“Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise),
English Standard Version (ESV)
This isn't just a commandment with a promise; it's the first one in the entire list of God's commands specifically given a promise. This highlights how foundational honoring parents is in God's design, setting it apart as a unique entryway to experiencing His blessings.
“Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise),
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is continuing his instruction on how believers should live out their faith in practical, everyday relationships. Following his discussion on the unity and spiritual warfare of the church, he shifts to specific household codes, beginning with the duties of children to their parents. He quotes the fifth commandment from the Old Testament, emphasizing that it's the first one directly linked with a promised blessing.
The Bible calls children to 'honor' their parents. But what does that really mean? It’s more than just a polite nod.
A Deep Well of Duty
This verse doesn't just ask for superficial respect. The original Hebrew concept of 'honor' includes:
It’s a comprehensive calling to value and uphold them in every way.
This commandment stands out in the Decalogue. Why? Because it’s the first one God attached a specific promise to.
God's Special Incentive
Paul emphasizes that this is the "first commandment with promise." What does this mean?
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We are told to obey parents, but there's a crucial qualifier: 'in the Lord.' This protects both children and parents.
The Ultimate Authority
The phrase 'in the Lord' is vital. It means:
Understand the original words
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.
The commandment to honor parents, with its unique promise of long life, was deeply significant in ancient Israel, connecting family duty directly to national well-being and God's covenant faithfulness in the Promised Land.
c. 1446 BC
Ten Commandments Given at Sinai
God gives the Ten Commandments to Moses, including the fifth commandment to honor parents, which is specifically noted as the first to have a promise attached.
c. 1446 BC
Promise of Long Life Attached
The commandment to honor parents is explicitly linked to the promise of a long life in the land God is giving them.
c. 1406 BC
Joshua Leads Israelites into Canaan
The Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, enter the Promised Land, fulfilling the condition for the promise attached to the commandment to honor parents.
c. 975 BC
Temple Construction Begins in Jerusalem
Solomon begins building the Temple in Jerusalem, establishing a central place for Israelite worship and law observance.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Babylonian forces destroy Jerusalem and the Temple, marking a devastating exile and a period of national crisis for the Jewish people.
c. 538 BC
Return from Babylonian Exile
Cyrus the Great allows the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding the Temple. This marks a significant moment of restoration and renewed emphasis on the Law.
c. AD 62— this verse
Paul Writes Ephesians from Prison
The Apostle Paul, while imprisoned, writes the letter to the Ephesians, reminding believers of their duties within the household and the church, including the commandment to honor parents.
This is the foundational Old Testament commandment that Ephesians 6:2 directly quotes, establishing the divine origin and context of honoring parents.
Deuteronomy 5:16This passage reiterates the commandment to honor parents, also linking it to the promise of a long life, underscoring the enduring significance of this principle.
Proverbs 1:8-9This proverb echoes the sentiment of Ephesians 6:2 by calling children to listen to their father and mother, describing this obedience as a 'garland' of grace for their head, highlighting the beauty and blessing of honoring parents.
Colossians 3:20This verse directly parallels Ephesians 6:2, instructing children to 'obey their parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord,' reinforcing the spiritual importance of this relationship.
Matthew 15:4Jesus himself quotes the commandment about honoring parents when confronting the Pharisees, demonstrating its continued relevance and spiritual weight even in His earthly ministry.
barnesEphesians 6:2: "Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)"
Honour thy father and mother - see Exodus 20:12 ; compare notes on Matthew 15:4 . Which is the first commandment with promise - With a promise annexed to it. The promise was, that their days should be long in the land which the Lord their God would give them. It is not to be supposed that the observance of the four first commandments would not be attended with a blessing, but no particular blessing is…
gillEphesians 6:2: "Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)"
Honour thy father and mother,.... This explains who parents are, and points at some branches of obedience due unto them; for they are not only to be loved, and to be feared, and reverenced, their corrections to be submitted to, offences against them to be acknowledged, their tempers to be bore with, and their infirmities covered; but they are to be honoured in thought, word, and gesture; they are to be…
This isn't just a commandment with a promise; it's the first one in the entire list of God's commands specifically given a promise. This highlights how foundational honoring parents is in God's design, setting it apart as a unique entryway to experiencing His blessings.
Paul is continuing his instruction on how believers should live out their faith in practical, everyday relationships. Following his discussion on the unity and spiritual warfare of the church, he shifts to specific household codes, beginning with the duties of children to their parents. He quotes the fifth commandment from the Old Testament, emphasizing that it's the first one directly linked with a promised blessing.
Paul is continuing his instruction on how believers should live out their faith in practical, everyday relationships. Following his discussion on the unity and spiritual warfare of the church, he shifts to specific household codes, beginning with the duties of children to their parents. He quotes the fifth commandment from the Old Testament, emphasizing that it's the first one directly linked with a promised blessing.
"“Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise)," — This isn't just a commandment with a promise; it's the first one in the entire list of God's commands specifically given a promise. This highlights how foundational honoring parents is in God's d…
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Last reviewed October 2026