What does “children, obey your parents in the Lord” mean?

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord” means sons and daughters should listen to and follow the instructions of their parents as an act of obedience to Christ. This obedience is not blind. It is “in the Lord,” so it is limited to things that are good, just, and not sinful. When a parent’s command clearly goes against God’s commands, God must come first. In normal family life, though, God has placed parents in authority, and children honor God by gladly obeying them from the heart, not just on the outside.

What does it mean to honour your father and mother in this passage?

To honour your father and mother is more than saying respectful words. It means thinking highly of them, speaking to and about them with respect, being patient with their weaknesses, and submitting to their correction. It also includes caring for them when they are old or in need, helping to provide for them, and not forgetting them when they can no longer work. Honor shows up in attitude, speech, and actions. Obedience in childhood is one key part of that honor, but the call to honor continues through life.

What is the “first commandment with promise” talking about here?

The “first commandment with promise” refers to God’s command to honor father and mother, which is the first of the Ten Commandments that has a specific promise attached to it. The promise is that it will go well with the person and that they may live long on the earth. Paul applies this promise beyond Israel to all who honor their parents. This does not mean every obedient child will live to a certain age, but it shows that God is pleased to bless such obedience, often with peace, protection, and stability in this life.

How should we understand the promise of living long on the earth?

The promise of living long on the earth points to God’s general way of dealing with people, not a fixed rule for every single life. Honoring parents usually leads to wisdom, self-control, and protection from many dangers, which tends to lengthen life and make it go better. At the same time, God has set each person’s days, and some obedient children die young, while some disobedient ones live long. The promise shows that God approves this command and often rewards it, both in this life and, in a deeper way, in the life to come.

What does “fathers, provoke not your children to wrath” mean?

“Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath” warns parents, especially fathers, not to treat their children in ways that stir up anger and bitterness. This can happen through harsh or unfair commands, constant criticism, public shaming, favoritism, unreasonable punishments, or neglect of their needs. Such treatment can harden a child’s heart and make them reject both their parents’ words and God’s ways. Parents are called to correct and lead, but to do it with patience, justice, and kindness, so that discipline helps the child instead of pushing them toward sinful anger.

What is the nurture and admonition of the Lord?

The “nurture and admonition of the Lord” means raising children with Christian training and warning. Nurture includes daily care, guidance, and teaching that help a child grow in understanding of God and his ways. Admonition involves gentle but firm correction, pointing out sin, and urging the child to turn from it and follow what pleases God. This kind of parenting is not only about rules, but about shaping the heart with God’s Word, prayer, good example, and loving discipline that keeps the Lord’s will at the center.

How does this passage guide Christian parents today?

This passage teaches parents to see themselves as under God’s authority in how they treat their children. They are not to rule by anger, pride, or fear, but to remember that their children belong to the Lord. Parents should avoid harshness and constant fault-finding, and instead provide patient instruction from Scripture, wise correction, and a godly example. Making time for teaching, prayer, and worship together is part of this. The goal is not just well-behaved children, but sons and daughters who learn to fear sin, trust Christ, and walk in obedience to God.

Why does Paul speak to children directly in this letter?

Paul speaks directly to children because they are seen as real members of the church, able to hear and respond to the Lord’s commands. By addressing them, he shows that their behavior matters to God. Obedience and honor are not small things; they are part of a life of faith. This also teaches parents to involve their children in the gathered worship and instruction of the church, expecting that God’s Word speaks to them as well. Children are not on the edge of God’s people, but are called to follow Christ in their own place and duties.

What does this passage show about God’s view of family authority?

This passage shows that God cares about order and kindness in the family. Parents have real authority, given by God, and children are told to obey and honor them. At the same time, this authority is limited and shaped by the Lord’s will. Parents must answer to God for how they use their authority. They are warned not to crush their children’s spirits, but to guide them with patient teaching and correction that reflects God’s own care. So the family becomes a place where God’s rule, love, and wisdom are seen in everyday life.

Eph.6.1

Ephesians 6:1

KJV

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

Children and Parents

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

Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)

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

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.