Explain Bible

What does the Bible say about parent?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible says that parents are called to receive children as a gift from God and to raise them with loving instruction, faithful example, and godly discipline. Ephesians 6:1-4 and Colossians 3:20-21 join children’s duty to obey and honor their parents with the parents’ duty not to provoke or discourage them, but to train them in the Lord. Proverbs 22:6 and Proverbs 1:8 commend wise, early teaching, while Psalm 103:13 portrays the compassion that should mark parental care. Exodus 20:12 calls children of every age to honor parents, and 1 Timothy 5:4 especially urges families to care for aging relatives.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • Ephesians 6:1-4 8 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.

  • Proverbs 22:6 8 votes

    Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

  • Exodus 20:12 7 votes

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

  • Colossians 3:20-21 5 votes

    [20] Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord. [21] Fathers, don't provoke your children, so that they won't be discouraged.

  • Proverbs 1:8 5 votes

    My son, listen to your father's instruction, And don't forsake your mother's teaching:

  • Psalms 103:13 5 votes

    Like a father has compassion on his children, So Yahweh has compassion on those who fear him.

  • 2 Timothy 1:5 4 votes

    having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in you; which lived first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and, I am persuaded, in you also.

  • Proverbs 23:22 3 votes

    Listen to your father who gave you life, And don't despise your mother when she is old.

  • Proverbs 17:6 3 votes

    Children's children are the crown of old men; The glory of children are their parents.

  • 1 Timothy 5:4 3 votes

    But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to repay their parents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God.

Related topics

Go deeper

Ask Explain Bible AI about parent and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.

Ask what the Bible says about parent