Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Obeying Your Parents?
14 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Obeying Your Parents in the Bible
What does the Bible say about obeying your parents? Browse 14 carefully selected verses that illuminate this biblical theme.
Top 10 Verses About Obeying Your 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 - 2Deuteronomy 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 - 3
- 4
- 5
- 6Proverbs 23:22
“Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.”
KJV - 7Proverbs 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 - 8Matthew 15:4
“For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.”
KJV - 9
- 10Acts 5:29
“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.”
KJV
Old Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Obeying Your Parents? (7 Verses)
“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”
“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.”
“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 Your Parents? (7 Verses)
“For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.”
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.”
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.”
“Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)”
“Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.”
“Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.”
How to Study What the Bible Says About Obeying Your 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 your 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 your 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 your 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 your parents needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about obeying your 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 your 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 Your Parents?
You have studied 14 verses about obeying your parents. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.