What Is biblical fatherhood?

Throughout the book of Proverbs, Solomon repeatedly addresses his words to “my son,” framing his wisdom as a father’s instruction to his child. In light of this—and with Father’s Day still fresh in our minds—I want to ask a foundational question: What is biblical fatherhood? In this blog, I want to consider some of the foundational characteristics of biblical fatherhood that are taught in Scripture.

1. Fatherhood Begins with God the Father

In Ephesians 3:14-15, Paul says, "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named." When Jesus taught us how to pray, he said, "Pray then like this: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name” (Matt. 6:9). Both of these verses underscore the truth that God is the ultimate source and pattern of fatherhood. Human fatherhood should be patterned after God’s relationship with His people. When thinking about the example that God sets as our Father, a few key traits stand out. As a Father, God is loving, compassionate, faithful, and present. He knows how to give good gifts to His children (Matt. 7:11). He either gives us what we ask or what we should have asked. As a Father, God also provides and protects His children. The Lord disciplines those that He loves (Heb. 12:5-11). If we are know what it means to be a good father, then we must first know and imitate God our heavenly Father.

2. Reflecting God’s Character

Fathers are called to reflect God’s character to their children by not provoking them to anger, but bringing them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). Paul gave this verse in the context of the Greco-Roman world. Father’s had great authority and were often harsh and authoritarian. Here, Paul is calling Christian fathers to lead differently. He is calling them to lead with gentleness, purpose, and Christlikeness. They aren’t to parent in a way that demeans and discourages children. Instead, they are to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Fathers are called to nurture their children through training them in righteousness. How do we do that? By teaching diligently looking for opportunities to teach them in the everyday rhythms of life:

"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." Deut. 6:6-7

3. Prophet, Priest, and King

One of the most theologically rich ways to understand biblical fatherhood is through the lens of prophet, priest, and king—the three offices fulfilled perfectly by Jesus Christ. Christian fathers are called to reflect these roles as they seek to imitate Christ and lead their families in the fear and knowledge of the Lord.

Prophet: The prophets of Israel were charged with speaking God’s Word to the people. They were the voice of God to the people – calling them to faith and obedience and warning them of judgment. Likewise, the father serves a primary role of teaching God’s Word to his children in the home. By teaching his children and by his example of godliness in the home, the father proclaims the gospel and forms his children in the knowledge of the Lord.

Priest:  The priests throughout Israel’s history were mediators between God and His people. They offered sacrifices, prayed on behalf of the people, and maintained the spiritual health of the nation. A father, as a priest in the home, should intercede on behalf of his children daily (Job. 1:5). As a priest in the home, the Father should also lead his family in worship regularly and shepherd his family toward holiness.

King: The office of the king throughout Israel’s history was responsible for governing with justice, providing for the people, and protecting them from harm. As the head of the household (Eph. 5:23), a father is called to exercise loving and sacrificial leadership by governing his family. Fathers are called to bring structure and discipline to the home (Prov. 13:24). They are also called to provide for and protect their family (1 Tim. 5:8).

As we close, I want to return to our opening question: What is biblical fatherhood? Biblical fatherhood is reflecting the fatherly traits of our heavenly Father. It is stewarding well the children that God has placed you over and training them up in righteousness. A godly father is one who teaches like a prophet, shepherds like a priest, and leads like a king. Who is sufficient for such things (2 Cor. 2:16)? Brothers, it is not by our own strength, but only by the grace of God.