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What does 'honor your father and mother' mean?A Scripture-grounded answer about honor your father and mother bible verse
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"Honor your father and mother" is the fifth commandment (Exodus 20:12) and the first commandment with a promise—long life in the land. It means to respect, value, care for, and obey (as children) your parents. It extends beyond childhood to include caring for aging parents. Jesus reaffirmed it and condemned those who neglected this duty.
Why this answer? It starts with Ephesians 6:2-3, then cross-checks Exodus 20:12 and Proverbs 23:22 so the summary stays anchored in Scripture.
The command to honor your father and mother appears as the fifth commandment in Exodus 20:12 and is repeated throughout Scripture. Paul highlights in Ephesians 6:2-3 that it is the first commandment with a promise—that it may go well with you and you may live long. The Hebrew word for honor (kabed) means to give weight or value to someone. For children, this includes obedience (Ephesians 6:1 says obey your parents in the Lord). For adults, it extends to respect, gratitude, and caring for aging parents. Jesus took this commandment seriously—in Mark 7:10-13 He condemned the Pharisees for creating a loophole (Corban) that let people avoid financial responsibility for their parents under the guise of religious devotion. Proverbs 23:22 says to listen to your father and not despise your mother when she is old. This does not mean tolerating abuse or obeying commands that contradict God's word, since ultimate allegiance belongs to God. But it establishes the family as a sacred institution where children learn to honor authority, beginning with their parents.
“'Honor your father and mother' (this is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.'”
- Ephesians 6:2-3
The Ten Commandments are God's moral laws given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20). They include: 1) No other gods, 2) No idols, 3) Don't misuse God's name, 4) Keep the Sabbath, 5) Honor parents, 6) Don't murder, 7) Don't commit adultery, 8) Don't steal, 9) Don't lie, 10) Don't covet.
Children are a blessing from God (Psalm 127:3). Jesus welcomed children, saying the kingdom belongs to such (Mark 10:14). Parents are to train children in God's ways (Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6:4), not exasperate them. Children are to honor and obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1-3).
Biblical love (agape) is selfless, sacrificial care for others—choosing their good regardless of feelings. 1 Corinthians 13 describes it: patient, kind, not envious or boastful, not self-seeking. God is love (1 John 4:8), and His love was demonstrated in sending Jesus to die for us.
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Answers are informed by Scripture and trusted theologians including Matthew Henry, John Calvin, and John Wesley. Always verify with Scripture and consult your local church for pastoral guidance.