Ephesians 6:1-3
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The phrase "in the Lord" isn't just a general statement about Christian living; it acts as a crucial qualifier for a child's obedience. It means their duty to parents is always measured against, and ultimately subordinate to, their allegiance to God.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul shifts from the marriage relationship to family dynamics, addressing children first. He urges them to obey their parents, framing this within their faith in Christ and as a foundational principle of life. This leads into the affirmation of this command with a promise from the Old Testament, before turning to the responsibilities of parents.
Why does Paul start with 'obey' instead of 'honor'? What makes this command so crucial, not just for families, but for society?
Paul uses the strong word 'obey' (hypakouete) here, which means to hear under, to give heed to, to be attentive to. It's more than just respect; it's about actively listening and submitting to parental guidance.
What does it mean to obey parents 'in the Lord'? Does this give children a pass to ignore their parents?
The phrase 'in the Lord' acts as a crucial qualifier. It means that parental commands are to be obeyed within the framework of obedience to God.
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Paul calls this obedience 'right.' What makes it inherently just and fitting, beyond just being a command?
The word 'right' (dikaios) here speaks to something that is just, equitable, and fundamentally correct. It's not just an arbitrary rule, but something that aligns with the natural order and divine design.
Understand the original words
hypakouete · Greek Verb
To submit to the authority or command of another; in a biblical context, it implies an active, listening response that leads to compliance and action.
goneusin · Greek Noun
Those from whom one is descended; in Scripture, this encompasses the foundational human relationships ordained by God for the nurture and training of children.
tima · Greek Verb
To hold in high regard, to show respect, or to treat with value; in the context of the Decalogue, it signifies providing for and esteeming one's parents as a reflection of honoring God.
entolē · Greek Noun
A binding decree or rule of conduct given by God; biblically, it refers to the divine laws that establish moral boundaries and expectations for human living.
epangelia · Greek Noun
A divine assurance of blessing or fulfillment of a promise; in the context of the Old Testament law, it often refers to physical and spiritual prosperity.
This is the Old Testament commandment that Paul is directly referencing, establishing the foundational principle of honoring parents as a divine command with a promise.
Colossians 3:20This passage reiterates the command for children to obey their parents in everything, emphasizing its pleasing nature to the Lord within the Christian community.
Proverbs 1:8-9This Proverb highlights the wisdom and honor associated with heeding parental instruction, aligning with Paul's declaration that obeying parents 'is right'.
1 Samuel 2:26This verse shows the young Samuel growing in favor with both God and man because of his obedience, illustrating the principle of growing in favor when one honors parental and divine authority.
barnesEphesians 6:1: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right."
Children - τέκνα tekna This word usually signifies those who are young; but it is used here, evidently, to denote those who were under the care and government of their parents, or those who were not of age. Obey your parents - This is the first great duty which God has enjoined on children. It is, to do what their parents command them to do. The God of nature indicates that this is duty; for he has impressed it on th…
gillEphesians 6:1: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right."
Children, obey your parents in the Lord,.... The persons whose duty this is, "children", are such of every sex, male and female, and of every age, and of every state and condition; and though the true, legitimate, and immediate offspring of men may be chiefly respected, yet not exclusive of spurious children, and adopted ones, and of children-in-law; and the persons to whom obedience from them is due, are not only real…
The phrase "in the Lord" isn't just a general statement about Christian living; it acts as a crucial qualifier for a child's obedience. It means their duty to parents is always measured against, and ultimately subordinate to, their allegiance to God.
Paul shifts from the marriage relationship to family dynamics, addressing children first. He urges them to obey their parents, framing this within their faith in Christ and as a foundational principle of life. This leads into the affirmation of this command with a promise from the Old Testament, before turning to the responsibilities of parents.
Paul shifts from the marriage relationship to family dynamics, addressing children first. He urges them to obey their parents, framing this within their faith in Christ and as a foundational principle of life. This leads into the affirmation of this command with a promise from the Old Testament, before turning to the responsibilities of parents.
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”" — The phrase "in the Lord" isn't just a general statement about Christian living; it acts as a crucial qualifier for a child's obedience. It means their duty to parents is always measured against, and…
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Last reviewed October 2026
