Ephesians 6:1-3
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)
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The phrase "in the Lord" isn't just a qualifier for what children should obey, but also why. It means obedience flows from their shared belonging to Christ and the spiritual family He creates, not just from natural duty. This transforms parental authority from a mere power dynamic into a sacred trust within God's covenant.
Paul is shifting from addressing the duties within marriage to the responsibilities between parents and children. He emphasizes that this command to obey is rooted in a relationship within the Lord, meaning it's part of God's ordered design for believers and their families. This foundational principle sets the stage for the specific instruction that follows, grounding it in spiritual unity and inherent rightness.
Children are called to obey their parents, but what happens when a parent's wishes clash with God's?
The command for children to obey their parents is profound, but it's not absolute. The phrase 'in the Lord' is key here. It means that this obedience is to be carried out within the framework of our ultimate allegiance to God.
Why is obeying parents considered 'right'? It's more than just a rule; it's woven into the fabric of life.
The verse concludes with 'for this is right.' This simple statement carries a lot of weight. It points to the inherent, natural, and God-ordained correctness of children obeying and respecting their parents.
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.
This Old Testament commandment to 'honor your father and mother' is directly referenced by Paul in Ephesians 6:2-3, highlighting the foundational nature of this instruction throughout Scripture.
Colossians 3:20This verse echoes the same command to children, emphasizing obedience to parents 'in everything,' further solidifying this as a consistent teaching within the early church.
1 Samuel 2:25This passage shows the negative consequences when children disobey parents, illustrating the principle that disobedience to parental authority can lead to serious spiritual and practical fallout.
Proverbs 1:8-9This proverb directly encourages children to 'hear the instruction of your father' and 'do not forsake the law of your mother,' underscoring the wisdom and blessing found in heeding parental guidance.
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 qualifier for what children should obey, but also why. It means obedience flows from their shared belonging to Christ and the spiritual family He creates, not just from natural duty. This transforms parental authority from a mere power dynamic into a sacred trust within God's covenant.
Paul is shifting from addressing the duties within marriage to the responsibilities between parents and children. He emphasizes that this command to obey is rooted in a relationship within the Lord, meaning it's part of God's ordered design for believers and their families. This foundational principle sets the stage for the specific instruction that follows, grounding it in spiritual unity and inherent rightness.
Paul is shifting from addressing the duties within marriage to the responsibilities between parents and children. He emphasizes that this command to obey is rooted in a relationship within the Lord, meaning it's part of God's ordered design for believers and their families. This foundational principle sets the stage for the specific instruction that follows, grounding it in spiritual unity and inherent rightness.
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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.
"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 qualifier for what children should obey, but also why. It means obedience flows from their shared belonging to Christ and the spiritual family He creates, no…
