Ephesians 6:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Children {G5043}, obey {G5219} your {G5216} parents {G1118} in {G1722} the Lord {G2962}: for {G1063} this {G5124} is {G2076} right {G1342}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Children, what you should do in union with the Lord is obey your parents, for this is right.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 6:1 initiates Paul's instructions to children within the Christian household, commanding them to obey their parents. This foundational directive is qualified by the phrase "in the Lord," indicating that such obedience is rooted in their relationship with Christ and aligns with His will. The verse concludes by asserting that this command is inherently "right," signifying its moral rectitude and divine approval, establishing a core principle for order, righteousness, and spiritual flourishing within the family unit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the latter half of Paul's letter to the Ephesians, which shifts from profound theological exposition (chapters 1-3) to practical ethical exhortations for Christian living (chapters 4-6). Specifically, Ephesians 6:1 marks the beginning of Paul's "household codes" concerning children and parents, following his detailed instructions for wives and husbands in [Ephesians 5:22-33](/ephesians/5-22-33 "Ephesians 5:22-33 - Wives and Husbands"). This entire section, starting from [Ephesians 5:21](/ephesians/5-21 "Ephesians 5:21 - Mutual Submission"), emphasizes mutual submission and Spirit-filled living as the bedrock for all relationships, demonstrating that Christian faith transforms even the most intimate social structures, reflecting the divine order and the relationship between Christ and the Church.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world of Paul's time, the *paterfamilias* (head of the household) held immense authority, often with legal power over his children, including the right to sell them into slavery or even execute them. Children were expected to show absolute obedience and honor to their parents, a societal norm that ensured familial stability and the transmission of traditions. While Paul affirms the principle of obedience, the critical qualifier "in the Lord" introduces a revolutionary Christian dimension. It places the command within a new covenant framework, implying that parental authority is not absolute but is to be exercised and received under the ultimate authority of Christ, tempering the harshness of pagan societal norms and elevating the family dynamic to a spiritual plane.

* **Key Themes:** Ephesians 6:1 contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout the letter and broader New Testament. The most prominent theme is **obedience and authority**, establishing the divine order within the family where children are called to submit to their parents. This command is not arbitrary but is grounded in **righteousness and divine will**, as indicated by the phrase "for this is right," echoing Old Testament principles like the Fifth Commandment found in [Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment"). Furthermore, the crucial phrase "in the Lord" highlights the theme of **Christ-centered living**, emphasizing that all aspects of Christian conduct, including family relationships, are to be lived out in submission to and empowerment by Christ, transforming secular societal structures into expressions of spiritual truth and love.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Children (Greek, _téknon'_):** From G5043, meaning "a child (as produced)." This term refers specifically to offspring, emphasizing the natural relationship between parents and their biological or adopted children. It highlights the vulnerability and dependence of the young, for whom parental guidance is essential for development and well-being.
* **Obey (Greek, _hypakoúō'_):** From G5219, meaning "to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e., to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority." This word signifies more than mere passive hearing; it implies active compliance and a willing submission to the instructions and authority of another. It suggests a readiness to respond positively to parental direction.
* **Right (Greek, _díkaios'_):** From G1342, meaning "equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)." This term asserts that the command for children to obey their parents is not just a cultural custom or a pragmatic suggestion, but an inherently just, righteous, and morally correct principle, aligned with God's character and His divine order for humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Children, obey your parents":** This is a direct, imperative command addressed to the youngest members of the Christian household. It establishes a clear expectation of submission and respect for the authority structure God has ordained within the family. "Parents" (Greek, *goneús*) refers to both father and mother, indicating a shared responsibility and authority.
* **"in the Lord":** This crucial qualifier defines the scope and nature of the obedience commanded. It means that children's obedience is to be rendered *because of* their relationship with Christ, *consistent with* His teachings, and *as an act of worship* to Him. It implies that obedience should not extend to commands that violate God's clear moral will, and it also implicitly calls parents to lead in a way that is "in the Lord," reflecting Christ's character.
* **"for this is right":** This phrase provides the divine justification for the command. The Greek word *díkaios* (right) signifies that this principle is inherently just, righteous, and morally proper in God's eyes. It is not merely a cultural convention but a universal moral truth, reflecting God's character and His design for human flourishing and order within society, starting with the family.

#### Literary Devices
Ephesians 6:1 employs several key literary devices to convey its message with clarity and authority. The primary device is **Direct Command**, as Paul issues a clear imperative ("obey") to a specific audience ("children"). This is followed by a **Theological Qualifier** ("in the Lord"), which significantly modifies the scope and meaning of the command, grounding it in the believer's relationship with Christ rather than mere societal expectation. Finally, the verse concludes with a **Justification** ("for this is right"), providing a moral and theological rationale for the command, asserting its inherent righteousness and alignment with divine principles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The command for children to obey their parents is deeply rooted in biblical theology, reflecting God's design for order and authority within creation. It is a foundational principle for societal stability and spiritual formation, echoing the Old Testament emphasis on honoring parents as a key aspect of covenant faithfulness. This obedience is not merely for the sake of human authority but is ultimately an act of reverence towards God, who established the family unit. When children obey "in the Lord," they participate in a divine pattern of submission that mirrors the Church's submission to Christ and Christ's submission to the Father, fostering an environment conducive to spiritual growth and the transmission of faith across generations.

* [Colossians 3:20](/colossians/3-20 "Colossians 3:20 - Children Obey Parents")
* [Proverbs 22:6](/proverbs/22-6 "Proverbs 22:6 - Train Up a Child")
* [Deuteronomy 5:16](/deuteronomy/5-16 "Deuteronomy 5:16 - Honor Your Father and Mother")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 6:1 offers timeless guidance for nurturing a godly home environment, speaking powerfully to both children and parents. For children, the call to obey "in the Lord" transforms a potentially burdensome duty into a joyful act of worship and a tangible expression of their faith. It is through this willing submission that children learn discipline, respect for authority, and the fundamental principle of aligning their will with God's. This obedience lays a crucial foundation for their character development and future relationships. For parents, this verse implicitly underscores their profound responsibility to lead their children "in the Lord," meaning with love, wisdom, and according to biblical principles, as further elaborated in [Ephesians 6:4](/ephesians/6-4 "Ephesians 6:4 - Fathers, Do Not Provoke Your Children"). They are entrusted with the sacred task of discipling their children, ensuring that their commands are righteous and conducive to their children's spiritual flourishing. When both children and parents embrace their roles "in the Lord," the family unit becomes a powerful testament to God's order and love, fostering peace, harmony, and spiritual vitality.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding "in the Lord" change your perspective on obedience, whether as a child or a parent?**
* **In what specific ways can children today demonstrate obedience to their parents that truly honors God?**
* **How can parents ensure their authority is exercised "in the Lord" and not merely out of personal preference or cultural expectation?**
* **What are the practical benefits, both spiritual and relational, when a family intentionally seeks to live out the principles of Ephesians 6:1?**

### FAQ

**What does "in the Lord" truly mean for a child's obedience?**

Answer: The phrase "in the Lord" is a crucial theological qualifier that transforms a simple command into a spiritual principle. For a child, it means that their obedience to parents is not just a societal expectation or a response to human authority, but an act of worship and submission to Christ himself. It implies that their obedience should be motivated by their faith, consistent with Christian values, and ultimately aimed at pleasing God. It also sets a boundary: children are not obligated to obey commands that would require them to sin or violate God's clear moral law, as their ultimate allegiance is to the Lord. This theological framework elevates family dynamics to a spiritual plane, making the home a training ground for discipleship.

**Does this verse imply blind obedience, or are there limits to a child's obligation to obey parents?**

Answer: While the verse commands obedience, the "in the Lord" qualifier inherently places limits on it. It does not advocate for blind obedience. Children are called to obey their parents *as long as* those commands are consistent with God's will and do not require them to sin. If a parent were to command a child to lie, steal, or engage in any ungodly behavior, the child's higher allegiance to Christ would take precedence. This principle is consistent with the broader New Testament teaching that believers must obey God rather than men when human commands conflict with divine ones (e.g., [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obey God Rather Than Men")). Therefore, the obedience commanded is a Spirit-led, discerning obedience, not an uncritical submission to all parental directives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 6:1 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the supreme example of obedience, perfectly submitting to His heavenly Father's will even unto death on a cross, as highlighted in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience"). His entire life was characterized by a willing and joyful submission to the Father, demonstrating what it truly means to obey "in the Lord." Furthermore, Christ is the Lord in whom children are to obey; His authority is the ultimate standard, and His Spirit empowers believers, including children, to live in accordance with God's righteous commands. The Christian family, therefore, is called to reflect the divine order of the Trinity and the relationship between Christ and His Church, where submission and authority are exercised in love and righteousness. Through Christ, children are enabled to obey, and parents are equipped to lead, transforming the family unit into a living testament to the redemptive power and ordering wisdom of God's Son.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Colossians 3:20

Children, obey [your] parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

Colossians 3:25

But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Proverbs 23:22

Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.

Proverbs 6:20

¶ My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

Proverbs 1:8

My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Colossians 3:17

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.