The Ten Commandments and the Teachings of Jesus: A Theological, Cultural, and Political Exposition
1. Introduction
The fifth commandment marks the transition point between duties to God and duties to fellow humans. It begins the second section of the Decalogue, yet it still retains a deeply theological orientation, as family structures in Scripture are considered sacred institutions reflecting God’s design. To “honour your father and your mother” is not only a command for social order but a divine call to generational continuity, moral formation, and covenantal stability. Jesus affirms this commandment in His teachings and simultaneously redefines family within the framework of the Kingdom of God.
2. Text and Translation
“Honour your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”
— Exodus 20:12, cf. Deuteronomy 5:16
Hebrew: כַּבֵּד אֶת־אָבִיךָ וְאֶת־אִמֶּךָ
Kabēd ’et ’āvīkā wĕ’et ’immekā – “Honour your father and your mother”
The verb כָּבֵד (kabēd) means “to make heavy,” and by extension: to treat with weight, seriousness, or respect. It conveys more than obedience—it implies a lifelong posture of honour, including support, reverence, and familial loyalty.
3. Historical and Cultural Background
In ancient Israelite society, the family was the primary unit of social, religious, and economic life. There was no individualism in the modern sense—one’s identity was inseparable from one’s lineage, household, and heritage.
- Patriarchal authority was central (cf. Gen. 18:19)
- Parental teaching was the vehicle for transmitting God’s law (Deut. 6:6–9)
- Elders were repositories of wisdom and moral order (Lev. 19:32)
Honouring parents included:
- Obeying commands in youth (Prov. 1:8–9)
- Caring for them in old age (Exod. 21:15–17; Matt. 15:5–6)
- Maintaining family honour in public and legal matters
The command is the first with a promise: a long life in the land (cf. Eph. 6:2–3). This connects family honour to national longevity.
4. Theological Significance
The fifth commandment reflects several theological principles:
- God is the source of all authority – Parental authority is delegated, not ultimate.
- Family is a covenantal institution – Reflects God’s relationship with His people (Mal. 2:15)
- Intergenerational transmission of faith is sacred – Honouring parents is a form of honouring God (cf. Prov. 3:1–2)
To dishonour one’s parents is viewed in Scripture as not just a social offence, but a spiritual rebellion (Deut. 21:18–21; Ezek. 22:7).
5. Jesus’ Teaching: Honour and Redefinition
Jesus both upholds the fifth commandment and reframes family allegiance in light of the Kingdom.
a. Affirmation of Parental Honour
Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for nullifying the commandment through religious loopholes:
“You say that if anyone tells his father or mother, ‘Whatever support you might have had from me is given to God,’ then you no longer permit doing anything for a father or mother. Thus you make void the word of God…”
— Mark 7:11–13
He exposes how religious traditions had overridden the biblical mandate of practical care for parents.
b. Redefining the Family of God
Jesus also expands the meaning of family:
“Whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”
— Matthew 12:50
This is not a rejection of natural family, but a declaration that spiritual kinship in Christ transcends biological bonds. The Kingdom family is built on obedience to God.
6. Cultural and Political Implications
In both ancient and modern cultures, honouring parents intersects with societal dynamics:
- In Israel, parental honour safeguarded generational wisdom and prevented anarchy.
- Under Roman law, the paterfamilias (male head of house) held legal power of life and death—sometimes abused.
- Jesus resists both extremes:
- He condemns neglect of parents (Mark 7:11)
- He resists idolatry of family ties over discipleship (Luke 14:26)
In modern contexts, honouring parents challenges:
- Ageism and elder neglect
- Self-centred individualism
- Cultural rebellion against authority
Yet it also does not condone abuse. True honour includes truth, accountability, and boundaries where necessary.
7. Contemporary Discipleship Application
The fifth commandment applies today through:
- Respectful speech and attitude toward parents
- Care and provision for ageing or ill parents (1 Tim. 5:4)
- Spiritual gratitude for those who taught us the faith
- Teaching children to honour and obey (Eph. 6:1–4)
It also calls us to honour spiritual fathers and mothers—mentors, elders, and leaders who have shaped our faith (1 Thess. 5:12–13).
8. Conclusion
To honour one’s father and mother is to affirm God’s order, wisdom, and faithfulness across generations. Jesus not only affirms this commandment but also locates it within a greater spiritual family rooted in obedience to God. In doing so, He restores its true purpose: formation in love, honour, and covenantal belonging.