Exodus 20:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Honour {H3513} thy father {H1} and thy mother {H517}: that thy days {H3117} may be long {H748} upon the land {H127} which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} giveth {H5414} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land which ADONAI your God is giving you. u

Berean Standard Bible

Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

American Standard Version

Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 20:12 presents the fifth of the Ten Commandments, a foundational principle for ancient Israelite society and a timeless moral imperative. This command uniquely includes a specific promise, highlighting its profound importance in God's covenant with His people and underscoring the divine significance of family and ordered society.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the pivotal fifth commandment within the Decalogue, delivered by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. The preceding four commandments establish Israel's exclusive devotion to Yahweh, prohibiting idolatry and misuse of His name, and instituting the Sabbath. Exodus 20:12 marks the transition from duties owed directly to God to duties owed to fellow humans, serving as the foundational command for societal order, beginning with the family unit. Its placement as the first in the "second table" of the law emphasizes the family as the primary sphere where respect for God-given authority and order is learned and practiced, thus forming the bedrock of a stable covenant community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The giving of the Ten Commandments occurred at Mount Sinai after Israel's miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage, marking the formal establishment of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. This command was given to a newly liberated people, transitioning from slavery to nationhood, who needed a divine framework for their societal structure. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, respect for elders and parents was generally high, but this commandment elevates it to a divine mandate, grounding it in God's own authority and the promise of the land. The "land which the LORD thy God giveth thee" refers to Canaan, the inheritance promised to Abraham's descendants (e.g., [the promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - Promise of the Land to Abraham")), and the promise of "long days upon the land" directly links obedience to the stability and continuity of the nation's presence in that divinely granted territory. This was crucial for a nomadic people about to settle and form a lasting society under God's rule, as further emphasized in [Deuteronomy 5:16](/deuteronomy/5-16 "Deuteronomy 5:16 - Reaffirmation of the Fifth Commandment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Honour (Hebrew, כַּבֵּד, _kabbēd_):** Derived from a root meaning "heavy" or "weighty," this word signifies far more than mere obedience. It implies giving significant weight, esteem, and value to one's parents. It encompasses reverence for their position, gratitude for their upbringing, active care and support (especially in old age), and upholding their dignity. It contrasts sharply with treating them lightly or disrespectfully, emphasizing a deep, abiding respect that translates into tangible actions and a recognition of their God-given role.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Honour thy father and thy mother":** This is a direct imperative, a command from God Himself, establishing the fundamental duty of children towards their parents. It applies not only to minor children but also to adult offspring, encompassing respect, obedience (in appropriate contexts), and provision, particularly as parents age. This command is the bedrock of familial and societal stability, reflecting God's established order.
* **"that thy days may be long":** This clause presents the blessing attached to obedience. It refers to a full and prosperous life, not necessarily individual immortality, but a life characterized by well-being, peace, and divine favor. It suggests that honoring parents contributes to a life free from premature ends often associated with societal breakdown or divine judgment, indicating a general principle of divine blessing for obedience.
* **"upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee."** This specifies the context and scope of the blessing. For Israel, it directly referred to their continued possession and flourishing in the Promised Land of Canaan. The longevity promised was not just individual but national, implying that a society where parents are honored would be stable, endure, and continue to inhabit the land God had graciously provided. This links the command directly to the covenant and Israel's national destiny, making familial honor integral to national prosperity.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 20:12 employs **Conditional Promise**, where the command ("Honour thy father and thy mother") is directly linked to a specific blessing ("that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee"). This structure highlights divine causality: righteous action leads to divine favor. The phrase "the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee" functions as a **Metonymy** for the entire covenant relationship and Israel's national identity, as their existence and prosperity were intrinsically tied to their dwelling in the Promised Land. The commandment also serves as a **Foundation Stone** for the subsequent commands regarding human relationships, demonstrating that societal order begins within the family unit, making it a microcosm of the larger covenant community and a reflection of God's ordered creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This commandment is profoundly theological, grounding human familial relationships in divine authority. It establishes that respect for authority begins within the home, extending outward to civil and ultimately divine authority. The unique promise attached to it underscores God's desire for human flourishing and societal stability, directly linking obedience to His commands with tangible blessings. It reveals God's design for a well-ordered society, starting with the fundamental unit of the family, and highlights the intergenerational responsibility inherent in His covenant.
* [Deuteronomy 5:16](/deuteronomy/5-16 "Deuteronomy 5:16 - Reaffirmation of the Fifth Commandment")
* [Ephesians 6:1-3](/ephesians/6-1-3 "Ephesians 6:1-3 - Paul's Exhortation to Children and Parents")
* [Proverbs 23:22](/proverbs/23-22 "Proverbs 23:22 - Listen to Your Father and Do Not Despise Your Mother")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 20:12 transcends its ancient Israelite context to offer timeless wisdom for all generations. It calls us to cultivate a deep and active respect for those who have nurtured and guided us, recognizing their invaluable role in our lives and in society. This honor manifests not only in obedience during childhood but also in ongoing care, support, and esteem as adults, especially as parents age. Applying this commandment today means actively seeking ways to demonstrate gratitude, provide practical help, and uphold the dignity of our parents, fostering strong family bonds that contribute to a healthy, stable community. It reminds us that the quality of our society often reflects the strength and respect within its families, and that God's blessing is often tied to our obedience in these foundational relationships.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I demonstrate "honor" to my parents (or parental figures) in my current stage of life, even if they are no longer living?**
* **How does honoring parents contribute to the overall well-being and stability of a community or nation, beyond just the individual family unit?**
* **What challenges might arise in honoring parents, especially in difficult family dynamics, and how can one navigate these while still upholding the spirit of the commandment?**

### FAQ
**Does "honour thy father and thy mother" apply to abusive parents?**

Answer: While the command to honor parents is foundational, its application in cases of abuse requires careful discernment. "Honor" primarily means to give weight and respect to their position, and to provide care. However, it does not mandate obedience to sinful commands or remaining in an abusive situation. The Bible also condemns abuse and calls for justice. In such difficult circumstances, honoring may involve setting healthy boundaries, seeking safety, and praying for them, rather than enabling harmful behavior. The overarching principle is to uphold God's righteousness and seek justice, even while maintaining a posture of respect for the parental role where possible, recognizing that true honor aligns with God's character and justice.

**Is the promise of "long days upon the land" still relevant today for Christians?**

Answer: While the specific promise of "long days upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee" was directly tied to Israel's inheritance and flourishing in Canaan, the New Testament reaffirms the principle of blessing for those who honor their parents. [Ephesians 6:2-3](/ephesians/6-2-3 "Ephesians 6:2-3 - Paul's Exhortation to Children and Parents") quotes this commandment, calling it "the first commandment with a promise," implying a general principle of well-being, prosperity, and a fulfilling life for those who uphold it. This blessing may manifest not as physical land, but as spiritual flourishing, peace, and stability in one's life, reflecting God's continued desire to bless obedience and His design for human flourishing within His kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 20:12 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the principle of honor and obedience. As the Son, Jesus perfectly honored His heavenly Father, always doing His will and seeking His glory (e.g., [John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). He also submitted to and honored His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, during His upbringing (e.g., [Luke 2:51](/luke/2-51 "Luke 2:51 - Jesus' Submission to His Parents")), setting a perfect example of filial piety. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ established a new covenant, where believers are adopted into God's family, becoming children of God (e.g., [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Becoming Children of God")). In Christ, the promise of "long days upon the land" transforms from a physical inheritance to an eternal one, as believers inherit the new heavens and new earth (e.g., [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")), dwelling eternally in God's presence. Our ability to truly honor others, including our parents, flows from the grace and new nature we receive in Christ, empowering us to live in accordance with God's perfect law and to reflect the divine order established by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (e.g., [Romans 13:8-10](/romans/13-8-10 "Romans 13:8-10 - Love Fulfills the Law")).

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

Ephesians 6:1

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

Ephesians 6:3

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

Colossians 3:20

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

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.

Mark 7:10

For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:

Proverbs 23:22

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

Proverbs 23:25

Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.