Ephesians 6:2
What does Ephesians 6:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Ephesians 6:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ephesians 6:2 means
Paul cites the command to honor father and mother, noting its special place as the first commandment attached to a promise. Honor is broader than mere obedience; it includes respect, gratitude, and care across the lifespan. By rooting household behavior in God’s moral law, Paul shows that Christian family life is not a novelty but fulfills long-standing divine wisdom. The command also checks rebellious hearts that want autonomy without responsibility. Christians honor parents not to earn salvation, but because love for God expresses itself in concrete relationships. The mention of the promise prepares readers to see obedience as connected to God’s gracious design for human flourishing.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise),
KJV
King James Version · 1611Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise),
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Give honour to your father and mother (which is the first rule having a reward),
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862honour thy father and mother,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Honour thy father and thy mother, which is the first commandment with a promise:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Honour thy father and thy mother, which is the first commandment with a promise,
Context
Following the basic call to obey in verse 1, Paul appeals to Scripture’s authority, quoting the command that has guided God’s people from the beginning. Verse 2 emphasizes the command’s dignity and promise, leading naturally to verse 3 where he states the content of that promise—well-being and longevity. This structure shows that Christian conduct is rooted in God’s revealed will and that obedience has real-life outcomes. After grounding the children’s duty, Paul will turn in verse 4 to instruct fathers, ensuring parental authority is exercised under the Lord’s rule.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Malachi 1:6
A son honoreth his father, and a servant his master: if then I am a father, where is mine honor? and if I am a master, where is my fear? saith Jehovah of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?
- Ezekiel 22:7
In thee have they set light by father and mother; in the midst of thee have they dealt by oppression with the sojourner; in thee have they wronged the fatherless and the widow.
- Jeremiah 35:18
And Jeremiah said unto the house of the Rechabites, Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel: Because ye have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts, and done according unto all that he commanded you;
- Exodus 20:12
Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee.
- Romans 13:7
Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
- Proverbs 20:20
Whoso curseth his father or his mother, His lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness.
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