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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://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=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Family Responsibility and Honor</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/f/family_responsibility_and_honor.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/ephesians/6-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/f/family.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Family Responsibility and Honor</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/f/family_responsibility_and_duty.htm" title="Family Responsibility and Duty">◄</a> Family Responsibility and Honor <a href="/topical/f/family_restoration.htm" title="Family Restoration">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div><b>Introduction</b><br><br>Family responsibility and honor are central themes in the Bible, reflecting the importance of familial relationships and the duties that come with them. The Scriptures provide guidance on how family members should interact with one another, emphasizing love, respect, and duty. These principles are foundational to a well-ordered society and are deeply rooted in biblical teachings.<br><br><b>Biblical Foundations</b><br><br>1. <b>The Role of Parents and Children</b><br><br> The Bible places significant emphasis on the responsibilities of parents and children within the family unit. Parents are instructed to nurture and instruct their children in the ways of the Lord. <a href="/ephesians/6-4.htm">Ephesians 6:4</a> states, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This verse highlights the duty of parents to provide spiritual and moral guidance.<br><br> Children, in turn, are called to honor and obey their parents. The commandment to "Honor your father and mother" is reiterated in <a href="/ephesians/6-2.htm">Ephesians 6:2</a> , which underscores its importance as "the first commandment with a promise." This promise, as noted in <a href="/ephesians/6-3.htm">Ephesians 6:3</a> , is "that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth."<br><br>2. <b>The Marital Relationship</b><br><br> The Bible also addresses the responsibilities within the marital relationship. Husbands and wives are called to love and respect each other, reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church. <a href="/ephesians/5-25.htm">Ephesians 5:25</a> instructs, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." Similarly, wives are encouraged to respect their husbands, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/5-33.htm">Ephesians 5:33</a> : "However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."<br><br>3. <b>Extended Family and Community</b><br><br> The concept of family in the Bible extends beyond the nuclear family to include the wider community. The early church is depicted as a family of believers who share in each other's burdens and joys. <a href="/galatians/6-10.htm">Galatians 6:10</a> exhorts believers, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith."<br><br><b>Honor and Respect</b><br><br>Honor and respect are integral to family responsibility. The Bible teaches that honoring one's family is a reflection of honoring God. <a href="/proverbs/20-20.htm">Proverbs 20:20</a> warns, "Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness." This verse illustrates the gravity of dishonoring one's parents and, by extension, the family.<br><br><b>Cultural and Historical Context</b><br><br>In biblical times, family was the primary social unit, and responsibilities were clearly defined. The patriarchal structure placed the father as the head of the household, responsible for the welfare and spiritual leadership of the family. The mother played a crucial role in managing the household and nurturing the children. This structure is evident in passages such as <a href="/bsb/proverbs/31.htm">Proverbs 31</a>, which describes the virtuous woman who diligently cares for her household.<br><br><b>Practical Implications</b><br><br>The biblical principles of family responsibility and honor have practical implications for contemporary Christian living. They encourage believers to prioritize family relationships, invest in the spiritual and moral upbringing of children, and foster a home environment characterized by love, respect, and mutual support. These principles also extend to the church community, where believers are called to treat one another as family, reflecting the unity and love that Christ exemplifies.<br><br><b>Conclusion</b><br><br>While the Bible provides clear guidance on family responsibility and honor, it also acknowledges the challenges that families may face. Through prayer, reliance on God's wisdom, and adherence to biblical teachings, families can strive to fulfill their God-given roles and responsibilities, bringing glory to God and fostering a legacy of faith for future generations.</div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/family.htm">Family</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/family_and_friends.htm">Family and Friends</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/family_and_work.htm">Family and Work</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/family_conflict.htm">Family Conflict</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/family_inheritance.htm">Family Inheritance</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/family_leader.htm">Family Leader</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/family_love.htm">Family Love</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family_of_saints--be_duly_regulated.htm">Family of Saints: Be Duly Regulated</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family_of_saints--blessed.htm">Family of Saints: Blessed</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family_of_saints--deceivers_and_liars_should_be_removed_from.htm">Family of Saints: Deceivers and Liars should be Removed From</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family_of_saints--live_in_mutual_forbearance.htm">Family of Saints: Live in Mutual Forbearance</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family_of_saints--live_in_unity.htm">Family of Saints: Live in Unity</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family_of_saints--punishment_of_irreligious.htm">Family of Saints: Punishment of Irreligious</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family_of_saints--rejoice_together_before_god.htm">Family of Saints: Rejoice Together Before God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family_of_saints--should_be_taught_god's_word.htm">Family of Saints: should be Taught God's Word</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family_of_saints--warned_against_departing_from_god.htm">Family of Saints: Warned Against Departing from God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family_of_saints--worship_god_together.htm">Family of Saints: Worship God Together</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/family_planning.htm">Family Planning</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/family_rejection.htm">Family Rejection</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/family_relationship.htm">Family Relationship</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/family_relationships.htm">Family Relationships</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/family_unity.htm">Family Unity</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--good--abraham.htm">Family: Good: Abraham</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--good--cornelius.htm">Family: Good: Cornelius</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--good--crispus.htm">Family: Good: Crispus</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--good--david.htm">Family: Good: David</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--good--jacob.htm">Family: Good: Jacob</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--good--jailor_of_philippi.htm">Family: Good: Jailor of Philippi</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--good--job.htm">Family: Good: Job</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--good--joshua.htm">Family: Good: Joshua</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--good--lazarus_of_bethany.htm">Family: Good: Lazarus of Bethany</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--good--lois.htm">Family: Good: Lois</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--good--lydia.htm">Family: Good: Lydia</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--government_of.htm">Family: Government of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--infelicity_in.htm">Family: Infelicity In</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--infelicity_in_ahasuerus,_on_account_of_vashti's_refusing_to_appear_before_his_drunken_courtiers.htm">Family: Infelicity in Ahasuerus, on Account of Vashti's Refusing to Appear Before his Drunken Courtiers</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--infelicity_in_david_and_michal.htm">Family: Infelicity in David and Michal</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--infelicity_in_elkanah,_on_account_of_bigamic_feuds.htm">Family: Infelicity in Elkanah, on Account of Bigamic Feuds</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--infelicity_in_moses_and_zipporah.htm">Family: Infelicity in Moses and Zipporah</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--infelicity_in_of_abraham,_on_account_of_hagar.htm">Family: Infelicity In of Abraham, on Account of Hagar</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--infelicity_in_of_isaac,_on_account_of_the_disagreement_between_jacob_and_esau.htm">Family: Infelicity In of Isaac, on Account of the Disagreement Between Jacob and Esau</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--infelicity_in_of_jacob,_the_bigamic_jealousy_between_leah_and_rachel.htm">Family: Infelicity In of Jacob, the Bigamic Jealousy Between Leah and Rachel</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--instituted.htm">Family: Instituted</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--persian,_domestic_customs.htm">Family: Persian, Domestic Customs</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/family--religion_of_the.htm">Family: Religion of The</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nourishment.htm">Nourishment (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nourish.htm">Nourish (16 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/barren.htm">Barren (44 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/barrenness.htm">Barrenness (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/girls.htm">Girls (27 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tobit.htm">Tobit</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/anaharath.htm">Anaharath (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/plenty.htm">Plenty (43 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/milk.htm">Milk (66 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/famine.htm">Famine (99 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/family.htm">Family (438 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/f/family_responsibility_and_duty.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Family Responsibility and Duty"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Family Responsibility and Duty" /></a></div><div 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