Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Obeying Parents?
16 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Obeying Parents in the Bible
Explore what the Bible says about obeying parents. This collection of 17 key Scripture passages reveals God's wisdom and guidance on this important theme.
Top 10 Verses About Obeying Parents
- 1Exodus 20:12
“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”
KJV - 2Leviticus 19:3
“Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God.”
KJV - 3Deuteronomy 5:16
“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, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”
KJV - 4
- 5
- 6
- 7Proverbs 20:20
“Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness. lamp: or, candle”
KJV - 8Proverbs 23:22
“Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.”
KJV - 9Proverbs 30:17
“The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it. the valley: or, the brook”
KJV - 10Matthew 15:4
“For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.”
KJV
Old Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Obeying Parents? (9 Verses)
“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”
“Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God.”
“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, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”
“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:”
“My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:”
“A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.”
“Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness. lamp: or, candle”
“Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.”
“The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it. the valley: or, the brook”
New Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Obeying Parents? (7 Verses)
“For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.”
“For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:”
“And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.”
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.”
“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
“Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.”
How to Study What the Bible Says About Obeying Parents
- 1
Begin by reading through every verse listed on this page, noting which ones speak most directly to your current season of life. Write them down and revisit them throughout the week.
- 2
Use a concordance or the search tools on this site to find additional passages about obeying parents. Look for patterns across both the Old and New Testaments to gain a complete picture of what God reveals on this subject.
- 3
Study the context of each verse. Read the surrounding chapter to understand who was speaking, who the audience was, and what circumstances prompted the passage. Context prevents misapplication.
- 4
Memorise at least one key verse about obeying parents and meditate on it daily. Scripture memory transforms thinking and equips you to apply God's Word in real-time situations.
Practical Application
Studying what the Bible says about obeying parents is only the beginning. Scripture is meant to be lived out in daily obedience and faith. Here are practical steps to apply these truths:
Identify one area of your life where the biblical teaching on obeying parents needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about obeying parents with a fellow believer or in a small group setting. Teaching others solidifies your own understanding and encourages mutual growth.
Pray through the key verses about obeying parents, asking God to reveal how His Word applies to your relationships, decisions, and daily habits.
How Well Do You Know What the Bible Says About Obeying Parents?
You have studied 16 verses about obeying parents. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.