Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5685 fathers, responsibilities of

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5685 fathers, responsibilities of

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5650 Human relationships » 5684 fathers » 5685 fathers, responsibilities of

Fathers have a responsibility to love, instruct and discipline their children in the ways of the Lord. In return they are to be honoured and obeyed by their children.

The role of fathers

To love and care for their children

Psalm 103:13 See also Deuteronomy 1:31; Job 1:4-5; Matthew 7:9-11 pp Luke 11:11-13; Colossians 3:21

To discipline their children

Proverbs 13:24 See also Deuteronomy 8:5; Deuteronomy 21:18-21; Proverbs 3:11-12; Proverbs 15:5; Proverbs 19:18; Proverbs 22:15; Proverbs 23:13; Proverbs 29:15; 1 Timothy 3:2-5,12; Hebrews 12:7-11

To instruct their children

Psalm 78:2-8 See also Deuteronomy 4:9; Deuteronomy 6:6-7,20-24; Deuteronomy 11:18-21; Deuteronomy 31:13; Proverbs 13:1; Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4

The rights of fathers

To be honoured by their children

Exodus 20:12 pp Deuteronomy 5:16 See also Leviticus 19:3; Matthew 15:4 pp Mark 7:10; Exodus 21:17; Matthew 19:17-19 pp Mark 10:18-19 pp Luke 18:19-20; Ephesians 6:2-3

To be obeyed by their children

Colossians 3:20 See also Deuteronomy 21:18-21; Proverbs 6:20; Proverbs 8:32; Luke 2:51; Ephesians 6:1

To be heeded by their children

Proverbs 23:22 See also Proverbs 1:8; Proverbs 4:1,10; Proverbs 13:1

The joy of fathers

Proverbs 23:24 See also Psalm 127:3-5; Psalm 128:3-4; Proverbs 10:1; Proverbs 28:7; Proverbs 29:3

The sorrow of fathers

Proverbs 17:21 See also Proverbs 10:1; Proverbs 17:25; Proverbs 19:13

The roles of fathers-in-law

Genesis 29:21-23; Genesis 31:39-42; Exodus 3:1; Exodus 18:14-27; Judges 19:3-9; 1 Samuel 4:19-21; John 18:13

Children's responsibility to honour their parents

Exodus 20:12 pp Deuteronomy 5:16 “Honour” implies respect, obedience and care for the parents' needs. See also Leviticus 19:3; Matthew 19:19 pp Mark 10:19 pp Luke 18:20; Ephesians 6:1-3

Penalties for disobeying parents

Exodus 21:15,17; Deuteronomy 21:18-21; Proverbs 20:20; Matthew 15:4-6; Mark 7:10-13

The ministry of Jesus Christ may produce conflict within families

Luke 12:53 pp Matthew 10:35-36

Following Jesus Christ involves a commitment to him even deeper than love of one's parents

Matthew 10:37 See also Luke 14:26