Ephesians 6:2

KJV

Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)

KJV (with Strong's)

Honour {G5091} thy {G4675} father {G3962} and {G2532} mother {G3384};(which {G3748} is {G2076} the first {G4413} commandment {G1785} with {G1722} promise {G1860};)

Complete Jewish Bible

“Honor your father and mother” — this is the first commandment that embodies a promise —

Berean Standard Bible

“Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise),

American Standard Version

Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise),

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 6:2, a direct quotation from the Decalogue, serves as a foundational exhortation within Paul's practical instructions for Christian households, urging children to "Honour thy father and mother." This command is uniquely highlighted by Paul as "the first commandment with promise," underscoring its enduring divine authority and the specific blessing of long life and well-being associated with filial piety, thereby establishing a critical principle for familial and societal flourishing within God's design.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the latter half of Paul's letter to the Ephesians, specifically in chapters 4-6, where the apostle transitions from profound theological exposition to practical Christian living. Having established the believer's identity in Christ and the unity of the Spirit in [Ephesians 4](/ephesians/4 "Ephesians 4 - Walking Worthy of the Calling"), Paul moves to specific applications of love and submission within various relationships. Following his detailed instructions for wives and husbands in [Ephesians 5:22-33](/ephesians/5-22-33 "Ephesians 5:22-33 - Wives and Husbands"), he addresses children and parents, beginning in [Ephesians 6:1](/ephesians/6-1 "Ephesians 6:1 - Children Obey Parents"). Verse 2 directly reinforces the preceding call for children to obey their parents "in the Lord," providing the profound theological and covenantal basis for such obedience by recalling a fundamental Old Testament command.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world of Paul's time, the family unit was the bedrock of society, though patriarchal structures often granted fathers extensive, even absolute, authority. However, the Jewish tradition, from which Paul drew heavily, placed a unique emphasis on honoring both father and mother, reflecting the divine mandate found in the Decalogue. The fifth commandment, "Honour thy father and thy mother," was not merely a cultural norm but a sacred duty, integral to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Paul's reiteration of this commandment to a predominantly Gentile Christian audience in Ephesus demonstrates its universal and timeless applicability, transcending specific cultural practices and grounding the Christian family ethic in God's eternal law. This command stood in contrast to some pagan practices where filial duty might be neglected or where parents were seen as a burden in old age.

* **Key Themes:** Ephesians 6:2 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the letter and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **divine order and authority**, as Paul grounds the command to honor parents in God's own decree, emphasizing that family structures are part of His design for human flourishing. This links to the theme of **holiness and practical righteousness**, as honoring parents is presented as a tangible expression of living out one's faith in daily relationships, reflecting God's character. Furthermore, the explicit mention of a "promise" introduces the theme of **covenantal blessing**, highlighting God's desire to reward obedience with well-being and stability, both individually and communally. This echoes the Old Testament promises of prosperity and land for those who keep God's commands, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 5:16](/deuteronomy/5-16 "Deuteronomy 5:16 - The Fifth Commandment"). The verse also subtly reinforces the theme of **Christ's lordship over all of life**, as obedience within the family is ultimately an act of submission to Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Honour (Greek, _timáō'_):** From G5091, this verb means "to prize, i.e., fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere." It encompasses far more than mere outward respect; it denotes a deep internal valuing and esteem, recognizing the inherent worth and God-given authority of parents. It implies a readiness to provide for them, to care for them, and to treat them with high regard, reflecting the same reverence due to God Himself (cf. [1 Timothy 5:3](/1_timothy/5-3 "1 Timothy 5:3 - Honoring Widows")).
* **Commandment (Greek, _entolḗ'_):** From G1785, this noun refers to an "injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription." Paul uses this term to emphasize that honoring parents is not a suggestion or a cultural custom, but a direct, binding divine decree. It originates from the very heart of God's law, specifically the Decalogue, reinforcing its non-negotiable nature for believers.
* **Promise (Greek, _epangelía'_):** From G1860, this word signifies "an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)." Paul's specific inclusion of this term highlights the unique aspect of the fifth commandment. Unlike other commandments which often carry warnings against disobedience, this one is explicitly linked to a positive divine assurance of blessing, which is elaborated upon in the following verse.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Honour thy father and mother":** This is the direct imperative, a foundational command rooted in the Decalogue ([Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment")). The verb "honour" (timáō) implies a deep, reverential respect, valuing, and esteem that extends beyond mere obedience to include care and provision. It applies to both parents equally, underscoring their shared authority and importance in the child's life, regardless of the child's age. This command establishes a principle of respect for authority and the foundational unit of society.
* **"(which is the first commandment with promise;)":** This parenthetical clause is Paul's inspired commentary on the significance of the fifth commandment. While other commandments may imply blessings or consequences, this is the first among the Ten Commandments to explicitly state a positive promise attached to its observance. This unique characteristic sets it apart and draws attention to the specific divine blessing God intends for those who uphold this command, leading into the elaboration of that promise in [Ephesians 6:3](/ephesians/6-3 "Ephesians 6:3 - The Promise of Long Life").

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant **literary devices** in Ephesians 6:2. The most prominent is **Quotation**, as he directly cites the fifth commandment from the Decalogue ([Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment")), thereby grounding his New Testament instruction in the enduring authority of God's ancient covenant law. This act of quotation also serves as an act of **Intertextuality**, connecting the Christian ethic directly to the broader narrative of God's redemptive history. Furthermore, Paul uses **Parenthesis** ("which is the first commandment with promise;") to insert an explanatory and emphatic note. This parenthetical statement functions as an **Explanatory Gloss** or **Commentary**, drawing the reader's attention to a unique feature of this particular commandment—its explicit promise—and adding a layer of theological significance that might otherwise be overlooked. This highlights Paul's role not just as an instructor but as an interpreter of divine truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 6:2 underscores the profound theological truth that familial relationships are not merely social constructs but divinely ordained institutions, reflecting God's own relational nature and His desire for order and blessing within creation. The command to honor parents transcends cultural norms, establishing a universal principle of respect for authority and the foundational role of the family in transmitting values and faith. This honor is a tangible expression of one's submission to God, as parents are seen as His delegated authorities. The unique emphasis on "promise" highlights God's covenantal faithfulness, demonstrating that obedience to His commands is not burdensome but leads to abundant life and well-being, both individually and communally. This principle resonates throughout scripture, revealing God's consistent design for human flourishing when His established order is upheld.

* [Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment")
* [Deuteronomy 5:16](/deuteronomy/5-16 "Deuteronomy 5:16 - The Fifth Commandment Reiteration")
* [Colossians 3:20](/colossians/3-20 "Colossians 3:20 - Children Obey Parents in Everything")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 6:2 calls believers to a lifelong commitment to honor their parents, a command that matures and adapts as children grow into adulthood. For younger children, this means obedience and respect for parental guidance, recognizing their authority as a gift from God. As individuals mature, honoring parents evolves into providing care, offering support, seeking wise counsel, and treating them with dignity and gratitude, even when disagreements arise or imperfections are evident. This command is not conditional on parental perfection but is a divine directive that promises blessing to those who uphold it, reinforcing the importance of family bonds within the Christian faith. By honoring parents, we learn humility, submission to authority, and cultivate a posture of gratitude, all of which are crucial for a healthy spiritual walk and contribute to the stability and well-being of the broader community. This act of honor ultimately reflects our reverence for God, who established the family unit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I demonstrate honor to my parents, regardless of my age or their current circumstances?**
* **How does my obedience to this commandment reflect my understanding of God's authority and His design for family?**
* **What challenges do I face in honoring my parents, and how can I seek God's grace to overcome them?**
* **How does the "promise" associated with this commandment encourage me in my walk of faith?**

### FAQ
**Does "honour thy father and mother" mean I must always agree with my parents, even if they ask me to do something wrong?**

Answer: No, the command to "honour thy father and mother" (Ephesians 6:2) does not supersede one's ultimate obedience to God. While children are exhorted to obey their parents "in the Lord" (Ephesians 6:1), this implies that parental commands should align with God's will. If a parent instructs a child to do something that clearly violates God's commands or biblical principles, the child's primary allegiance is to God. The concept of "honoring" still applies, meaning one should respond respectfully and prayerfully, even when declining to obey an unbiblical directive. This principle is seen in passages like [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obeying God Rather Than Men"), where Peter declares, "We must obey God rather than human beings." Honoring parents involves treating them with dignity, respect, and love, even when difficult moral choices necessitate prioritizing God's law.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 6:2 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the principle of honoring His Father and mother. His entire earthly life was characterized by submission to His heavenly Father's will, culminating in His obedient sacrifice on the cross (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience unto Death")). Even as a child, Jesus was "subject" to His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph (cf. [Luke 2:51](/luke/2-51 "Luke 2:51 - Jesus' Submission to His Parents")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ established a new covenant where believers, adopted as children of God, are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in a way that honors both their earthly parents and their heavenly Father. The "promise" of long life and well-being associated with this commandment is ultimately realized in the eternal life and abundant spiritual blessings found in Christ, who is our life (cf. [Colossians 3:4](/colossians/3-4 "Colossians 3:4 - Christ Our Life")) and through whom we inherit all the promises of God (cf. [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). Thus, honoring parents becomes a Christ-like act, reflecting the order and love of the divine family and anticipating the perfect peace of the new heavens and new earth, where God's righteous order will fully prevail (cf. [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")).

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

Exodus 20:12

¶ Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Deuteronomy 27:16

Cursed [be] he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Matthew 15:4

For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

Matthew 15:6

And honour not his father or his mother, [he shall be free]. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

Proverbs 20:20

¶ Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

Malachi 1:6

¶ A son honoureth [his] father, and a servant his master: if then I [be] a father, where [is] mine honour? and if I [be] a master, where [is] my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?

Mark 7:9

And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.