"Honor your father and mother;" which is the first commandment with promise:
Truth to Learn
We should all give our parents honor and respect.
Behind the Words
Timaō is the Greek verb translated as “honor.” Timaō literally means “to place a high value on something.” It can refer to giving something a very high price, or it can refer to giving someone honor, respect, or reverence because of their great value as a person.
“Father” is from patēr. This is a primary word which refers to a father, either literally or figuratively.
“Mother” is translated from matēr, which is also a primary word. It refers either literally or figuratively to a mother.
The word translated “first” is protos, meaning “first in place, time, order, or importance.”
The word “commandment” is from entolē, which refers to “an authoritative edict.” Throughout the New Testament it is the word used to refer to one or more of the Ten Commandments.
“Promise” is translated from epangelia. This is a legal term referring to “a summons or promise to do or give something.”
Meaning Explained
The Apostle Paul has extended his teaching beyond how we are to relate to each other within the family of God (the church) to how we are to relate to each other within our individual families. In yesterday’s verse we were told that all children (young or old) are to obey their parents. The reason that Paul gave us is that it is the right (the proper) thing to do. In today’s verse he builds on that idea. He points out that one of the Ten Commandments specifically addressed this situation. It is the fifth commandment:
Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you. (Exodus 20:12)
“But Paul says that it is the first commandment,” you may say. Actually, what he says is that it is the first commandment that has a promise. If you carefully read through the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:1-17, you will notice that the second commandment has a general declaration attached to it, but not a promise. The fifth commandment is the only one that has a promise associated with it. The first four of the commandments are specifically aimed at our relationship with God. The fifth commandment is a pivotal command which shows that there is an order of authority under God and the following commandments teach how we are to behave in our human relationships.
Before leaving this verse let me point out that Paul is not teaching that we are still under the Law of Moses. He focused specifically on our freedom from the law in his letter to the Galatians. However, the precepts given in the Ten Commandments are important. So much so, in fact, that all but the fourth commandment (to keep the Sabbath) are repeated in one form or another in the New Testament.
Application
We should all treat our parents with respect and honor. This is particularly true as our parents get older and need our special attention and care. Honor your parents and give God the glory!
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved.