Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 63 of 107
Which is the fifth commandment?
A.The fifth commandment is, Honor thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
Which Bible passages support this answer?
The Westminster Assembly attached these Scripture proofs to answer 63. Read them together and ask what each one shows about the answer.
- Exodus 20:12
“Honor your father and your mother, that you may live a long time in the land the Lord your God is giving to you. (NET)
What does this answer mean?
The fifth commandment is 'Honor thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.' It is the first commandment about our neighbor, and it begins at home with parents. It comes with a promise.
What can we ask our children?
- Can you say the fifth commandment?
- What promise comes with it?
- What are some ways to honor your parents this week?
Can I print this question?
Yes. Every printable here is free for home, church and co-op use. Press Print on any of these pages for a clean sheet.
- Memory card for question 63 (fold-over card, question on the front)
- Copywork page for question 63 (trace, then copy)
- Memory cards for questions 61 to 70
- Copywork for questions 61 to 70
- All Westminster Shorter Catechism printables
Text: The Shorter Catechism, constitutional text of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Public domain (1647). Proof references: Scripture proofs added by the Westminster Assembly, as transcribed by The Westminster Standard. Scripture quotations are from the NET Bible; see permissions.
Checked against a second edition on November 15, 2026. Explanation and questions by Household Theology Press. Last updated November 15, 2026.