Devine Scripture

Ephesians 6:1

What does Ephesians 6:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 6:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 6:1 means

Paul addresses children directly, treating them as real disciples capable of obeying Christ. He calls them to obey their parents “in the Lord,” which sets the boundary and motivation. Obedience is not blind compliance with sin, but a willing submission that accords with Christ’s will. It is “right”—morally fitting, part of God’s created order, and a visible good that stabilizes family life. In a culture where children could be overlooked, Paul dignifies them with a clear duty tied to the Lordship of Jesus. Their obedience becomes a daily way to honor God, not merely to avoid punishment or gain favor, but to live out faith within the household.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Children, do what is ordered by your fathers and mothers in the Lord: for this is right.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

The children! obey your parents in the Lord, for this is righteous;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Children, obey your parents in [the] Lord, for this is just.

Context

After exhorting wives and husbands in chapter 5, Paul continues the household code by speaking to children and then to parents. Verse 1 sets the basic principle—obedience “in the Lord”—that will be grounded in God’s commandment and promise in the next verses. Verses 2–3 will anchor this duty in the Ten Commandments and its promise of well-being, and verse 4 will balance the call by directing fathers not to provoke their children but to raise them in the Lord’s discipline and instruction.

v.1This passage

v.2Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise),

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Colossians 3:16

    Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God.

  • 1 Peter 2:13

    Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme;

  • Proverbs 23:22

    Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, And despise not thy mother when she is old.

  • Hosea 14:9

    Who is wise, that he may understand these things? prudent, that he may know them? for the ways of Jehovah are right, and the just shall walk in them; but transgressors shall fall therein.

  • Psalms 19:8

    The precepts of Jehovah are right, rejoicing the heart: The commandment of Jehovah is pure, enlightening the eyes.

  • Colossians 3:20

    Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord.

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