In both the Old and New Testaments, the Bible consistently teaches that children should honor and respect their parents—especially their mothers. From the Ten Commandments to the teachings of Jesus Christ, Scripture uplifts the role of mothers and the need to show them love, obedience, and gratitude.
This collection of 35 Bible verses will help guide you in understanding what it truly means to respect your mother from a biblical point of view. The verses are taken from various books of the Bible and offer wisdom, instruction, and divine encouragement for children of all ages.
35 Bible Verses About Respecting Your Mother
1. Exodus 20:12
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”
This commandment links respect for parents with a promise of longevity and blessings. It sets the foundation for family values in Scripture.
2. Leviticus 19:3
“Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father, and you shall keep my Sabbaths: I am the Lord your God.”
Reverence, or deep respect, is commanded alongside Sabbath-keeping. This highlights its importance in daily spiritual life.
3. Deuteronomy 5:16
“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land.”
This restates the importance of honoring one’s parents with a clear connection to wellbeing and divine favor.
4. Proverbs 1:8
“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.”
Listening to your mother’s wisdom is a hallmark of respect and godly character.
5. Proverbs 6:20
“My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.”
Reinforces the lifelong relevance of a mother’s moral and spiritual guidance.
6. Proverbs 10:1
“A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.”
A respectful child brings joy, while a disrespectful one causes grief, especially to his mother.
7. Proverbs 15:20
“A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.”
To despise your mother is to act in folly and rebellion against God’s design.
8. Proverbs 19:26
“He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother is a son who brings shame and reproach.”
Disrespect leads to shame. This verse shows the devastating effect of dishonoring one’s mother.
9. Proverbs 20:20
“If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.”
Severe consequences are promised for those who speak curses against their mother.
10. Proverbs 23:22
“Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”
Respect does not have an expiration date. Honor continues into your mother’s old age.
11. Proverbs 30:11
“There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.”
This verse warns against the rebellious generation that withholds honor from parents.
12. Proverbs 31:28
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”
The virtuous woman is honored by her children. Respect is shown in public affirmation and blessing.
New Testament Verses About Respecting Your Mother
13. Matthew 15:4
“For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’”
Jesus affirms the original commandment and highlights its gravity.
14. Matthew 19:19
“Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Respect for parents is grouped with loving others—both are central to Christian ethics.
15. Mark 7:10
“For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’”
This passage reinforces the continuity of the Old Testament command in New Testament teaching.
16. Luke 2:51
“And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.”
Jesus Himself modeled respect for His earthly mother by submitting to her authority.
17. John 19:26-27
“When Jesus saw his mother… he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’ And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.”
Even on the cross, Jesus ensured His mother was cared for. This shows profound honor and love.
18. Ephesians 6:1-2
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise.”
Paul reiterates the importance of obeying and honoring one’s parents as a godly virtue.
19. Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
Respect and obedience toward parents, including mothers, is a direct way to please God.
20. Ruth 1:16-17
“Where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.”
Though Naomi was her mother-in-law, Ruth showed the same respect and loyalty as to a mother.
21. 1 Kings 2:19
“So Bathsheba went to King Solomon… and the king rose to meet her and bowed down to her.”
King Solomon honored his mother by rising and bowing—an act of deep respect.
22. 2 Timothy 1:5
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice.”
Paul credits Timothy’s spiritual heritage to the godly influence of his mother and grandmother.
23. Genesis 24:67
“Then Isaac brought her into the tent of Sarah his mother… and he loved her.”
This shows Isaac’s attachment and respect for his mother, even in choosing a wife.
24. Genesis 27:14
“So he went and took them and brought them to his mother, and his mother prepared delicious food.”
Jacob shows obedience and trust toward his mother Rebekah, even in complex circumstances.
25. Isaiah 66:13
“As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.”
This verse links God’s comfort with a mother’s love, underscoring its sacred nature.
26. Psalm 139:13
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.”
Our creation through our mothers is reason enough for lifelong respect and gratitude.
27. Song of Solomon 3:4
“I found him whom my soul loves. I held him, and would not let him go until I had brought him into my mother’s house.”
This portrays the mother’s home as a place of honor and emotional sanctuary.
28. Isaiah 49:15
“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?”
This verse shows the deep, almost divine love of a mother.
29. Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…”
God’s creation through mothers is an act of divine will—worthy of reverence.
30. 1 Samuel 1:27
“For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition.”
Hannah’s prayers show how mothers play a crucial role in the spiritual lives of their children.
31. Luke 1:46-48
“My soul magnifies the Lord… for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.”
Mary’s humility and faithfulness deserve respect and serve as a model for motherhood.
32. Luke 2:19
“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.”
A mother’s heart is sacred—full of love, reflection, and prayer.
33. Luke 11:27-28
“Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!”
This blessing reveals how deeply people revered motherhood, especially Mary’s role.
34. Galatians 4:26
“But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.”
The church is compared to a mother—showing how motherhood symbolizes nurture and freedom.
35. Revelation 12:5
“She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations…”
This symbolic mother gave birth to the Savior, emphasizing the divine plan through motherhood.
Conclusion: A Call to Biblical Respect and Honor
Respecting your mother is more than a cultural value—it is a biblical command with eternal significance. From Proverbs to Paul, from Genesis to Revelation, God’s Word makes it abundantly clear that honoring your mother is pleasing to Him. This respect brings blessings, fosters peace in the home, and reflects God’s heart for the family.
Let these 35 Bible verses guide your heart and actions. Whether you are studying for a Bible verse of the day or looking for powerful Bible Study Topics, start with these Scriptures that glorify God through respect and love for your mother.
“Her children rise up and call her blessed…” – Proverbs 31:28
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