Honor Your Father and Mother


The commandment to “Honor your father and mother” (Ephesians 6:2) is a foundational principle in Christian life, deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments. It originates from the Fifth Commandment delivered by God in Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16 and is reaffirmed by the Apostle Paul in the New Testament. Paul emphasizes that honoring parents is not merely a cultural tradition but a divine mandate associated with God’s promise of blessing. Within the Christian framework, honoring one’s parents transcends mere obligation; it reflects obedience to God and exemplifies respect, gratitude, and love within both the family and the broader Church community. 

Biblical Context and Meaning 

Honoring one’s parents is a fundamental biblical principle that ensures both individual and communal well-being. It reflects God’s design for family structure, respect, and order. In both the Old and New Testaments, it is presented as a moral duty with profound spiritual and practical implications. St. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, reaffirms this commandment, emphasizing its lasting significance for believers. 

1. St. Paul’s Teaching in Ephesians 6:2 

In Ephesians 6:1-3, Paul exhorts children to obey their parents, reinforcing his instruction with the Ten Commandments: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:1-3, NKJV). 

St. Paul highlights that honoring parents is the “first commandment with promise,” pointing to the divine blessing of longevity and well-being. 

2. The Old Testament Foundation 

The commandment originates in Exodus 20:12: “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12, NKJV). 

In ancient Israel, respecting parents was integral to maintaining a godly society and upholding the covenant with God. also, dishonoring parents was not only a personal offense but also a violation of divine law (Deuteronomy 27:16; Proverbs 20:20).

Honoring and Caring for Parents: A Biblical Mandate 

Honoring one’s parents is not just a social expectation but a spiritual principle central to Christian discipleship. It is an act of obedience to God, a demonstration of love, and a means of fostering strong, faith-centered families. True honor involves respect, care, and gratitude—practices that extend from childhood into adulthood. Even when relationships are strained, the biblical mandate remains, calling believers to approach their parents with grace and humility. 

The Bible also teaches that honoring parents goes beyond respect; it includes caring for them, especially in their old age. Providing parents is a direct expression of godliness, and failure to do so is considered a serious offense against faith. As seen throughout Scripture, honoring parents carries both responsibilities and blessings. 

1. Honoring Parents as an Act of Obedience to God 

Honoring parents aligns with devotion to Christ. St. Paul instructs children: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1). 

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for disregarding this commandment, emphasizing its importance: “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God"-- then he need not honor his father or mother.’ Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition” (Matthew 15:3-6).

Failing to honor parents is not just an offense against them—it is a violation of God’s will. 

2. Honoring Parents Through Respect and Care 

Biblical honor is not limited to words; it is demonstrated through tangible acts of love, respect, and support. The Greek term for “honor” (τιμάω timaō) conveys valuing highly, revering, and caring for. 

The Lord Jesus exemplified this when He entrusted His mother to John while on the cross. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home (John 19:26-27).

St. Paul reinforces this in 1 Timothy 5:4, urging believers to provide for their elderly parents, calling it “an expression of true godliness.” 

Similarly, St. Paul issues a strong warning about neglecting family responsibilities: “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8).

Caring for one’s parents is a direct reflection of one’s faith and reverence for God. 

3. Honoring Parents Despite Imperfections 

Even when parents fall short, the biblical command to honor them remains. Honoring does not necessarily mean condoning their actions, but it does mean treating them with respect, praying for them, and seeking reconciliation whenever possible. 

The Lord Jesus, though the Son of God, submitted to His earthly parents: “Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them” (Luke 2:51).

Even when relationships are challenging, believers are called to maintain an attitude of honor, remembering that it reflects their obedience to God. 

4. Honoring Spiritual Fathers and Mothers 

Honoring fatherhood and motherhood extends beyond biological ties. St. Paul considered himself a spiritual father to the churches he established: “For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus, I have begotten you through the gospel” (1 Corinthians 4:15).

Honoring spiritual leaders involves respecting their authority, learning from their wisdom, and praying for their well-being. Just as we are called to honor our earthly parents, we are also to honor those who nurture us spiritually. 

5. Blessings Associated with Honoring Parents 

Proverbs affirms that honoring parents leads to wisdom and divine favor: “My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck” (Proverbs 1:8-9).

Conversely, dishonoring parents brings severe consequences: “Whoever curses his father or his mother, His lamp will be put out in deep darkness” (Proverbs 20:20). This verse illustrates that disrespecting one’s parents results in spiritual and moral downfall. The imagery of a lamp being extinguished in deep darkness symbolizes loss of guidance, blessings, and divine favor. Those who fail to honor their parents risk experiencing broken relationships, personal struggles, and separation from the wisdom and protection that come from living in obedience to God’s commands.

Scripture consistently teaches that honoring parents not only brings blessings but also strengthens families and societies. A culture that upholds respect for parents fosters individuals who uphold righteousness and moral integrity. 

Conclusion

 Honoring one’s father and mother is more than a moral obligation; it is a divine command that reflects our relationship with God and shapes the foundation of strong families and societies. Rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, this principle calls for obedience, respect, and care—both in words and in actions. Whether through providing for parents, showing them love and gratitude, or seeking reconciliation despite imperfections, honoring them is an act of faith and reverence for God.

The Bible makes it clear that those who honor their parents receive divine blessings, including well-being and longevity. Conversely, neglecting this commandment leads to personal and societal consequences. The Lord Jesus Himself set the example by ensuring His mother was cared for, demonstrating that honoring parents is a lifelong commitment.

As followers of Christ, we are called to uphold this sacred responsibility. May we always strive to live out this commandment with love and devotion, knowing that in doing so, we align ourselves with God’s will and contribute to a culture of honor, faith, and family’s strength.

For further reading, I encourage you to explore my book, “TheChristian Family: A Biblical Perspective,” available on Amazon. This book provides deeper insights into God’s design for family, emphasizing the biblical foundations of love, respect, and responsibility within the home.

Fr. Abraam Sleman 

frsleman@CopticChurch.net 

 

#HonorYourParents #BiblicalFamilyValues #Ephesians6:2 #ChristianLiving #DivinePromise  

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