Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

EPHESIANS 6:1KJV
Know the Bible

Ephesians 6:1 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 6:1 mean?

Ephesians 6:1 tells children to obey their parents as part of their relationship with the Lord, because doing so is the right thing. The verse highlights obedience to parents as a basic and proper expectation for children within a Christian context.

Paul, the author, is writing to believers in Ephesus, addressing different groups within Christian households. Here, he speaks directly to children, making it clear that their obedience is not just a family rule but is connected to their faith and life "in the Lord." This instruction is part of a larger section where Paul gives practical advice for Christian living.

The Greek behind Ephesians 6:1

  • "Children" (τέκνα, tekna): This word refers to offspring or children in a family, and it can include both young and older children still under their parents' care.
  • "Obey" (ὑπακούετε, hypakouete): This Greek verb means to listen under authority or to heed, emphasizing not just hearing but actually following instructions.
  • "In the Lord" (ἐν κυρίῳ, en kyriō): This phrase connects the act of obedience to a relationship with Jesus, showing that this is more than just a social expectation; it is part of living as a follower of Christ.
  • "Right" (δίκαιον, dikaion): This word means just, proper, or in line with what is morally correct, suggesting that obeying parents is not arbitrary but is recognized as the right thing to do.

Why Ephesians 6:1 matters

  • Ephesians 6:1 clarifies that obedience to parents is not just a cultural tradition but is rooted in a believer’s relationship with Jesus.
  • The verse shows that Paul’s instructions for Christian living are practical and apply to every member of the household, including children.
  • By calling this obedience “right,” Paul highlights that honoring parents is a value recognized both in Scripture and in broader society, giving it weight and importance.

Where else these words appear

“parents” Greek G1118 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 10:21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
  • Luke 18:29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,
  • John 9:22 These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.

“obey” Greek G5219 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 8:27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
  • Acts 12:13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.
  • Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

“right” Greek G1342 · used in 76 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Luke 18:9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

“Children” Greek G5043 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • Luke 18:29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,
  • Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;