The Fifth Commandment: Honoring Authority and Reflecting God’s Order

The Fifth Commandment: Honoring Authority and Reflecting God’s Order

"Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long..." — Exodus 20:12 (KJV)




  1. The Meaning and Scope of the Fifth Commandment
    The fifth commandment calls us to honor our parents, but its meaning extends beyond biological relationships. It establishes a broader principle of respect for all God-ordained authority in the home, church, and society. This commandment is unique because it comes with a promise: long life and blessing. It reflects God’s design for order, where submission to rightful authority brings peace and stability.

    While “parent” primarily refers to biological and adoptive parents, it also includes other authority figures God has placed over us: spiritual leaders (1 Corinthians 4:15), civil authorities (Romans 13:1–2), employers (Ephesians 6:5–7), and older, wiser individuals who provide guidance (Leviticus 19:32). These figures reflect God’s structure of authority in different areas of life.

  2. Responsibilities of Parents and Children
    Parents have a high calling to reflect God’s character in their leadership and care. They must:

    • Teach their children God’s ways (Deuteronomy 6:6–7)
    • Provide for their physical and spiritual needs (1 Timothy 5:8)
    • Discipline them in love (Proverbs 13:24; Ephesians 6:4)

    Godly parenting requires leading by example, showing humility, patience, and grace, just as God deals with His children.

    Children, in turn, are called to honor their parents through love, respect, obedience, and care. This includes:

    • Listening to their instruction (Proverbs 1:8–9)
    • Submitting to their guidance (Ephesians 6:1–3)
    • Caring for them in their old age (1 Timothy 5:4)
    • Speaking well of them and showing gratitude for their sacrifices

  3. Common Violations of the Fifth Commandment
    One of the most pervasive ways this commandment is broken today is through neglect of the elderly. Many adult children abandon their aging parents, failing to provide care, attention, and support. This dishonor not only violates God’s law but reflects a heart hardened against love and gratitude.

    Another common violation is neglect of children, often resulting in single parenting when one parent shirks responsibility. Failing to provide for children’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs distorts God’s design for family and authority, leaving deep wounds and broken homes.

    Beyond family, rebellion against church leaders, civil authorities, and employers is widespread. This attitude of dishonor reveals a deeper rejection of God’s established order.

  4. The Theological and Practical Importance of Honoring Authority
    Honoring earthly authority teaches us to submit to God’s rule. It reflects His sovereignty and cultivates humility and obedience essential for spiritual growth. This commandment also strengthens families and societies, creating environments where biblical principles can flourish. When people honor authority, peace and harmony follow.

    The promise of long life and blessing was fulfilled for Israel when they obeyed this commandment — their prosperity and security in the Promised Land depended on their faithfulness (Deuteronomy 5:16). For the church, this promise takes on a spiritual dimension. Living according to God’s order brings peace, stability, and a thriving Christian community (Ephesians 6:2–3).

  5. Christ’s Perfect Example and Our Call to Change
    Jesus Christ perfectly modeled this commandment. He honored His earthly parents (Luke 2:51) and fully submitted to His heavenly Father (John 6:38). By following His example, believers reflect God’s order in their homes, churches, and societies.

    Let us care for our aging parents, take responsibility for our children, and respect authority in all areas of life. In doing so, we reflect God’s order and enjoy the blessings of peace, stability, and spiritual growth.

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