WLC 126
Westminster Larger Catechism
Q126. What is the general scope of the fifth commandment?
The general scope of the fifth commandment is, the performance of those duties which we mutually owe in our several relations, as inferiors, superiors, or equals.
Proof texts
- Eph. 5:21 — [21] submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
- 1 Pet. 2:17 — [17] Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
- Rom. 12:10 — [10] Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Eph. 5:21 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 3 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- HC Q92 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
Read alongside
Leader's notes
A Body of Divinity (Thomas Ridgley): Quest. CXXIII., CXXIV., CXXV., CXXVI., CXXVII., CXXVIII. QUEST. CXXIII. Which is the fifth Commandment? ANSW. The fifth Commandment is, Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee. QUEST. CXXIV. Who are meant by father, and mother, in the fifth Commandment? ANSW. By father and mother, in the fifth Commandment, are meant not only natural parents; but all the superiors in age, and gifts, and especially such as by GOD’s ordinance, are over us in place of authority, whether in family, church, or common-wealth. QUEST. CXXV. Why are superiors styled, father and mother? ANSW. Superiors are styled father and mother, both to teach them in all duties…