Bible Verses About Honoring Parents

"Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee."

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth."

"My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother."

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

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

"Honour 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."

"Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness."

"But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God."

"For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death."

"Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers."

What does the Bible say about honoring parents?

'Honor thy father and thy mother' is not just the fifth commandment — it is the first commandment with a promise. Honoring parents is a lifelong calling that adapts to every season: obedience in childhood, respect in adolescence, care in their old age. Key King James Version passages include Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:1-3, Proverbs 1:8. This page collects 10 KJV verses about honoring parents, each quoted in full.

What does it mean to honor your parents?

Honoring parents includes obedience in childhood (Ephesians 6:1), respect and gratitude in adulthood, and caring for them in old age (1 Timothy 5:4). It means valuing them, speaking well of them, and treating them with dignity throughout life.

How do I honor parents who were not good parents?

Honor does not mean approval of everything they did. You can honor imperfect parents by showing basic respect, praying for them, setting healthy boundaries, breaking destructive patterns, and entrusting the pain to God for healing.