9 Famous Fathers in the Bible Who Set Worthy Examples

Scripture is filled with people we can learn much from. When it comes to the challenging vocation of fatherhood, several fathers in the Bible show what is wise to do and also what is not wise to do.

The most important father figure in the Bible is God the Father—the ultimate role model for all human dads. His love, kindness, patience, wisdom, and protectiveness are impossible standards to live up to. Fortunately, he is also forgiving and understanding, answering fathers' prayers, and giving them expert guidance so they can be the man their family wants them
to be.

Adam—The First Man

Adam and Eve Mourn Over Abel's Body, by Carlo Zatti (1809-1899). — DEA PICTURE LIBRARY / Getty Images

As the first man and first human father, Adam had no example to follow except for God's. Regrettably, he strayed from God's example and ended up plunging the world into sin. Ultimately, he was left to deal with the tragedy of his son Cain murdering his other son, Abel. Adam has much to teach today's fathers about the consequences of our actions and the absolute necessity of obeying God.

Lessons to Learn From Adam

God is looking for fathers who freely choose to obey him and submit to his love.
Fathers with integrity live in the knowledge that nothing is hidden from God's sight.
Instead of blaming others, godly fathers take responsibility for their own failures and shortcomings.

Noah—A Righteous Man

Noah's Sacrifice, painting by James Tissot. — SuperStock / Getty Images

Noah stands out among fathers in the Bible as a man who clung to God in spite of the wickedness all around him. What could be more relevant today? Noah was far from perfect, but he was humble and protective of his family. He bravely carried out the task God assigned to him. Modern fathers may often feel they are in a thankless role, but God is always pleased by their devotion.

Lessons to Learn From Noah

God promises to bless and protect those who faithfully follow and obey him.
Obedience is not a sprint but a marathon. It means a lifetime of faithful devotion.
Even the most faithful fathers have weaknesses and can fall into sin.

Abraham—Father of the Jewish Nation

After Sarah gave birth to Isaac, Abraham banished Hagar and her son Ishmael into the wilderness — Hulton Archive/Getty Images

What could be more frightening than being the father of an entire nation? That was the mission God gave Abraham. He was a leader of tremendous faith, passing one of the most difficult tests God ever gave a man: offering his son Isaac as a sacrifice. Abraham made mistakes when he relied on himself instead of God. Still, he embodied qualities that any father would be wise to develop.

Lessons to Learn From Abraham

God wants to use us, in spite of our shortcomings. He will even rescue and support us through our foolish mistakes.
Genuine faith pleases God.
God's purposes and plans are revealed in phases over a lifetime of obedience.

Isaac—Son of Abraham

"The Sacrifice of Isaac," by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, 1603-1604 — DEA PICTURE LIBRARY / Getty Images

Many fathers feel intimidated trying to follow in the footsteps of their own father. Isaac must have felt that way. Abraham was such an outstanding leader that Isaac could have gone wrong. He could have resented his father for offering him as a sacrifice, yet Isaac was an obedient son. From his father Abraham, Isaac learned the invaluable lesson of trusting God. That made Isaac one of the most favored fathers in the Bible.

Lessons to Learn From Isaac

God loves to answer a father's prayers.
Trusting God is wiser than lying.
Parents should not show favoritism to one child over another.

Jacob—Father of the 12 Tribes of Israel

Jacob declares his love for Rachel — Culture Club/Getty Images

Jacob was a schemer who tried to work his own way instead of trusting God. With the help of his mother Rebekah, he stole his twin brother Esau's birthright. Jacob fathered 12 sons who in turn founded the 12 tribes of Israel. As a father, however, he favored his son, Joseph, causing jealousy among the other brothers. The lesson from Jacob's life is that God works with our obedience and in spite of our disobedience to make his plan come to pass.

Lessons to Learn From Jacob

God wants us to trust him so we will benefit from his blessings.
Fighting against God is a losing battle.
We often worry about missing God's will for our life, but God works with our mistakes and bad decisions.
God's will is sovereign; his plans cannot be undone.

Moses—Giver of the Law

Moses was the father of two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, and he also served as a father figure to the entire Hebrew people as they escaped from slavery in Egypt. He loved them and helped discipline and provide for them on their 40-year journey to the Promised Land. At times Moses seemed to be a larger-than-life character, but he was only a man. He shows today's fathers that overwhelming tasks can be achieved when we stay close to God.

Lessons to Learn From Moses

With God all things are possible.
Sometimes we must delegate to be a good leader.
God desires intimate fellowship with every believer.
No one can follow God's laws perfectly. We all need a Savior.

King David—A Man After God’s Own Heart

One of the great stories of struggle in the Bible concerns David, a special favorite of God. He trusted God to help him defeat the giant Goliath and put his faith in God as he was on the run from King Saul. David sinned greatly, but he repented and found forgiveness. His son Solomon went on to become one of Israel's greatest kings.

Lessons to Learn From David

Honest self-examination is necessary to recognize our own sin.
God wants our whole hearts.
We cannot hide our sins from God.
Sins have consequences.
The Lord is always there for us.

Joseph—Earthly Father of Jesus

Jesus working as a boy in his Father Joseph's carpentry shop in Nazareth — Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Surely one of the most underrated fathers in the Bible was Joseph, the foster father of Jesus Christ. He went through great difficulties to protect his wife Mary and their baby, then saw to Jesus' education and needs as he was growing up. Joseph taught Jesus the carpentry trade. The Bible calls Joseph a righteous man, and Jesus must have loved his guardian for his quiet strength, honesty, and kindness.

Lessons to Learn From Joseph

God honors men of integrity and rewards them with his trust.
Mercy always wins.
Obedience may result in humiliation and disgrace before men, but close friendship with God.

God the Father

God the Father, the First Person of the Trinity, is the father and creator of all. Jesus, his only Son, showed us a new, intimate way of relating to him. When we see God as our heavenly Father, provider, and protector, it puts our lives in a whole new perspective. Every human father is also a son of this highest of God, the constant source of strength, wisdom, and hope to Christians everywhere.

Lessons to Learn From God the Father

God is constant; he never changes. We can depend on Him.
God is faithful.
God is love.
Our heavenly father is an example for earthly fathers to emulate.

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Zavada, Jack. "9 Famous Fathers in the Bible." Learn Religions, Feb. 8, 2021, learnreligions.com/fathers-in-the-bible-701219. Zavada, Jack. (2021, February 8). 9 Famous Fathers in the Bible. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/fathers-in-the-bible-701219 Zavada, Jack. "9 Famous Fathers in the Bible." Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/fathers-in-the-bible-701219 (accessed April 16, 2024).