Ephesians 6:3

KJV

That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

That {G2443} it may be {G1096} well {G2095} with thee {G4671}, and {G2532} thou mayest {G2071} live long {G3118} on {G1909} the earth {G1093}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“so that it may go well with you, and you may live long in the Land.”

Berean Standard Bible

“that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.”

American Standard Version

that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 6:3 concludes Paul's exhortation to children regarding their obedience and honor toward parents by reiterating a foundational Old Testament promise. This verse assures that adherence to this divine command will result in a life characterized by well-being and longevity on the earth, thereby emphasizing God's design for flourishing within the family unit and society when His moral order is upheld.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 6:3 forms the concluding part of Paul's instructions to children within his broader "household codes" (Ephesians 5:22-6:9). These codes provide practical guidance for Christian living within various domestic relationships: wives and husbands, children and parents, and slaves and masters. Specifically, verses 1-3 address children, commanding them to "obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right" (Ephesians 6:1 "Ephesians 6:1 - Children, Obey Your Parents") and to "Honor your father and mother" (Ephesians 6:2 "Ephesians 6:2 - The Fifth Commandment"), which Paul explicitly identifies as "the first commandment with a promise." Verse 3 then articulates this promise, directly quoting from the Decalogue, thereby grounding Christian family ethics in the enduring moral law of God. This placement underscores the foundational importance of familial order to the health of the believing community.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world of Paul's time, the concept of *patria potestas* (the absolute legal authority of the father over his household, including children) was prevalent. While this authority was extensive, Paul's instructions introduce a distinctly Christian nuance. He balances the command for children's obedience with a reciprocal command for fathers not to provoke their children (Ephesians 6:4 "Ephesians 6:4 - Fathers, Do Not Provoke Your Children"). Furthermore, by rooting the command to honor parents in the Old Testament Decalogue, Paul elevates it beyond mere cultural custom to a divine imperative. The promise of well-being and longevity would have resonated deeply in a society where life was often precarious, and familial stability was paramount for survival and prosperity. This command also served as a counter-cultural affirmation of the value of children and the family unit within the nascent Christian communities, distinguishing them from some aspects of pagan society.

* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several key themes within Ephesians and broader biblical theology. It highlights the theme of **divine order and blessing**, demonstrating that God's commands are not arbitrary but are designed for human flourishing. The specific promise of "well-being" and "long life" connects to the Old Testament concept of *shalom*—a holistic peace and prosperity that encompasses physical, spiritual, and communal well-being, often linked to obedience to God's covenant (see [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")). The verse also underscores **covenant continuity**, as Paul directly quotes a commandment from the Mosaic Law ([Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment")) and applies it to New Testament believers, affirming the enduring relevance of God's moral principles. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Christian ethics in daily life**, showing how theological truths translate into practical conduct within the most fundamental social unit—the family. The emphasis on "in the Lord" (Ephesians 6:1 "Ephesians 6:1 - Obedience in the Lord") transforms mere social obligation into an act of worship and spiritual discipline.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **well (Greek, _eû'_):** This adverb means "good" or "well" and is used to describe a state of flourishing, prosperity, or advantage. In this context, it signifies a desirable outcome, a life that is truly good and blessed by God. It encompasses more than just physical health, extending to overall well-being and success in life's endeavors.
* **live long (Greek, _makrochrónios'_):** Derived from *makros* (long) and *chronos* (time), this adjective literally means "long-timed" or "long-lived." It directly refers to an extended lifespan. In the biblical worldview, a long life was often seen as a sign of God's favor and blessing, contrasting with the premature death that could result from disobedience or judgment.
* **earth (Greek, _gē'_):** This term refers to the soil, a region, or the entire terrene globe. In this context, "on the earth" specifies the sphere in which the promise of well-being and longevity is to be experienced. It grounds the blessing in the tangible, present reality of human existence, rather than solely a spiritual or eschatological one.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That it may be well with thee":** This clause introduces the first part of the divine promise, indicating the positive outcome of honoring parents. The phrase "it may be well" (from *hina eu soi genetai*) points to a state of general prosperity, happiness, and favorable circumstances. It suggests a life free from undue hardship and filled with God's favor, encompassing physical, emotional, and relational flourishing. This is not a guarantee of a life without challenges, but rather a principle that living in alignment with God's design for family tends to lead to greater stability and blessing.
* **"and thou mayest live long on the earth":** This second clause specifies the duration of the well-being. "Live long" (from *kai esē makrochronios*) directly promises an extended lifespan. The addition "on the earth" emphasizes that this blessing is for one's temporal existence. In the Old Testament, a long life was a significant sign of divine blessing and covenant faithfulness (e.g., [Deuteronomy 4:40](/deuteronomy/4-40 "Deuteronomy 4:40 - That your days may be long")). Paul's inclusion of this promise underscores its enduring relevance for New Testament believers, suggesting that obedience to God's foundational commands contributes to a stable and enduring life.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Ephesians 6:3 is **Allusion/Quotation**. Paul directly alludes to and quotes the Fifth Commandment from the Decalogue (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16), making it the "first commandment with promise" as stated in the preceding verse. This direct reference grounds Christian ethical conduct in the enduring moral law of God, establishing continuity between the Old and New Covenants. The verse also functions as a **Conditional Promise**, where the blessing ("well with thee," "live long") is contingent upon the fulfillment of the condition ("honor your father and mother"). This structure highlights the principle of divine reciprocity, where obedience to God's commands yields tangible benefits. Furthermore, the phrase "well with thee" can be seen as a form of **Merism**, encompassing a broad range of positive outcomes, from material prosperity to spiritual peace, thereby signifying holistic flourishing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 6:3 profoundly connects the practical act of honoring parents to the broader theological principle of divine blessing and the order of creation. It underscores that God's commands are not arbitrary restrictions but pathways to human flourishing. The promise of "well-being" and "long life" echoes the wisdom tradition of the Old Testament, where obedience to God's instruction consistently leads to a blessed and stable existence. This verse affirms that the family unit, as ordained by God, is a primary sphere where His principles of order and blessing are to be lived out, and that honoring those in authority (starting with parents) is fundamental to both individual and societal stability. It teaches that while salvation is by grace through faith, God still operates on principles of cause and effect in the temporal realm, where obedience often brings tangible benefits.

* [Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "The Fifth Commandment")
* [Deuteronomy 5:16](/deuteronomy/5-16 "Reiterating the Fifth Commandment")
* [Proverbs 3:1-2](/proverbs/3-1-2 "Wisdom and Long Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 6:3 serves as a powerful reminder that God's design for family is not merely a cultural construct but a divine blueprint for human flourishing. For children, it is a clear and simple command to obey and honor parents, recognizing that this act is not just a social nicety but a spiritual discipline that aligns with God's will and invites His blessing. For adults, it broadens our understanding of honor, extending to how we respect and care for our aging parents, or even how we honor those in authority over us in various spheres of life, as a reflection of our submission to God's established order. The promise of "well-being" and "long life" reminds us that while we live in a fallen world where suffering is inevitable, living in harmony with God's principles generally leads to a more stable, peaceful, and productive life. It encourages us to trust that God's ways are always for our good, even when they require humility and submission. Ultimately, this verse calls us to cultivate a posture of honor and respect within our families and beyond, believing that such a life is both pleasing to God and beneficial for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways can I more intentionally honor my parents (or parental figures) in my current season of life, regardless of my age?**
* **How does the promise of "well-being" and "long life" shape my understanding of God's character and His desire for my life?**
* **Beyond my immediate family, how can the principle of honoring authority, as exemplified in this verse, be applied to my interactions within my community, church, or workplace?**
* **What might it look like to live out the spirit of this commandment even if my relationship with my parents is strained or difficult?**

### FAQ

**Does the promise of "well-being" and "long life" mean that obedient children will never face hardship or die young?**

Answer: While the promise in [Ephesians 6:3](/ephesians/6-3 "Ephesians 6:3 - Promise for Honoring Parents") (and its Old Testament source in [Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment")) is a genuine divine blessing, it should be understood as a general principle rather than an absolute, literal guarantee for every individual in every circumstance. In the biblical worldview, particularly in the Old Testament wisdom literature, obedience to God's commands generally leads to a stable, prosperous, and long life, while disobedience often results in hardship and premature death. However, we live in a fallen world where sin, suffering, and death affect everyone, regardless of their obedience. Righteous individuals may still face hardship, illness, or early death (e.g., [Isaiah 57:1](/isaiah/57-1 "Isaiah 57:1 - The Righteous Perish")). The promise signifies that living in alignment with God's design for family and society tends to create conditions conducive to a more stable and fulfilling life, both individually and communally. It reflects God's good intention for humanity and the natural consequences of living in harmony with His moral order.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 6:3, with its promise of well-being and long life for those who honor their parents, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jesus perfectly embodied absolute obedience to His heavenly Father, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). His perfect life of honor and submission to the Father's will is the foundation for the "well-being" and "long life" that believers now experience in Him. Through Christ's atoning work, we are granted not merely a long temporal life, but eternal life and spiritual flourishing in God's presence ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")). The "earth" upon which we live long is transformed by Christ's redemptive work, pointing to the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells and true, unending well-being is realized ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, while the command to honor parents remains a vital ethical principle for believers, the deepest blessing of "well-being" and "long life" is secured for us in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and now grants us access to a life that is eternally well and unending. Our obedience to the Fifth Commandment, therefore, becomes an expression of our new life in Christ, participating in the divine order He established and perfectly exemplified.

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

Deuteronomy 5:16

Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Deuteronomy 4:40

Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong [thy] days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.

Deuteronomy 12:28

Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest [that which is] good and right in the sight of the LORD thy God.

Deuteronomy 12:25

Thou shalt not eat it; that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, when thou shalt do [that which is] right in the sight of the LORD.

Deuteronomy 6:3

Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do [it]; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.

Psalms 128:1

¶ A Song of degrees. Blessed [is] every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.

Psalms 128:2

For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy [shalt] thou [be], and [it shall be] well with thee.