Ephesians 6:2

Ephesians 6:2, in plain English

Paul quotes the fifth commandment directly, reminding you that respecting your parents is one of God's most basic expectations, and it comes with a built-in promise attached to it.

Why it's here

This is the only commandment from the second table of the law that Paul explicitly cites in the New Testament. He's not just saying 'obey' — he's anchoring this in Scripture itself, showing that what he's teaching isn't new but deeply rooted. The fact that a promise is attached makes it stand out even among the Ten Commandments.

Who's speaking

Paul, quoting Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16

Where it sits in the story

The Ten Commandments were given at Sinai as the foundation of Israel's covenant with God. By citing this commandment specifically, Paul shows that family relationships remain central to living rightly before God, even in the church age.

The scholarly reading

Paul quotes the Fifth Commandment directly, identifying it as the foundational relational law that carries explicit divine promises—distinguishing it from mere legal obligation.

Language and setting

By citing this as 'the first commandment with a promise' (the Greek construction protē entolē meta epangelias is unique to this passage), Paul emphasizes that honoring parents isn't arbitrary but covenantally secured with blessings. This rhetorical move—elevating the Fifth Commandment above others—suggests Paul sees family honor as foundational to the social order God intends. The Mishnah later discusses which commandments carry reward; Paul's classification here was not settled doctrine.

Voice

Paul, invoking the voice of Torah itself (Exodus 20:12), though filtered through his apostolic authority and exegetical judgment.

Significance

The Fifth Commandment stands at the hinge between the divine-directed laws (commandments 1-4) and the social laws (commandments 5-10), making family honor the bridge between God-reverence and neighbor-care. Paul's typological reading suggests that honoring parents prefigures honoring Christ, the ultimate authority.

1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

2“Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise),

3“that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.”

4Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Read all of Ephesians 6 — The battle isn't against flesh and blood. Belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith — Paul arms believers for an invisible war.