Deuteronomy 5:16
What does Deuteronomy 5:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Deuteronomy 5:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Deuteronomy 5:16 means
This verse, central to the Ten Commandments, extols the honor due to parents. "Honor" implies more than mere obedience; it encompasses respect, care, and provision, particularly as parents age. Yahweh’s command emphasizes the divine origin and importance of this familial duty. The promise of "long days" and "well-being in the land" directly links filial piety to national flourishing and individual blessing within the Promised Land. This underscores a covenantal relationship where obedience to God’s commands, especially this foundational social precept, directly impacts the community’s welfare and the individual’s experience of God’s provision. It is a powerful statement about the ripple effect of honoring family.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Honor thy father and thy mother, as Jehovah thy God commanded thee; that thy days may be long, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Honour thy father and thy mother, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Honor thy father and thy mother, as Jehovah thy God commanded thee; that thy days may be long, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Give honour to your father and your mother, as you have been ordered by the Lord your God; so that your life may be long and all may be well for you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Honour thy father and thy mother, as Jehovah thy God hath commanded thee, so that thy days are prolonged, and so that it is well with thee, on the ground which Jehovah thy God is giving to thee.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Honour thy father and mother, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee, that thou mayst live a long time, and it may be well with thee in the land, which the Lord thy God will give thee.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Honour thy father and thy mother, as Jehovah thyGod hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may be well with thee in the land which Jehovah thyGod giveth thee.
Context
Deuteronomy 5 presents a reiteration of the Ten Commandments, delivered by Moses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. This chapter serves as a trenchant reminder of the covenant God established at Horeb (Mount Sinai). The commandments prior to verse 16 deal with the singular worship of God, the prohibition of idolatry, taking God's name in vain, and observing the Sabbath. Following the command to honor parents, the remaining commandments address social justice and moral conduct within the community. Thus, verse 16 acts as a pivotal transition from laws governing man’s relationship with God to laws governing man’s relationship with fellow human beings, with the family unit serving as the foundational building block of society.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
- Leviticus 19:3
Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father; and ye shall keep my sabbaths: I am Jehovah your God.
- Matthew 19:19
Honor thy father and thy mother; and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
- Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord.
- Mark 7:10
For Moses said, Honor thy father and thy mother; and, He that speaketh evil of father or mother, let him die the death:
- Mark 10:19
Thou knowest the commandments, Do not kill, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor thy father and mother.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Deuteronomy 5
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Deuteronomy 5.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Family
The Bible emphasizes the importance of family, both biological and spiritual, as a foundational unit in God's design.
Topic
Bible Verses About Honoring Parents
Honoring parents is a foundational command in Scripture, reflecting God's design for family and societal well-being
Topic
Bible Verses About the Sabbath
The Sabbath is a day of rest and worship, a gift from God for the good of His people.
What the Bible says about…