What does the Bible say about caring for elderly parents?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that believers should honor, respect, and, when needed, provide practical care for their elderly parents as an expression of godliness and grateful obedience to God. Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16 command honor for father and mother, while Leviticus 19:32 calls God’s people to show respect for the aged. Paul says that children and grandchildren should care for needy relatives, especially parents, and that refusing such responsibility denies the faith in practice (1 Timothy 5:4, 5:8). Proverbs 23:22 likewise urges continued regard for parents in old age. This care should be offered with patience, dignity, and compassion, while the church also helps bear burdens where families cannot meet every need (James 1:27; 1 Timothy 5:1).
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 1 Timothy 5:8
But if anyone doesn't provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.
- 1 Timothy 5:4
But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to repay their parents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God.
- Exodus 20:12
"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.
- Leviticus 19:32
You shall rise up before the gray head, and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God. I am Yahweh.
- Deuteronomy 5:16
"Honor your father and your mother, as Yahweh your God commanded you; that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you, in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.
- 1 Timothy 5:1
Don't rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brothers;
- Proverbs 23:22
Listen to your father who gave you life, And don't despise your mother when she is old.
- James 1:27
Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
- Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
- Ephesians 6:2-3
[2] "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise: [3] "that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth."
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