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What does the Bible say about honoring your father and mother?

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The Bible teaches that honoring father and mother is a God-given duty, expressed through respect, obedience in the Lord, gratitude, and loving care. Exodus 20:12 places this command among the Ten Commandments, and Ephesians 6:1-3 calls children to obey their parents in the Lord, attaching God’s promise of blessing. Honor does not require obeying sinful commands, for Christ’s authority is supreme. As parents age or face need, believers should provide for their households rather than evade this responsibility through religious excuses, as Jesus warns in Matthew 15:3-6 and Paul teaches in 1 Timothy 5:8. This honor reflects reverence for God, the Father from whom every family receives its place.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Ephesians 6:1-24 6 votes

    [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.

  • Ephesians 6:1-3 6 votes

    [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."

  • Exodus 20:12 6 votes

    "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.

  • Ephesians 6:1 6 votes

    Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

  • 1 Timothy 5:8 5 votes

    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.

  • Matthew 15:3-6 3 votes

    [3] He answered them, "Why do you also disobey the commandment of God because of your tradition? [4] For God commanded, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death.' [5] But you say, 'Whoever may tell his father or his mother, "Whatever help you might otherwise have gotten from me is a gift devoted to God," [6] he shall not honor his father or mother.' You have made the commandment of God void because of your tradition.

  • 1 John 3:1 2 votes

    Behold, how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! For this cause the world doesn't know us, because it didn't know him.

  • 1 Timothy 5:1 2 votes

    Don't rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brothers;

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