Heidelberg Catechism · 1563

Q104. What does God require in the fifth commandment?

That I show all honour, love, and faithfulness to my father and mother and to all those in authority over me, submit myself with due obedience to their good instruction and discipline, and also have patience with their weaknesses and shortcomings, since it is God's will to govern us by their hand.
Answer · Heidelberg Catechism

Scripture proofs

  1. [1]
    Exodus 21:17

    And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.

    Proverbs 1:8

    My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

    Proverbs 4:1

    Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.

    Romans 13:1-2

    Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

    Ephesians 5:21-22

    Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

    Ephesians 6:1-9

    Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. …

    Colossians 3:18-4:1

    Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. …

  2. [2]
    Proverbs 20:20

    Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

    Proverbs 23:22

    Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.

    1 Peter 2:18

    Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

  3. [3]
    Matthew 22:21

    They say unto him, Cesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cesar the things which are Cesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.

    Romans 13:1-8

    Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: …

    Ephesians 6:1-9

    Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. …

    Colossians 3:18-21

    Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. …

Proof texts as given in the original; verse text from the King James Version.