The exact words
“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”Exodus 20:12, King James Version (1611)
✓ VerifiedFound in a primary source: the original book, speech transcript, letter or recording.
What people get wrong
Common reading
A rule only for young children to obey their parents.
A rule only for young children to obey their parents.
Closer to the original
In its ancient setting it was aimed at adults too, including caring for parents in old age. “Honour” means giving weight to, respecting and providing for, not just obeying.
In its ancient setting it was aimed at adults too, including caring for parents in old age. “Honour” means giving weight to, respecting and providing for, not just obeying.
Timeline
- Ancient IsraelIn the story of Exodus, God gives Moses the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. Honoring parents is the fifth in the usual Protestant and Jewish counting, the fourth in the Catholic and Lutheran.
- 1st century ADPaul quotes it in his letter to the Ephesians, calling it “the first commandment with promise.”
Use it in a speech
The commandment says honour thy father and thy mother. Today is my day to honour you, Mom. Thank you for everything.
~6 secondsto say aloud
Pausenone needed in a card
Best spotthe main line of the card
Honour thy father, the Bible says. So, Dad, consider yourself honored, and also in charge of the grill.
~6 secondsto say aloud
Pauseafter “honored”
Best spotthe Father's Day toast
Questions people ask
Which commandment is “honour thy father and thy mother”?
The fifth in Jewish and most Protestant traditions, and the fourth in Catholic and Lutheran numbering.
Where is it in the Bible?
Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16, and it is quoted in Ephesians 6:2.
Cite this quote
These cite the original source directly, so you can use them in an essay or paper. Always check your teacher's required style.
MLAThe Bible. Authorized King James Version, 1611. Project Gutenberg, www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10.
APAThe Holy Bible, King James Version. (1611/2026). Project Gutenberg. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10
IN TEXT (APA)(The Bible, Exodus 20:12; repeated in Deuteronomy 5:16 and Ephesians 6:2, King James Version)