Topical Bible: Children were Required: To Honor Their Parents

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The biblical mandate for children to honor their parents is a foundational principle found throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of family structure and the transmission of faith and values across generations. This command is deeply rooted in the moral and ethical teachings of the Bible and is seen as essential for maintaining social order and personal piety.

Old Testament Foundations

The requirement for children to honor their parents is first explicitly stated in the Ten Commandments, which are central to the covenantal relationship between God and His people. In Exodus 20:12 , it is written: "Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you." This commandment is unique among the Ten Commandments as it includes a promise of longevity and prosperity in the land, highlighting the significance of this duty.

Deuteronomy 5:16 reiterates this command, emphasizing its importance within the covenant community: "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 the LORD your God is giving you." The repetition of this command in Deuteronomy underscores its enduring relevance and the blessings associated with obedience.

Wisdom Literature

The Book of Proverbs provides further insight into the importance of honoring one's parents. Proverbs 1:8-9 advises: "Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. For they are a garland of grace on your head and a pendant around your neck." This passage highlights the value of parental guidance and the honor that comes from adhering to their wisdom.

Proverbs 23:22 also instructs: "Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old." This verse emphasizes respect and care for parents throughout their lives, recognizing their role in the upbringing and nurturing of their children.

New Testament Affirmation

The New Testament reaffirms the command to honor parents, extending its application to the Christian community. In Ephesians 6:1-3 , the Apostle Paul writes: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. '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 not only reiterates the command but also emphasizes its righteousness and the associated promise of well-being.

Colossians 3:20 further instructs: "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord." This verse underscores the spiritual dimension of honoring parents, linking it to a life that is pleasing to God.

Cultural and Theological Implications

In biblical times, the family was the primary unit of society, and honoring one's parents was crucial for the stability and continuity of the family and community. This commandment served as a safeguard against the erosion of family values and ensured the transmission of faith and tradition.

Theologically, honoring parents is seen as a reflection of honoring God, who is the ultimate authority and source of life. By respecting and obeying their parents, children learn to submit to God's authority and develop a sense of responsibility and moral integrity.

Conclusion

The biblical requirement for children to honor their parents is a timeless principle that underscores the importance of family, respect, and obedience. It is a commandment that carries both earthly and spiritual blessings, serving as a cornerstone for a life that honors God and upholds His divine order.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 20:12
Honor your father and your mother: that your days may be long on the land which the LORD your God gives you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother.
... first, what is the honor towards parents required by this ... who fare well and have
many children, they owe ... of them were brought up well and were regardful of ...
/.../luther/the large catechism/thou shalt honor thy father.htm

The Blessing of God on Filial Piety.
... them to repentance; neither had God required such self ... would not receive instruction."
Therefore were his judgments ... a good man, that his children should mind ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiii the blessing of.htm

Parental Duties Considered and Urged.
... So the posterity of Jacob were called "the children of God ... of Abraham, we know the
seal of God's covenant, and how parents have been required to dedicate ...
/.../sermon xxii parental duties considered.htm

The Domestic Relation.
... and is ready to say, "I love my child." True love as required by the ... "Lo, children
are a ... womb is his reward." Psa.127:3. It may be that you were unmindful of ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xiii the domestic relation.htm

1 Timothy iv. 14-Nov
... others consider what sort of conduct is required of them ... Perhaps there were not yet
any professing that state ... 4. "But if any widow have children or grandchildren ...
/.../homily xiii 1 timothy iv.htm

The Character and Supports of Widows Indeed.
... These Timothy was not required to honor"not directed to ... the church; though certain
poor and pious women were then used ... "Leave thy fatherless children, and I ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiv the character and.htm

Luther -- the Method and Fruits of Justification
... after this sort; first of all it is required that thou ... he be lord of all." We see
that the children unto whom ... brought up no otherwise than if they were servants ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/luther the method and.htm

Claim of Missions on Ministers of Influence.
... two of the five preachers at Antioch were called to ... declare that the work of a
missionary required greater talents ... up from among the youth and children, will be ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter vi claim of missions.htm

A Great Religious Awakening.
... blood of these souls will be required at their ... misled by husbands, wives, parents,
or children, and were ... Angels were bidden to keep faithful watch over these ...
/.../20 a great religious awakening.htm

The Foundations of Good Citizenship.
... might have the relaxation which their tired bodies required. ... the days when the
Israelites themselves were slaves in ... IMPORTANCE OF CHILDREN'S LOYALTY TO PARENTS. ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study x the foundations of.htm