What does the Bible say about honoring parents?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that children are to honor and obey their parents as a God-given duty, with reverence, gratitude, and willing service in the Lord. Exodus 20:12 places this command among God’s enduring moral law and attaches a promise of blessing. Ephesians 6:1-3 and Colossians 3:20 call children to obedience that pleases the Lord, while also reminding parents not to provoke or crush their children. Proverbs warns soberly against despising, cursing, or mocking father and mother. Honoring parents continues beyond childhood through respect, care, and truthful love, yet obedience to any human authority is always subordinate to obedience to God.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Exodus 20:12
"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.
- Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord.
- Ephesians 6:1-3
[1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [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."
- Proverbs 20:20
Whoever curses his father or his mother, His lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness.
- Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
- Proverbs 23:22
Listen to your father who gave you life, And don't despise your mother when she is old.
- Ephesians 6:2
"Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise:
- Proverbs 30:17
The eye that mocks at his father, And scorns obedience to his mother: The ravens of the valley shall pick it out, The young eagles shall eat it.
- 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."
- Ephesians 6:1-24
[1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [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." [4] You fathers, don't provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. [5] Servants, be obedient to those who according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ; [6] not in the way of service only when eyes are on you, as men-pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; [7] with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men; [8] knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive the same again from the Lord, whether he is bound or free. [9] You masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with him. [10] Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. [14] Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; [16] above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; [18] with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints: [19] on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Gospel, [20] for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. [21] But that you also may know my affairs, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make known to you all things; [22] whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts. [23] Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [24] Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love. Amen.
Related topics
Go deeper
Ask Explain Bible AI about honoring parents and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.
Ask what the Bible says about honoring parents