What Does It Mean To Honor Your Parents?

The Heart of Honoring Your Parents: A Biblical Study

The command to honor one’s parents is a foundational teaching in Scripture, rooted in both the Old and New Testaments. But what does it truly mean to honor your father and mother, and how does this command shape Christian living today? Let’s explore the biblical meaning, practical implications, and the spiritual significance of this commandment.

The Command in the Ten Commandments

The instruction to honor parents first appears in the Ten Commandments:

Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee. - Exodus 20:12 ASV

This command is unique because it comes with a promise: a long and blessed life in the land God gives. The repetition of the command in Deuteronomy 5:16 ASV underscores its ongoing importance in God’s covenant with His people.

What Does “Honor” Mean?

The Hebrew word translated “honor” means “to give weight to” or “to treat as valuable.” Honoring parents involves more than mere obedience; it’s about showing respect, care, and valuing their God-given role. In practical terms, this includes:

Speaking respectfully, even in disagreement
Listening to their instruction and wisdom
Providing for them in their old age (1 Timothy 5:4 ASV)
Living in a way that brings them honor, not shame

Jesus and Honoring Parents

Jesus affirmed the importance of honoring parents, even challenging the religious leaders of His day who neglected this command:

For God said, Honor thy father and thy mother: and, He that speaketh evil of father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, That wherewith thou mightest have been profited by me is given to God; he shall not honor his father. And ye have made void the word of God because of your tradition. - Matthew 15:4-6 ASV

Here, Jesus rebukes those who use religious excuses to avoid caring for their parents, highlighting that genuine obedience to God involves practical love and provision for family.

Honoring Parents in the New Testament Church

The Apostle Paul reiterates the command in his instructions to Christian families:

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor 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. - Ephesians 6:1-3 ASV

Paul connects obedience and honor, but also reminds parents not to provoke their children to anger (Ephesians 6:4 ASV). This mutual respect builds healthy families and reflects God’s character.

When Honoring is Difficult

Scripture does not call for blind obedience, especially if parents command something contrary to God’s Word (Acts 5:29 ASV). However, even in difficult relationships, believers are called to show honor—treating parents with dignity and seeking reconciliation if possible.

The Gospel and the Family

At the heart of the command is the recognition that family structures are part of God’s good design. Honoring parents points to our ultimate obedience and honor toward God the Father. The ability to honor imperfect parents flows from experiencing the perfect love and forgiveness that comes through Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:13 ASV).

Practical Applications

Pray for your parents and seek ways to encourage and support them.
Express gratitude for their sacrifices, even if your relationship is strained.
Model Christlike forgiveness and humility in all family interactions.
Teach and uphold a culture of honor in your own home.

Conclusion

Honoring your parents is more than a rule; it’s a reflection of God’s love, Christ’s humility, and the Spirit’s power at work in families. As believers, we are called to honor our earthly parents as an act of obedience and worship to our Heavenly Father.

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