Respect for parents is a foundational value that appears again and again in Scripture. It’s more than just good manners—it’s a command from God and a reflection of His heart for family, order, and love.
Honoring our mothers and fathers teaches humility, gratitude, and discipline. It also helps build stronger, healthier relationships and homes.
This list of Bible verses about honoring mother and father reminds us that honoring parents isn’t limited to childhood. It’s a lifelong commitment that blesses both the giver and the receiver.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen family bonds, seeking spiritual guidance, or reflecting on God’s commands, these verses offer clarity, comfort, and wisdom.
1. Exodus 20:12
Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
Explanation:
This is one of the Ten Commandments and highlights the importance of respecting our parents. God connects honoring them with a promise of well-being and long life.
2. Ephesians 6:1–3
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
Explanation:
Paul reinforces the Old Testament command and explains that honoring parents brings blessings. This verse applies to all ages, encouraging lifelong respect and obedience to God’s design for families.
3. Proverbs 1:8–9
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.
Explanation:
Parents’ guidance is described as something valuable and beautiful. These words show that honoring our parents includes listening and learning from their wisdom.
4. Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
Explanation:
Obedience to parents is directly connected to pleasing God. It’s a simple but powerful way to live in a way that honors both your parents and your faith.
5. Deuteronomy 5:16
Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
Explanation:
This verse repeats the command from Exodus and emphasizes it as a direct order from God. Obedience to this command comes with His promise of blessing and peace.
6. Proverbs 6:20
My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
Explanation:
Parental instruction is meant to be treasured, not ignored. Honoring parents involves holding onto their teaching throughout life.
7. Leviticus 19:3
Each of you must respect your mother and father, and you must observe my Sabbaths. I am the Lord your God.
Explanation:
God includes honoring parents right alongside keeping the Sabbath. This shows how seriously He takes the family structure and our responsibility to respect our parents.
8. Matthew 15:4
For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’
Explanation:
Jesus quotes Old Testament law to highlight how seriously God views the command to honor parents. It’s a clear sign that this commandment still holds weight in the New Testament.
9. Proverbs 23:22
Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
Explanation:
Honoring parents is a lifelong commitment. This verse reminds us that even as they age, our parents deserve our respect and attention.
10. Exodus 21:17
Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.
Explanation:
In ancient Israel, dishonoring parents was a serious offense. While the penalty is no longer enforced, the underlying truth remains—God calls us to treat our parents with deep respect.
11. Proverbs 30:17
The eye that mocks a father, that scorns an aged mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.
Explanation:
This vivid proverb is a warning. Disrespecting your parents brings harm, not just to them, but to your own life and future. It’s a powerful call to show honor and care.
12. 1 Timothy 5:4
But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.
Explanation:
Caring for aging parents and grandparents is not only right but a reflection of true faith. Honoring them includes meeting their needs and showing them love in return.
13. Luke 2:51
Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.
Explanation:
Jesus Himself honored His earthly parents through obedience. This verse gives us a perfect example to follow, showing that honoring parents is part of living a God-honoring life.
14. Mark 7:10–12
For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’ But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is “Corban” (that is, devoted to God)—then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother.
Explanation:
Jesus confronts religious hypocrisy by pointing out how people avoided caring for their parents under the guise of religion. Honoring parents is not optional—it’s a clear command from God.
15. Proverbs 20:20
If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.
Explanation:
This verse speaks to the consequences of dishonor. A “snuffed-out lamp” represents a loss of direction and hope. Respecting parents is part of a blessed and purposeful life.
Honoring Parents Reflects God’s Heart
These Bible verses about honoring mother and father show us that God takes this command seriously—and it’s not just about following rules. Honoring your parents is a way to reflect God’s love, build strong families, and live a life of gratitude. Whether you’re young or grown, there are always ways to show respect, love, and appreciation for the ones who gave you life.
Start small: listen more, speak kindly, offer help, or simply say “thank you.” These actions may seem simple, but they echo God’s desire for how families should care for one another.
Which verse stood out to you the most? Share your thoughts or favorite Bible verse about honoring mother and father in the comments—and let’s grow together in faith and family love.