Ephesians 6:3

That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

Ephesians 6:3 (KJV)

Context

Paul quotes the fifth commandment as part of his instructions for the Christian household, where children and fathers each carry responsibilities. This verse is the second half of that commandment, drawn directly from the Old Testament law.

Meaning

The promise “that it may be well with thee” connects honoring parents with general well-being and prosperity. Honor means showing respect, reverence, and appreciation, and it includes obedience to parental guidance and authority. The second promise, “that thou mayest live long on the earth,” points to longevity as a blessing that often accompanies a life marked by respect for godly order.

This is the first commandment with a promise, as Paul notes in Ephesians 6:2. The promise is not an unconditional guarantee of a long, trouble-free life for every individual, but a general principle: obedience to godly authority, especially in the family, tends to lead to a stable and blessed life. In the original Old Testament setting, “on the earth” referred to the Promised Land, but in the New Testament application it extends to the whole earth, showing God’s care for the believer’s earthly life.

Biblical connections

The commandment is rooted in Exodus 20:12, where it is the fifth of the Ten Commandments. The repetition of the promise in Ephesians 6:3 and Exodus 20:12 underscores the enduring importance of this commandment. It is also reaffirmed in Deuteronomy 5:16, showing that honoring parents remains a continuing moral obligation for believers.

Application

While Ephesians 6:3 specifically addresses children, the principle of honoring parents extends beyond childhood. As adults, we are called to continue honoring our parents by respecting their wisdom, seeking their counsel when appropriate, and caring for them in their old age. This reflects gratitude and recognition of the roles they played in our lives. Such honor is not a means of earning salvation, but a fruit of a life submitted to God’s order, and it brings God’s blessing.

• Summary: Ephesians 6:3 emphasizes the importance of honoring parents and connects it to experiencing well-being and a long life.