend to the use of violence, even if culturally accepted. Legal protections for children are not about undermining parental authority—they are about ensuring safety and dignity for all.
Faith and Law working together
Protecting children from physical harm including as part of discipline or punishment is not a rejection of biblical instruction it is an embrace of the Gospel’s ethic of love and protection. Laws that safeguard children reflect the Christian call to protect the vulnerable (Isaiah 1:17), to act justly and love mercy (Micah 6:8), and to raise children in the instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).
At Thirtyone:eight we, along with many other faith-based organisations, believe that Christians can - and should - work across political and theological lines to promote child wellbeing. This includes challenging or re-evaluating understandings and interpretations of Scripture that are used to justify harm.
Campaigning for reform in this area is not about unfairly targeting good parents, it’s about aligning our laws with the values of compassion, justice, and care that lie at the heart of Christian faith.
A Compassionate Conclusion
Parenting is a journey of grace. As Christians, we are called to walk that journey alongside parents with love, wisdom, and a commitment to the wellbeing of every child.
Discipline is an essential part of raising children. But it is most effective when it is loving, wise, and life-giving. The Bible calls us to guide our children, not harm them. As Christians, we can support legal reforms that protect children while still upholding the sacred role of parents.
Standing against physical punishment is not a compromise of faith—it is a faithful response to the call to love our children as God loves us.