Duties Toward Others
The Fifth Commandment
Honour Thy Father and Thy Mother
Description
The fifth commandment transitions from duties to God to duties toward others, beginning with the family—the foundational institution of human society. Honoring parents involves respect, obedience (for children), care (for aged parents), and gratitude. This commandment carries a promise: long life in the land. Honoring parents teaches submission to authority generally and ultimately to God Himself. The family structure reflects divine order; rebellion against parental authority often precedes rebellion against all authority.
Key Verses
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
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.
Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.