What does the Bible say about obeying parents?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that children are to obey and honor their parents as an expression of obedience to the Lord, gratitude for God-given authority, and love within the family. Ephesians 6:1-3 and Colossians 3:20 call children to obey in the Lord, while Exodus 20:12 roots honor for father and mother in God’s moral law and promise. Proverbs urges children to receive parental instruction and not despise their parents in old age. This obedience is not absolute, for God’s authority is supreme, but it should ordinarily be willing, respectful, and enduring. Parents likewise must exercise their authority faithfully, guiding their children in the Lord rather than provoking them.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 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."
- Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord.
- Exodus 20:12
"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.
- Proverbs 1:8
My son, listen to your father's instruction, And don't forsake your mother's teaching:
- 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.
- Matthew 15:4
For God commanded, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death.'
- Proverbs 23:22
Listen to your father who gave you life, And don't despise your mother when she is old.
- Leviticus 19:3
"'Each one of you shall respect his mother and his father. You shall keep my Sabbaths. I am Yahweh your God.
- 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.
- Proverbs 6:20
My son, keep your father's commandment, And don't forsake your mother's teaching.
Related topics
Go deeper
Ask Explain Bible AI about obeying parents and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.
Ask what the Bible says about obeying parents