Ephesians 6
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Children, obey your parents - This is a duty with which God will never dispense; he commands it, and one might think that gratitude, from a sense of the highest obligations, would most strongly enforce the command. In the Lord - This clause is wanting in several reputable MSS., and in same versions. In the Lord may mean, on account of the commandment of the Lord; or, as far as the parents commands are according to the will and word of God. For surely no child is called to obey any parent if he give unreasonable or unscriptural commands.
Open source ↗MUTUAL DUTIES OF PARENTS AND CHILDREN: MASTERS AND SERVANTS: OUR LIFE A WARFARE: THE SPIRITUAL ARMOUR NEEDED AGAINST SPIRITUAL FOES. CONCLUSION. (Eph. 6:1-24) obey--stronger than the expression as to wives, "submitting," or "being subject" (Eph 5:21). Obedience is more unreasoning and implicit; submission is the willing subjection of an inferior in point of order to one who has a right to command. in the Lord--Both parents and children being Christians "in the Lord," expresses the element in which the obedience is to take place, and the motive to obedience. In Col 3:20, it is, "Children, obey your parents in all things." This clause, "in the Lord," would suggest the due limitation of the obedience required (Act 5:29; compare on the other hand, the abuse, Mar 7:11-13). right--Even by natural law we should render obedience to them from whom we have derived life.
Open source ↗Children, obey your parents in the Lord,.... The persons whose duty this is, "children", are such of every sex, male and female, and of every age, and of every state and condition; and though the true, legitimate, and immediate offspring of men may be chiefly respected, yet not exclusive of spurious children, and adopted ones, and of children-in-law; and the persons to whom obedience from them is due, are not only real and immediate parents, both father and mother, but such who are in the room of parents, as step-fathers, step-mothers, guardians, nurses, &c. and all who are in the ascending line, as grandfathers, grandmothers, &c. to these, children should be subject and obedient in all things lawful, just, and good; in everything that is not sinful and unlawful, by the word of God; and in things indifferent, as much as in them lies, and even in things which are difficult to perform: and this obedience should be hearty and sincere, and not merely verbal, and in show and appearance, nor mercenary; and should be joined with gratitude and thankfulness for past favours: and it should be "in the Lord"; which may be considered either as a limitation of the obedience, that it should be in things that are agreeable to the mind and will of the Lord; or as an argument to it, because it is the command of the Lord, and is wellpleasing in his sight, and makes for his glory, and therefore should be done for his sake: for this is right; it appears to be right by the light of nature, by which the very Heathens have taught it; and it is equitable from reason that so it should be; and it is just by the law of God, which commands nothing but what is holy, just, and good.
Open source ↗Here we have further directions concerning relative duties, in which the apostle is very particular. I. The duty of children to their parents. Come, you children, hearken to me, I will teach you the fear of the Lord. The great duty of children is to obey their parents (Eph 6:1), parents being the instruments of their being, God and nature having given them an authority to command, in subserviency to God; and, if children will be obedient to their pious parents, they will be in a fair way to be pious as they are. That obedience which God demands from their children, in their behalf, includes an inward reverence, as well as the outward expressions and acts. Obey in the Lord. Some take this as a limitation, and understand it thus: "as far as is consistent with your duty to God." We must not disobey our heavenly Father in obedience to earthly parents; for our obligation to God is prior and superior to all others. I take it rather as a reason: "Children, obey your parents; for the Lord has commanded it: obey them therefore for the Lord's sake, and with an eye to him." Or it may be a particular specification of the general duty: "Obey your parents, especially in those things which relate to the Lord. Your parents teach you good manners, and therein you must obey them. They teach you what is for your health, and in this you must obey them: but the chief things in which you are to do it are the things pertaining to the Lord." Religious parents charge their children to keep the ways of the Lord, Gen 18:19. They command them to be found in the way of their duty towards God, and to take heed of those sins most incident to their age; in these things especially they must see that they be obedient. There is a general reason given: For this is right, there is a natural equity in it, G…
Open source ↗6:1-4 The relationship between parents and children is to be a reflection of their devotion to the Lord. Christian children are to obey their parents, and Christian parents are to discipline their children gently (see Col 3:20-21).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
τέκνον (téknon, G5043) — a child (as produced) ὑπακούω (hypakoúō, G5219) — to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e. to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or… ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you γονεύς (goneús, G1118) — a parent ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are δίκαιος (díkaios, G1342) — equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
Open source ↗τιμάω (timáō, G5091) — to prize, i.e. fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy πατήρ (patḗr, G3962) — a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… μήτηρ (mḗtēr, G3384) — a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote) ὅστις (hóstis, G3748) — which some, i.e. any that; also (definite) which same ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are πρῶτος (prōtos, G4413) — foremost (in time, place, order or importance) ἐντολή (entolḗ, G1785) — injunction, i.e. an authoritative prescription ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἐπαγγελία (epangelía, G1860) — an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)
Open source ↗ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… εὖ (eû, G2095) — (adverbially) well σοί (soí, G4671) — to thee καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἔσομαι (ésomai, G2071) — will be μακροχρόνιος (makrochrónios, G3118) — long-timed, i.e. long-lived ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… γῆ (gē, G1093) — soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πατήρ (patḗr, G3962) — a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote) παροργίζω (parorgízō, G3949) — to anger alongside, i.e. enrage μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you τέκνον (téknon, G5043) — a child (as produced) ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) ἐκτρέφω (ektréphō, G1625) — to rear up to maturity, i.e. (genitive case) to cherish or train αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. παιδεία (paideía, G3809) — tutorage, i.e. education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction νουθεσία (nouthesía, G3559) — calling attention to, i.e. (by implication) mild rebuke or warning κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful…
Open source ↗δοῦλος (doûlos, G1401) — a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a… ὑπακούω (hypakoúō, G5219) — to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e. to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or… κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… σάρξ (sárx, G4561) — flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by… μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according… φόβος (phóbos, G5401) — alarm or fright καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… τρόμος (trómos, G5156) — a "trembling", i.e. quaking with fear ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἁπλότης (haplótēs, G572) — singleness, i.e. (subjectively) sincerity (without dissimulation or self-seeking), or… ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you καρδία (kardía, G2588) — the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
Open source ↗μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… ὀφθαλμοδουλεία (ophthalmodouleía, G3787) — sight-labor, i.e. that needs watching (remissness) ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) ἀνθρωπάρεσκος (anthrōpáreskos, G441) — man-courting, i.e. fawning ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) δοῦλος (doûlos, G1401) — a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a… Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) θέλημα (thélēma, G2307) — a determination (properly, the thing), i.e. (actively) choice (specially, purpose,… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) ψυχή (psychḗ, G5590) — breath, i.e. (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient…
Open source ↗μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according… εὔνοια (eúnoia, G2133) — kindness; euphemistically, conjugal duty δουλεύω (douleúō, G1398) — to be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary) κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being
Open source ↗εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἐάν (eán, G1437) — a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other… τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object ἀγαθός (agathós, G18) — "good" (in any sense, often as noun) ἕκαστος (hékastos, G1538) — each or every ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing κομίζω (komízō, G2865) — properly, to provide for, i.e. (by implication) to carry off (as if from harm; genitive… παρά (pará, G3844) — properly, near; i.e. (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with… κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… εἴτε (eíte, G1535) — if too δοῦλος (doûlos, G1401) — a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… ἀνίημι (aníēmi, G447) — to let up, i.e. (literally) slacken or (figuratively) desert, desist from ἀπειλή (apeilḗ, G547) — a menace εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not
Open source ↗λοιπόν (loipón, G3063) — something remaining (adverbially) μοῦ (moû, G3450) — of me ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) ἐνδυναμόω (endynamóō, G1743) — to empower ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… κράτος (krátos, G2904) — vigor ("great") (literally or figuratively) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἰσχύς (ischýs, G2479) — compare , a form of G2192 (ἔχω)); forcefulness (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗ἐνδύω (endýō, G1746) — to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively) πανοπλία (panoplía, G3833) — full armor ("panoply") θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) δύναμαι (dýnamai, G1410) — to be able or possible ἵστημι (hístēmi, G2476) — to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or… μεθοδεία (methodeía, G3180) — travelling over, i.e. travesty (trickery) διάβολος (diábolos, G1228) — a traducer; specially, Satan (compare H07854)
Open source ↗ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἡμῖν (hēmîn, G2254) — to (or for, with, by) us πάλη (pálē, G3823) — another form for G906 (βάλλω)); wrestling οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… σάρξ (sárx, G4561) — flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… αἷμα (haîma, G129) — blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially… ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) ἀρχή (archḗ, G746) — (properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of… ἐξουσία (exousía, G1849) — privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively)… κοσμοκράτωρ (kosmokrátōr, G2888) — a world-ruler, an epithet of Satan σκότος (skótos, G4655) — shadiness, i.e. obscurity (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing ἀναλαμβάνω (analambánō, G353) — to take up πανοπλία (panoplía, G3833) — full armor ("panoply") θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) δύναμαι (dýnamai, G1410) — to be able or possible ἀνθίστημι (anthístēmi, G436) — to stand against, i.e. oppose ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πονηρός (ponērós, G4190) — hurtful, i.e. evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from G2556… ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… κατεργάζομαι (katergázomai, G2716) — to work fully, i.e. accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion ἅπας (hápas, G537) — absolutely all or (singular) every one
Open source ↗ἵστημι (hístēmi, G2476) — to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or… οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly περιζώννυμι (perizṓnnymi, G4024) — to gird all around, i.e. (middle voice or passive) to fasten on one's belt (literally or… ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you ὀσφῦς (osphŷs, G3751) — the loin (externally), i.e. the hip; internally (by extension) procreative power ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἀλήθεια (alḗtheia, G225) — truth καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐνδύω (endýō, G1746) — to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively) θώραξ (thṓrax, G2382) — the chest ("thorax"), i.e. (by implication) a corslet δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosýnē, G1343) — equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother.
If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and does not listen to them when disciplined,
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Each of you must respect his mother and father, and you must keep My Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God.
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.
Then he sings before men with these words: ‘I have sinned and perverted what was right; yet I did not get what I deserved.
As for the eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother, may the ravens of the valley pluck it out and young vultures devour it.
Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But His mother treasured up all these things in her heart.