Ephesians 6:3

Key Reflection

In Ephesians 6:3, Paul references the Fifth Commandment from the Decalogue, which in the Hebrew text is the first commandment presented when paired with its promise. This commandment, as given in Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16, was foundational for Jewish society, emphasizing respect and care for parents as a core moral obligation. For Paul’s original audience, this commandment carried significant weight not only for personal behavior but also as a social and familial duty, rooted deeply in the covenant relationship between God and Israel.