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What does the Bible say about taking care of elderly parents?

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The Bible teaches that caring for elderly parents is a God-given expression of honor, gratitude, and practical Christian love, ordinarily beginning within one’s own household. The fifth commandment calls believers to honor father and mother, a duty affirmed by Ephesians 6:2-3 and deepened by reverence for the aged in Leviticus 19:32. Paul teaches in 1 Timothy 5:4 and 5:8 that children and grandchildren should repay their parents’ care and provide for relatives. Jesus rebuked religious excuses that avoided this responsibility in Matthew 15:4-6 and Mark 7:10-12. Such care should be sincere and sacrificial, reflecting the mercy of Christ, while the church also supports those truly without family help.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • 1 Timothy 5:4 8 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.

  • 1 Timothy 5:8 7 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.

  • 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.

  • Leviticus 19:32 5 votes

    You shall rise up before the gray head, and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God. I am Yahweh.

  • Proverbs 23:22 5 votes

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

  • Matthew 15:4-6 5 votes

    [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.

  • Ephesians 6:2-3 4 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."

  • Proverbs 16:31 4 votes

    Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness.

  • Mark 7:10-12 4 votes

    [10] For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother;' and, 'He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death.' [11] But you say, 'If a man tells his father or his mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban, that is to say, given to God;"' [12] then you no longer allow him to do anything for his father or his mother,

  • 1 John 3:17-18 4 votes

    [17] But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart of compassion against him, how does the love of God remain in him? [18] My little children, let's not love in word only, neither with the tongue only, but in deed and truth.

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