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What does the Bible say about honoring your parents?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that honoring parents is a lasting command of God, calling children to respectful obedience and all people to show fitting care and reverence, while obeying God above every human authority. Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16 join this command to God's promise of blessing, and Ephesians 6:1-3 calls such obedience right and pleasing in the Lord. Colossians 3:20 likewise commends children who obey their parents. Scripture also soberly condemns contempt and cursing of parents, as in Leviticus 20:9 and Proverbs 20:20. Yet parental authority is not absolute: believers honor parents faithfully without participating in sin, trusting Christ to shape family life by grace and truth.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • Ephesians 6:2-3 6 votes

    [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 5 votes

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

  • Ephesians 6:1-24 4 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 3 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."

  • Leviticus 20:9 3 votes

    "'For everyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death: he has cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him.

  • Leviticus 19:3 3 votes

    "'Each one of you shall respect his mother and his father. You shall keep my Sabbaths. I am Yahweh your God.

  • Deuteronomy 5:16 3 votes

    "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.

  • Proverbs 20:20 3 votes

    Whoever curses his father or his mother, His lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness.

  • Colossians 3:20 3 votes

    Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord.

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