What does the Bible say about obeying?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that obedience is the loving response of those who belong to God, flowing from faith and gratitude rather than earning salvation. Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15), while 1 Samuel 15:22 places obedient trust above empty religious sacrifice. Believers are called to hear and do God’s Word (James 1:22), to obey Him above human authorities when the two conflict (Acts 5:29), and to live as holy children rather than following former sinful desires (1 Peter 1:14). Such obedience includes honoring godly authority (Hebrews 13:17), children obeying parents (Ephesians 6:1), and keeping God’s commands in covenant love (Deuteronomy 11:1).

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • John 14:15

    If you love me, keep my commandments.

  • Acts 5:29

    But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men.

  • 1 Samuel 15:22

    Samuel said, Has Yahweh as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Yahweh? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.

  • Luke 11:28

    But he said, "On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it."

  • Hebrews 13:17

    Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with joy, and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you.

  • Ephesians 6:1

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

  • James 1:22

    But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves.

  • 1 Peter 1:14

    as children of obedience, not conforming yourselves according to your former lusts as in your ignorance,

  • Deuteronomy 11:1

    Therefore you shall love Yahweh your God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his ordinances, and his commandments, always.

  • Exodus 19:5

    Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice, and keep my covenant, then you shall be my own possession from among all peoples; for all the earth is mine;

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