Ephesians 6:1

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

Ephesians 6:1 (KJV)

Context

Paul wrote Ephesians to the church in Ephesus, and in this section he addresses relationships within the Christian household. The instruction to children is part of a larger passage that begins in Ephesians 5:22 and extends through Ephesians 6:4, where Paul gives guidance to wives, husbands, children, and fathers. This household code follows the call to mutual submission among believers in Ephesians 5:21, showing that each family member has a distinct responsibility before the Lord.

Meaning

The verse directly addresses children, calling them to obey their parents. The term “children” refers to young individuals still under the care and authority of their parents. The command is not conditioned on the parents’ behavior; it is a general principle for maintaining order and respect within the family. The phrase “in the Lord” qualifies this obedience, indicating that it should align with the teachings and principles of the Lord Jesus Christ. Obedience is to be motivated by a desire to honor God, and it sets the boundary that loyalty to Christ comes first. The reason given, “for this is right,” points to the inherent moral goodness of honoring parents, a principle rooted in God’s design for the family and recognized in the created order.

Biblical connections

This instruction is grounded in the Decalogue. The next verse, Ephesians 6:2, introduces the promise attached to the command to honor parents, which echoes Exodus 20:12. Proverbs 6:20 also reinforces this duty. Colossians 3:20 parallels Ephesians 6:1. These passages together show that obedience to parents is a consistent biblical expectation, yet it is always within the framework of loyalty to Christ.

Application

• Children: If you are a child or a young person, take this verse as an opportunity to reflect on your obedience towards your parents. Seek to honor and respect them by listening to their guidance and following their instructions, knowing that it pleases the Lord. This obedience applies to children of every sex, age, and condition, and it is not blind; it is obedience “in the Lord,” which means it never requires you to disobey God.

• Parents: This verse also speaks to parents, reminding them of their responsibility to guide and nurture their children in a manner consistent with God’s Word. Parents should model obedience to God and provide a loving and nurturing environment for their children, so that the instruction to obey is reasonable and good.

Reflection

Obedience to parents is not merely a social convention; it is a moral obligation that reflects the order and authority established by God. When children obey their parents in the Lord, they demonstrate respect and honor for their authority, and this attitude of honor extends to the Lord Himself. This verse calls each reader to consider how their family relationships can be lived out in a way that is right and pleasing to God.