S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Both Christian parents and their married children can have difficulty with the balance between the concept of "leave and cleave" and honoring parents. Some pertinent Bible passages:"Therefore a man...

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July 01 2013 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Billy P Eldred Supporter

The word translated as Honor in the 5th commandment is "kabad" and according to strongs concordance it has several meanings most of which are preceded by "to be". The meaning I think fits best in this verse is (to be) honorable. Therefore I think the verse is commanding us to bring honor to our parents by the way we live our lives. 

This, to me, is reenforced in the new testament when this commandment was used by Paul in his letter to the church in Ephesus when he said "children obey your parents". Christian parents are expected to teach their children to be Godly so obeying them brings them honor by your behavior and explains why keeping this commandment gives you the best chance to have a long life as those who don't follow the Godly teaching by their parents are more at risk to have a shortened life especially in the days when this commandment was first given. 

I know that some have parents that they don't feel are worthy of honor especially if that honor includes respect. But if we bring our parents honor by our lives, we keep this commandment by bringing honor to them for giving us life.

That being said, there are many ways to honor your parents. Foremost in relation to this question is to live an upright life, walking in the way of the Lord, and maintaining your Christian reputation by keeping the two greatest commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength,“ and, “Love others as you Love yourself”. 

When you keep these two commandments, you will also become one with your wife or husband, further honoring your parents. 

In today’s world, that is more so than ever, because when you become one with your spouse, there is a much lower chance of becoming a broken home, and thereby bringing dishonor to your parents. 

To specifically answer your question, the two things are not in conflict; rather, they are mutually inclusive.

February 24 2022 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report