Ephesians 6:3 kjv
That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
Ephesians 6:3 nkjv
"that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."
Ephesians 6:3 niv
"so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."
Ephesians 6:3 esv
"that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land."
Ephesians 6:3 nlt
If you honor your father and mother, "things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth."
Ephesians 6 3 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Exodus 20:12 | "Honor your father and your mother..." | Ten Commandments (Foundation) |
| Deuteronomy 5:16 | "Honor your father and your mother..." | Deuteronomic Law (Reinforcement) |
| Proverbs 3:1-2 | "My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life..." | Wisdom Literature (Benefit) |
| Proverbs 4:10 | "Hear, my son, accept my words, that the years of your life may be many." | Wisdom Literature (Guidance) |
| Isaiah 49:15 | "Can a mother forget the things she has nursed? ... though she may forget, yet I will not forget you." | God's Faithfulness (Analogy) |
| Malachi 4:5-6 | "See, I will send the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children..." | Prophetic Fulfillment (Family Link) |
| Matthew 15:4 | "For God commanded, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'Whoever curses his father or mother shall be put to death.'" | Jesus' Teaching (Quoting OT) |
| Mark 7:10 | "For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'Whoever reviles father or mother must die.'" | Jesus' Teaching (Synoptic Parallel) |
| Colossians 3:20 | "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord." | Pauline Epistle (Similar Command) |
| Romans 1:30 | "...disobedient to parents..." | Negative Example (Contrast) |
| 2 Timothy 3:2 | "...disobedient to parents..." | Negative Example (Latter Days) |
| Psalm 41:1 | "Blessed is the one who considers the weak; the Lord delivers him in the day of trouble." | Blessing for Compassion (Connection) |
| Jeremiah 31:9 | "...for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn." | God as Father (Relationship) |
| Psalm 133:1 | "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!" | Unity (Broader Context) |
| Proverbs 22:4 | "The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life." | Humility/Reverence (Similar Blessing) |
| Genesis 26:34-35 | "When Esau was forty years old, he took as wives the daughters of Heth..." | Example of Displeasing Parents (Consequence) |
| Genesis 9:20-27 | Noah curses Ham for dishonoring him | Parental Honor (Consequences) |
| Exodus 21:17 | "Whoever curses his father or his mother shall be put to death." | Law (Severity) |
| Deuteronomy 27:16 | "Cursed be anyone who dishonors his father or his mother." | Law (Cursing) |
| Philippians 2:14-15 | "Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent..." | General Conduct (Purity) |
Ephesians 6 verses
Ephesians 6 3 Meaning
The promise associated with honoring parents is "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth." This signifies a divine blessing of well-being and extended life for those who respect and obey their parents.
Ephesians 6 3 Context
This verse is part of Ephesians chapter 6, which specifically addresses the relationships within the Christian household, following the instructions given to slaves and masters. In this section, Paul addresses children and parents, and then continues to children and spiritual warfare. The instruction to children to obey their parents is given within the framework of pleasing the Lord. The promise attached is a significant emphasis on the importance and positive outcome of fulfilling this command, directly linking obedience to God's blessing of well-being and longevity.
Ephesians 6 3 Word analysis
Tekna (τέκνα): children
Hypakouo (ὑπακούετε): obey, listen under, be obedient to. Implies attentiveness and submission.
Goneis (γονεῦσιν): parents (in the Lord). The inclusion "in the Lord" connects parental authority to God's authority.
Panta (πᾶν): all, every. This emphasizes the completeness of the obedience expected.
Garnos (γάρ): for, because. Introduces the reason or justification for the command.
Estin (ἐστὶν): it is.
Dikaion (δίκαιον): righteous, just, fitting, proper. Obedience to parents is morally right and fitting.
Kavouva (καλῶς): well, properly, beautifully, honorably. Signifies positive outcomes and a flourishing life.
Mevas (μέν): indeed, truly. Used for emphasis.
Se (σὲ): you.
Eva (εὖ): well.
Makronos (μακρo-): long, lengthy.
Era (ἔχη): you may have, possess.
Hemeras (ἡμέρας): days, of the day.
Tes (τῆς): the.
Ges (γῆς): earth.
Honorific Obedience in the Lord: The phrase "Children, obey your parents in the Lord" is crucial. It doesn't mean obedience when it conflicts with God's commands, but rather that parental authority is a reflection of God's ultimate authority, and therefore, obeying parents within this framework is obeying God.
Divine Guarantee of Well-being and Longevity: The promise "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth" is a direct quote from the Old Testament, functioning as a covenantal blessing tied to obeying the commandment concerning parents. This is not a magic formula but a divine principle regarding the health of the family and society.
Holistic Well-being: "That it may be well with you" suggests a comprehensive blessing encompassing physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being, not solely material prosperity or merely escaping misfortune.
Ephesians 6 3 Bonus section
The inclusion of "in the Lord" for children's obedience to parents is paralleled by the instruction for slaves to obey their masters "as unto Christ" (Ephesians 6:5). This highlights a pattern where earthly relationships are to be lived out with a constant awareness of Christ's lordship. The promise of long life on earth for honoring parents is primarily associated with the Old Covenant, and its direct application in the New Testament might be understood more broadly as God's favor and a healthy, ordered life, rather than an absolute temporal guarantee in all circumstances, as faith in Christ can involve suffering and premature death even for the obedient. The spiritual health of a family and, by extension, a society, is strongly linked to the honoring of parental roles.
Ephesians 6 3 Commentary
This verse outlines a fundamental principle for the Christian life and society: the vital importance of children obeying and honoring their parents. This obedience is not arbitrary but is placed "in the Lord," meaning it's rooted in and subject to God's commands. The promise attached is a direct echo of the Fifth Commandment from the Old Testament Law (Exodus 20:12). It assures a blessed life characterized by well-being and extended years on earth when this commandment is followed. This indicates that respect for parental authority is viewed by God as foundational for a stable and flourishing life, reflecting a healthy order that ultimately honors Him.
- Practical Application: A child's consistent respect for their parents' guidance, even in small matters, demonstrates a heart inclined to obey divine authority. This could look like promptly doing chores, speaking respectfully, or seeking their parents' input on major life decisions.