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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ephesians 6:2 "Honor your father and mother" (which is the first commandment with a promise),</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/6-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/49_Eph_06_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ephesians 6:2 - Children and Parents" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise)," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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(which is the first commandment with promise;)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ephesians/6.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ephesians/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ephesians/6.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ephesians/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ephesians/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ephesians/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />HONOR [esteem, value as precious] YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER [and be respectful to them]—this is the first commandment with a promise—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ephesians/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ephesians/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ephesians/6.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ephesians/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"Obey your father and your mother, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ephesians/6.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Honour thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ephesians/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Honor your father and mother<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ephesians/6.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"Respect your father and mother" is the first commandment that has a promise added: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ephesians/6.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Honor your father and mother…" (This is a very important commandment with a promise.) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ephesians/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Honor your father and mother? (which is the first commandment with a promise),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ephesians/6.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment accompanied by a promise, namely,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ephesians/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ephesians/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/ephesians/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"Honour your father and your mother" --this is the first Commandment which has a promise added to it--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ephesians/6.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise: <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ephesians/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />honor your father and mother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/ephesians/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />"Honor your Father and mother," which is <i>the</i> first commandment with a promise,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ephesians/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> honour thy father and mother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ephesians/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first command with solemn promise;)<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ephesians/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Honour thy father and thy mother, which is the first commandment with a promise: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ephesians/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Honor your father and your mother. This is the first commandment with a promise:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ephesians/6.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />“Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />“Honor your father and mother”—this is the first commandment with a promise:<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />This is the first commandment with promise: Honour thy father and mother;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/6.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And this is the first commandment of promise: “Honor your father and your mother,<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/ephesians/6.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Honor your father and your mother, which is the first commandment with a promise,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/ephesians/6.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/ephesians/6.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />?Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with a promise;)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/ephesians/6.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />the first commandment with a promise annexed, is, "honour thy father and mother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/ephesians/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"Honour your father and your mother" --this is the first Commandment which has a promise added to it--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/ephesians/6.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />"Honor your father and mother" (which, indeed, is the first commandment with a promise),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/ephesians/6.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Honour thy father and thy mother, (which is the first commandment with promise,)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ephesians/6-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfeSHen3sAQ?start=1080" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ephesians/6.htm">Children and Parents</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/5091.htm" title="5091: Tima (V-PMA-2S) -- From timios; to prize, i.e. Fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere.">“Honor</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3962.htm" title="3962: patera (N-AMS) -- Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a father.">father</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3384.htm" title="3384: mētera (N-AFS) -- A mother. Apparently a primary word; a mother.">mother”</a> <a href="/greek/3748.htm" title="3748: hētis (RelPro-NFS) -- Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. ">(which</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/4413.htm" title="4413: prōtē (Adj-NFS) -- First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost.">the first</a> <a href="/greek/1785.htm" title="1785: entolē (N-NFS) -- An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.">commandment</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">with</a> <a href="/greek/1860.htm" title="1860: epangelia (N-DFS) -- A promise. From epaggello; an announcement.">a promise),</a> </span> <span class="reftext">3</span>“that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/20-12.htm">Exodus 20:12</a></span><br />Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/5-16.htm">Deuteronomy 5:16</a></span><br />Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-4.htm">Matthew 15:4</a></span><br />For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/7-10.htm">Mark 7:10</a></span><br />For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-20.htm">Colossians 3:20</a></span><br />Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-8.htm">Proverbs 1:8</a></span><br />Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/6-20.htm">Proverbs 6:20</a></span><br />My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/19-19.htm">Matthew 19:19</a></span><br />honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/10-19.htm">Mark 10:19</a></span><br />You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not cheat others, honor your father and mother.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-20.htm">Luke 18:20</a></span><br />You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witness, honor your father and mother.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/19-3.htm">Leviticus 19:3</a></span><br />Each of you must respect his mother and father, and you must keep My Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/23-22.htm">Proverbs 23:22</a></span><br />Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-4.htm">1 Timothy 5:4</a></span><br />But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show godliness to their own family and repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/9-22.htm">Genesis 9:22-23</a></span><br />And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father’s nakedness and told his two brothers outside. / Then Shem and Japheth took a garment and placed it across their shoulders, and walking backward, they covered their father’s nakedness. Their faces were turned away so that they did not see their father’s nakedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/28-7.htm">Genesis 28:7</a></span><br />and that Jacob had obeyed his father and mother and gone to Paddan-aram.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Honor your father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/20-12.htm">Exodus 20:12</a></b></br> Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/27-16.htm">Deuteronomy 27:16</a></b></br> Cursed <i>be</i> he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/20-20.htm">Proverbs 20:20</a></b></br> Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/galatians/3-19.htm">Added</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-8.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-9.htm">First</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-19.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-13.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-31.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-6.htm">Promise</a> <a href="/galatians/6-9.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-24.htm">Rule</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/6-18.htm">Added</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-1.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-3.htm">First</a> <a href="/philippians/2-29.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/philippians/2-29.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-7.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-3.htm">Promise</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-8.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/philippians/3-16.htm">Rule</a><div class="vheading2">Ephesians 6</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/6-1.htm">The duty of children toward their parents;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">of servants toward their masters.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Our life is a warfare, not only against flesh and blood, but also spiritual enemies.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/6-13.htm">The complete armor of a Christian;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/6-18.htm">and how it ought to be used.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/6-21.htm">Tychicus is commended.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ephesians/6.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ephesians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ephesians/6.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Honor your father and mother</b><br>This phrase is a direct quotation from the Ten Commandments found in <a href="/exodus/20-12.htm">Exodus 20:12</a> and <a href="/deuteronomy/5-16.htm">Deuteronomy 5:16</a>. It emphasizes the importance of respecting and valuing one's parents, which was a foundational principle in ancient Israelite society. In the cultural context of the time, family was the central unit of society, and honoring parents was seen as essential for maintaining social order and stability. This commandment underscores the significance of family relationships and the respect for authority within the household. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of honoring God-given authority, as parents are seen as representatives of God's authority in the family structure.<p><b>(which is the first commandment with a promise)</b><br>This part of the verse highlights that this commandment is unique among the Ten Commandments because it comes with a specific promise attached. The promise, as detailed in <a href="/exodus/20-12.htm">Exodus 20:12</a> and <a href="/deuteronomy/5-16.htm">Deuteronomy 5:16</a>, is that honoring one's parents will lead to a long life in the land that God is giving. This promise can be understood both literally and spiritually. Literally, it suggests that a society that respects and cares for its elders will be stable and enduring. Spiritually, it implies that those who honor their parents are aligning themselves with God's will, which brings blessings. This connection between obedience and blessing is a recurring theme in Scripture, seen in passages like <a href="/proverbs/3.htm">Proverbs 3:1-2</a> and <a href="/colossians/3-20.htm">Colossians 3:20</a>, where obedience to God's commands is linked to receiving His favor and blessings.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a></b><br>A major city in Asia Minor where the Ephesian church was located. It was a center of commerce and culture, and the church there faced various challenges from both pagan and Jewish influences.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_ten_commandments.htm">The Ten Commandments</a></b><br>Originally given to Moses on Mount Sinai, these commandments form the moral foundation of the Old Testament law, with "Honor your father and mother" being the fifth commandment.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_honor.htm">The Importance of Honor</a></b><br>Honoring parents is foundational to a godly life and reflects our respect for God's ordained authority structures.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/a_commandment_with_a_promise.htm">A Commandment with a Promise</a></b><br>This commandment uniquely includes a promise of well-being and longevity, indicating the blessings that come from obedience.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_relevance.htm">Cultural Relevance</a></b><br>In a society that often devalues traditional family structures, Christians are called to uphold and model respect and honor within the family.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_implications.htm">Spiritual Implications</a></b><br>Honoring parents is not just a social duty but a spiritual act that reflects our relationship with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_obedience.htm">Practical Obedience</a></b><br>This commandment calls for practical expressions of respect, care, and support for parents, especially as they age.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ephesians_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 6</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_you_respect_and_honor_your_parents.htm">Do you respect and honor your parents?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_the_christian_church.htm">What does the Bible say about controlling parents?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_controlling_parents.htm">What does the Bible say about controlling parents?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_advice_for_long_life.htm">What guidance does the Bible give for longevity?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ephesians/6.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">The first commandment with promise.</span>--It is, indeed, in the Decalogue "the only commandment with promise" distinctly attached to it. But it is still the first; the Decalogue being itself the introduction to the Law, in which similar promises are repeated again and again.<p>(2) (18) <span class= "bld">Praying always with all prayer and Supplication.</span>--In this verse the metaphor gives place to direct exhortation, unless, indeed, in the word "watch" there still lingers some reference to the soldier on guard. "Prayer" is the general word for "worship," appropriated to God alone; "supplication," used also towards man, is one element of such worship--the asking what we need from God. In <a href="/philippians/4-6.htm" title="Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.">Philippians 4:6</a> we have first the general word "prayer," and then the two chief elements of worship, <span class= "ital">"</span>supplication with thanksgiving." It is by prayer that all the heavenly armour is put on.<p><span class= "bld">In the Spirit.</span>--That is, "in the Spirit of God" (as in <a href="/ephesians/6-18.htm" title="Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;">Ephesians 6:18</a>). Compare the relation of prayer to the inspiration of the Holy Ghost in <a href="/context/romans/8-26.htm" title="Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.">Romans 8:26-27</a>.<p><span class= "bld">And watching thereunto with all perseverance.</span>--These words in themselves obviously supply the other part of our Lord's command, "Watch and pray," naturally apposite to the consideration of the Christian warfare. "Perseverance" implies exertion, holding out against fatigue and difficulty. The corresponding verb is used in relation to all kinds of spiritual labour (see <a href="/acts/2-42.htm" title="And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.">Acts 2:42</a>; <a href="/acts/6-4.htm" title="But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.">Acts 6:4</a>; <a href="/acts/8-13.htm" title="Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.">Acts 8:13</a>); but especially in connection with prayer (<a href="/acts/1-14.htm" title="These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.">Acts 1:14</a>; <a href="/romans/12-12.htm" title="Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;">Romans 12:12</a>; <a href="/colossians/4-2.htm" title=" Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;">Colossians 4:2</a>). Perhaps from this frequent connection St. Paul is induced to add to it "supplication," and this time "for all saints," so leading on to his usual request for the prayers of his brethren. For this he is willing to sacrifice some part of the perfect appropriateness of idea; since the whole picture hitherto has been of the fight, waged by each for himself (although side by side with others), in the combined power of watchfulness and prayer for God's help. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise).</span> The exhortation, based on natural morality (ver. 1), is here confirmed from the Decalogue. "Honor" is higher than obedience (ver. 1); it is the regard due to those who, by Divine appointment, are above us, and to whom our most respectful consideration is due. Father and mother, though not quite on a footing of equality in their relation to each other (<a href="/ephesians/5-22.htm">Ephesians 5:22</a>), are equal as objects of honor and obedience to their children. It is assumed here that they are Christians; where one was a Christian and not the ether, the duty would be modified. But in these succinct verses the apostle lays down general rules, and does not complicate his exhortations with exceptions. The latter part of the verse contains a special reason for the precept; it is the first commandment <span class="accented">with a promise attached</span>. But obviously the apostle meant more than this; for as in ver. I he had affirmed the duty to be one of natural religion, so here he means to add that it is also part of <span class="accented">the revealed will</span> of God - it is one of the commandments; but still further, it is the first commandment <span class="accented">with a promise</span>. It may, perhaps, be said that this is appealing, not to the higher, but to the lower part of our nature - to our selfishness, not our goodness; but it is not an appeal to one part of our nature to the exclusion of the rest; it is an appeal <span class="accented">to our whole nature</span>, for it is a part of our nature to expect that in the end virtue will be rewarded and vice punished. In the case of children it is difficult to look far forward; the rewards and the punishments, to be influential, must be within the ken of vision, as it were; therefore it is quite suitable that, in writing to them, the apostle should lay emphasis on a promise which had its special fulfillment in the life that now is. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ephesians/6-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">“Honor</span><br /><span class="grk">Τίμα</span> <span class="translit">(Tima)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5091.htm">Strong's 5091: </a> </span><span class="str2">From timios; to prize, i.e. Fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your</span><br /><span class="grk">σου</span> <span class="translit">(sou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">father</span><br /><span class="grk">πατέρα</span> <span class="translit">(patera)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3962.htm">Strong's 3962: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">mother”</span><br /><span class="grk">μητέρα</span> <span class="translit">(mētera)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3384.htm">Strong's 3384: </a> </span><span class="str2">A mother. Apparently a primary word; a 'mother'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">(which</span><br /><span class="grk">ἥτις</span> <span class="translit">(hētis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3748.htm">Strong's 3748: </a> </span><span class="str2">Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">is</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐστὶν</span> <span class="translit">(estin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the first</span><br /><span class="grk">πρώτη</span> <span class="translit">(prōtē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4413.htm">Strong's 4413: </a> </span><span class="str2">First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">commandment</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐντολὴ</span> <span class="translit">(entolē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1785.htm">Strong's 1785: </a> </span><span class="str2">An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a promise),</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπαγγελίᾳ</span> <span class="translit">(epangelia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1860.htm">Strong's 1860: </a> </span><span class="str2">A promise. From epaggello; an announcement.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/6-2.htm">Ephesians 6:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ephesians/6-2.htm">Ephesians 6:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ephesians/6-2.htm">Ephesians 6:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ephesians/6-2.htm">Ephesians 6:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ephesians/6-2.htm">Ephesians 6:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/6-2.htm">Ephesians 6:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/6-2.htm">Ephesians 6:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/6-2.htm">Ephesians 6:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/6-2.htm">Ephesians 6:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ephesians/6-2.htm">Ephesians 6:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ephesians/6-2.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 6:2 Honor your father and mother which (Ephes. Eph. 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