Ephesians 6:2

Honour thy father and mother, (which is the first commandement with promise,) Ephesians 6:2 (KJV)

Context: Before delving into the verse itself, it’s essential to understand the context of Ephesians 6. The book of Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus. In the preceding verses Paul discusses the roles and responsibilities of various relationships, including husbands and wives, children and parents, and slaves and masters.

Commandment with Promise: In this verse Paul quotes one of the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20:12. The commandment is to honor one’s father and mother. Paul specifically mentions that this is the first commandment with a promise attached to it. The promise is found in the next verse, Ephesians 6:3, which says, “That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”

Honoring Parents: To honor one’s father and mother means to show them respect, obedience, love, and gratitude. This commandment applies not only to children but also to adults. It acknowledges the important role parents have in the lives of their children and emphasizes the need to honor them throughout one’s life.

Relationship with God: Honoring our parents also has a spiritual aspect. By obeying this commandment we display obedience and reverence not only toward our earthly parents but also toward our Heavenly Father. It reflects our understanding of the authority and order established by God in the family structure.

Promised Blessings: The promise attached to honoring one’s parents is twofold. First, it promises that things will go well with us. When we honor and respect our parents it contributes to a harmonious and loving family environment, fostering healthy relationships. Second, it promises a long life on the earth. This does not guarantee an extended physical lifespan for everyone who honors their parents but suggests that a life lived in accordance with this commandment aligns with God’s design for blessings and longevity.

Application: As believers it is crucial to take this commandment seriously. We should strive to honor and respect our parents, both in word and deed, regardless of their imperfections. Even if our parents fall short in certain areas we can still show honor and love toward them. Furthermore this commandment reminds us of our responsibility as parents to guide and nurture our children in a way that leads them to honor and respect us and, ultimately, God.

In summary Ephesians 6:2 reminds us of the importance of honoring our parents. It is a commandment with a promise, assuring us that things will go well with us and that we may live long on the earth. By honoring our parents we demonstrate obedience to God, foster healthy family relationships, and contribute to a harmonious environment.