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.

DEUTERONOMY 5:16KJV
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Deuteronomy 5:16 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 5:16 mean?

Deuteronomy 5:16 tells the people to honor their father and mother, as God has commanded, so that they may live long and things may go well for them in the land God is giving them. This verse connects respect for parents with blessings of a good and lasting life in the promised land.

In Deuteronomy 5:16, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter Canaan. He repeats the command from the Ten Commandments, emphasizing that honoring parents is not just a family value but a direct command from God. The verse ties this respect to practical outcomes—well-being and longevity in the land God is providing—showing that family relationships are linked to the health and future of the whole community.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 5:16

  • "Honour" (כָּבֵד, kavéd) means to give weight, respect, or value. This word goes beyond simple obedience and points to treating parents with deep respect and significance in one's life.
  • "Prolonged" (יַאֲרִכוּן, ya'arikhun) means to make long or extend. The promise here is that honoring parents is connected to a longer, fuller life, not just for individuals but for the community as a whole.
  • "Well" (יָיטַב, yitav) means to be good or go well. The verse links honoring parents to things going well in life, suggesting a broader sense of well-being and harmony.
  • "Land" (אֲדָמָה, adamah) refers to the ground or territory. Here, it points specifically to the promised land, making the commandment directly relevant to the Israelites' future in Canaan.

Why Deuteronomy 5:16 matters

  • Deuteronomy 5:16 makes clear that honoring parents is not just a private matter but has public and national importance for Israel’s future.
  • The verse shows that God’s commands are tied to real-life outcomes, connecting spiritual obedience with practical blessings like well-being and longevity.
  • By repeating this command as the people prepare to enter the land, Moses highlights that strong family relationships are foundational for a healthy society.

Where else these words appear

“prolonged” Hebrew H748 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 26:8 And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was sporting with Rebekah his wife.
  • Deuteronomy 25:15 But thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
  • Proverbs 28:2 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

“well” Hebrew H3190 · used in 102 verses

  • Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
  • Joshua 22:30 And when Phinehas the priest, and the princes of the congregation and heads of the thousands of Israel which were with him, heard the words that the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the children of Manasseh spake, it pleased them.
  • Psalms 49:18 Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.

“Honour” Hebrew H3513 · used in 109 verses

  • Genesis 13:2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
  • 2 Samuel 10:3 And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?
  • Proverbs 12:9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.