How does Ephesians 6:2-3 relate to Deuteronomy 5:16's commandment? The Original Command in Deuteronomy 5:16 “Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.” • Given on Sinai (cf. Exodus 20:12) and repeated on the plains of Moab, the command anchors family life in covenant faithfulness. • “Honor” (Hebrew kābed) speaks of treating parents with weight, respect, and practical care. • The promise is two-fold: extended life and well-being in the covenant land. • God ties societal stability to children honoring parents; a home ordered under God produces a nation ordered under God. Paul’s Citation in Ephesians 6:2-3 “Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.” • Paul quotes the exact wording, then adds a brief commentary. • “First commandment with a promise” highlights its unique incentive among the Ten. • “On the earth” (Greek gē) broadens the promise beyond Israel’s borders to wherever God’s people live. Continuity Between Moses and Paul • Same divine Author: what God spoke through Moses, He reiterates through Paul. • Unchanged moral obligation: honoring parents is still binding; the New Covenant doesn’t cancel it. • Consistent promise: well-being and longevity continue to attend obedience, proving God’s blessings persist across covenants. New-Covenant Expansion • Scope widened: believers scattered among the nations can claim the promise “on the earth,” not only in Canaan. • Spirit-empowered obedience: Ephesians 5:18 links the household code to being “filled with the Spirit,” enabling wholehearted honor. • Gospel witness: a respectful, orderly household adorns the doctrine of God our Savior (Titus 2:10). Practical Outworking Today Honor involves: – Respectful speech (Proverbs 15:20). – Willing obedience while under their authority (Colossians 3:20). – Financial and physical care as they age (Mark 7:10-13; 1 Timothy 5:4). – Gratitude and public esteem (Proverbs 31:28). Consequences of Disregard • Personal: shortened, troubled life (Proverbs 30:17). • Societal: “disobedient to parents” marks perilous times (2 Timothy 3:1-2). • Spiritual: dishonor to parents reflects dishonor to God Himself. Blessings of Obedience • Individual stability and wisdom (Proverbs 1:8-9). • Households that reflect God’s order, inviting His favor. • A testimony of the gospel’s transforming power before a watching world. |
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