Honouring your parents is more than just an old tradition or a childhood lesson—it’s a timeless principle deeply rooted in God’s Word. Whether you’re a child learning respect, an adult caring for aging parents, or someone reflecting on past family dynamics, the Bible offers wisdom, encouragement, and guidance.
Honouring parents doesn’t always mean agreeing with them or having a perfect relationship. It means showing respect, care, and a heart willing to obey God’s command.
These Bible verses about honouring your parents help us understand how God values the family bond and the blessings that come with obeying this important commandment.
Let’s look at 15 powerful scriptures that highlight what it truly means to honor our parents.
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. It shows that honouring parents is not only a moral duty but also tied to God’s blessing of a long and meaningful 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 reminds believers that honoring parents is part of living rightly in God’s eyes. This verse highlights that it comes with a promise of well-being and longevity.
3. Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
Explanation:
Obedience to parents is not just about family order—it’s a way to bring joy to God. It reflects a heart that’s teachable and humble.
4. 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:
This verse shows how valuable a parent’s guidance is. Their words become treasures that shape your character and bless your life.
5. Proverbs 6:20-22
My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.
Explanation:
Parental wisdom isn’t just for childhood—it carries into adulthood, offering guidance and protection in every season of life.
6. 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:
This verse links respect for parents with reverence for God’s commands. Honoring parents is a holy act of obedience to God Himself.
7. 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:
Repeated from Exodus, this verse shows consistency in God’s message. Honouring parents is always connected to peace and prosperity in life.
8. Proverbs 23:22
Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
Explanation:
Respect for parents should last a lifetime. Even in old age, they are to be treated with dignity and compassion.
9. 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 remind the people of how serious God is about honouring parents. It’s not optional—it’s essential.
10. Proverbs 20:20
If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.
Explanation:
This warning shows the spiritual consequences of dishonoring parents. It suggests that disrespect can lead to a life without direction or blessing.
11. Deuteronomy 27:16
Cursed is anyone who dishonors their father or mother. Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”
Explanation:
Dishonouring parents brings negative consequences, not just personally but also within the community of faith. It reflects rebellion against God’s order.
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 is part of living out true faith. It’s an act of love and gratitude that brings joy to God’s heart.
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:
Even Jesus, the Son of God, honored and obeyed His earthly parents. His example sets the standard for how we should treat ours.
14. 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 strong imagery warns of the dangers of disrespecting parents. It shows that dishonour can lead to disgrace and destruction.
15. Genesis 47:12
Joseph also provided his father and his brothers and all his father’s household with food, according to the number of their children.
Explanation:
Joseph’s care for his father in Egypt is a practical example of honouring parents. He supported them with love and provision in their time of need.
Living Out the Command to Honour Your Parents
These Bible verses about honouring your parents show that this principle isn’t just about obedience in childhood—it’s a lifelong calling. Honoring parents is part of living a godly life, filled with love, humility, and gratitude. It reflects our respect for the family structure God designed and brings blessings to our lives.
Whether you’re caring for elderly parents, teaching your children about respect, or seeking to mend a broken relationship, these verses serve as a guide and reminder of God’s heart on this topic.
Share Your Journey
How have you experienced the power of honouring your parents in your own life? Do you have a verse that speaks to your heart or a story that might help others? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
Remember, honouring your parents honors God—and He blesses those who walk in His ways.