Honor thy mother and thy father is one of the most well-known commands in the Bible. It’s more than just a moral rule—it’s a reflection of God’s design for family, respect, and long-lasting relationships.
In today’s world, where generational gaps and family struggles are common, this commandment still speaks powerfully.
Whether you’re a child learning obedience, an adult caring for aging parents, or someone seeking healing from family wounds, God’s Word offers wisdom, strength, and direction.
This blog post explores 35 Bible verses that help us better understand and live out this call 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 the original commandment from the Ten Commandments. Honoring parents is connected to both obedience and blessing.
2. 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…
Explanation:
This verse repeats and expands the original commandment, showing that honoring parents brings well-being and long life.
3. Ephesians 6:2
“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—
Explanation:
Paul highlights that this command isn’t just a rule; it carries God’s promise of reward.
4. Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
Explanation:
Obedience is one way children can honor their parents, especially when it aligns with God’s Word.
5. Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
Explanation:
God takes joy in children who show love and respect by listening to their parents.
6. Proverbs 1:8-9
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
Explanation:
Wisdom begins with listening to the guidance of our parents.
7. Proverbs 6:20
My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
Explanation:
God encourages us to treasure what our parents teach—it’s often rooted in love and experience.
8. Proverbs 23:22
Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
Explanation:
This verse reminds us to honor our parents in every season of their lives.
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 emphasizes how seriously God views this commandment.
10. Mark 7:10
For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’
Explanation:
Repeated in the Gospels, this verse reinforces the deep spiritual value of family respect.
11. Proverbs 20:20
If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.
Explanation:
Disrespect brings harm, while honoring our parents brings light and blessing.
12. Leviticus 19:3
Each of you must respect your mother and father, and you must observe my Sabbaths.
Explanation:
Respecting parents is placed alongside keeping the Sabbath, showing its spiritual importance.
13. 2 Timothy 3:2
People will be lovers of themselves… disobedient to their parents…
Explanation:
In times of moral decay, dishonoring parents is listed among serious sins.
14. Proverbs 30:17
The eye that mocks a father, that scorns an aged mother, will be pecked out by the ravens…
Explanation:
This dramatic imagery warns of the dangers of mocking or despising parents.
15. Exodus 21:17
Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.
Explanation:
Old Testament law shows just how sacred parental honor was to God.
16. Deuteronomy 27:16
Cursed is anyone who dishonors their father or mother.
Explanation:
Dishonor leads to separation from God’s blessing and favor.
17. Proverbs 19:26
Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother is a child who brings shame and disgrace.
Explanation:
Mistreating parents not only hurts them—it brings dishonor to the child as well.
18. Proverbs 10:1
A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
Explanation:
Honor isn’t just obedience—it’s living wisely and bringing joy to your parents.
19. Proverbs 15:20
A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
Explanation:
Wisdom and love go hand-in-hand when it comes to family.
20. Luke 2:51
Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them.
Explanation:
Jesus Himself honored His earthly parents, setting an example for us all.
21. John 19:26-27
“Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”
Explanation:
Even on the cross, Jesus cared for His mother, honoring her until the very end.
22. Ruth 1:16
Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay…
Explanation:
Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi reflects deep respect and love, a beautiful picture of honoring family.
23. Genesis 9:23
But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it across their shoulders… and covered their father’s nakedness.
Explanation:
These sons showed honor and dignity toward their father, even in his failure.
24. 1 Kings 2:19
When Bathsheba went to King Solomon… the king stood up to meet her, bowed down to her…
Explanation:
Solomon honored his mother with humility, despite being king.
25. Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition… rather, in humility value others above yourselves.
Explanation:
Honoring parents starts with humility and a willingness to place others first.
26. Romans 13:7
Give to everyone what you owe them… if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Explanation:
We owe our parents honor—it’s a debt of love and gratitude.
27. 1 Peter 2:17
Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers…
Explanation:
Honoring parents fits within God’s broader call to respect and love others.
28. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Love is patient, love is kind… it does not dishonor others…
Explanation:
True love always honors—and this includes how we treat our parents.
29. Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace… kindness, goodness…
Explanation:
Living by the Spirit helps us show patience and kindness to our parents, even in tough moments.
30. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…
Explanation:
We can honor our parents by speaking words that lift them up and encourage their hearts.
31. Psalm 127:3
Children are a heritage from the Lord…
Explanation:
This verse reminds us that family is a gift from God, and honoring our parents honors Him.
32. Isaiah 66:13
As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you…
Explanation:
God uses the love of a parent to show how deeply He loves and comforts us.
33. 1 Samuel 2:30
Those who honor me I will honor…
Explanation:
When we honor our parents, we honor God—and He honors those who do.
34. Hebrews 12:9
We have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it.
Explanation:
Respect for parents teaches us how to revere and submit to God.
35. Malachi 1:6
A son honors his father, and a slave his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me?
Explanation:
God compares honoring earthly parents to honoring Him—both reflect our heart’s attitude.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Honor
The commandment to “honor thy mother and thy father” isn’t just about obedience—it’s about love, humility, and gratitude. These 35 Bible verses show us that honoring our parents brings blessings, strengthens relationships, and reflects God’s heart.
Whether your relationship with your parents is strong or strained, these Scriptures remind us that God values family deeply. And honoring our parents can be one of the most powerful ways we live out our faith.
What about you?
Do you have a favorite verse about honoring your parents? Have you seen the blessings of obedience and love in your own family? Share your thoughts and favorite Scriptures in the comments—we’d love to hear from you.