Meaning, commentary and cross references
Ephesians 6:1
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
NIV · New International Version
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
WEB · World English Bible
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
What does Ephesians 6:1 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Ephesians 6:1
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 and immediate parents, both father and mother, but such who are in the room of parents, as step-fathers, step-mothers, guardians, nurses, &c. and all who are in the ascending line, as grandfathers, grandmothers, &c. to these, children should be subject and obedient in all…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Ephesians 6:1–9
I take it rather as a reason: "Children, obey your parents; for the Lord has commanded it: obey them therefore for the Lord's sake, and with an eye to him." Or it may be a particular specification of the general duty: "Obey your parents, especially in those things which relate to the Lord. Your parents teach you good manners, and therein you must obey them. They teach you what is for your health, and in this you must obey them: but the chief things in which you are to do it are the things pertaining to the Lord."
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Ephesians 6:1–4
1. Children, obey. Why does the apostle use the word obey instead of honor, [167] which has a greater extent of meaning? It is because Obedience is the evidence of that honor which children owe to their parents, and is therefore more earnestly enforced.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Ephesians 6:1–4 (WEB)
1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise: 3“that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.” 4You fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Cross references
- Colossians 3:20–25
Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord.
- Proverbs 23:22
Listen to your father who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old.
- Proverbs 6:20
My son, keep your father’s commandment, and don’t forsake your mother’s teaching.
- Colossians 3:16–17
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.
- Proverbs 1:8
My son, listen to your father’s instruction, and don’t forsake your mother’s teaching;
- Deuteronomy 21:18
If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother, and though they chasten him, will not listen to them,
- Leviticus 19:3
“‘Each one of you shall respect his mother and his father. You shall keep my Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God.
- Romans 12:2
Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Key words
In the Baptist Catechism
- Q70. What is required in the fifth commandment?
The fifth commandment requires the preserving the honor, and performing the duties, belonging to every one in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors, or equals.