This command was so important to God that if anyone cursed or struck his parent, he was to be put to death (Exodus 21:7). Interestingly enough, of all the commands to honor one another, the most oft-repeated pertains to that of honoring one’s father and mother (Exodus 20:12 Matthew 15:4). The Bible also gives us the command to honor one another in our employer/employee relationships (1 Timothy 3:17 6:1 Ephesians 6:5-9), as well as in the marriage relationship with the husband and wife being in submission to and honoring one another (Hebrews 13:4 Ephesians 5:23-33). This was especially significant because the New Testament was not yet available. These men were entitled to double honor of both respect and deference for their position, as well as material or monetary support. However, all elders gave attention to the interests of the church and the welfare of its members. In the first-century church, some elders labored in word and doctrine by devoting their time to preaching and teaching, while others did so privately. The Bible speaks of another noteworthy group of people who are deserving of “double honor,” the leadership of the church, called elders: “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17). This means it is incumbent upon Christians to honor those whom God has placed over us through our obedience and demonstration of respect. Therefore, “he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves” (Romans 13:2). A classic example is the command to “submit to the governing authorities because they have been established by God” (Romans 13:1-6). The idea of honoring others, especially those in authority (the king), comes from the fact that they represent God’s ultimate authority.

Peter tells us to “honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17). Though He can delegate His authority to others, it still belongs to Him (Ephesians 4:11-12). But we must understand that all authority and honor belong to God alone (1 Chronicles 29:11 1 Timothy 1:17 Revelation 5:13). The Bible exhorts us to express honor and esteem toward certain people: our parents, the aged, and those in authority (Ephesians 6:2 Leviticus 19:32 Romans 13:1). As a noun, honor in the Bible means “esteem, value, or great respect.” To honor someone is to value him highly or bestow value upon him.

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