Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 66 of 107
What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment?
A.The reason annexed to the fifth commandment is a promise of long life and prosperity (as far as it shall serve for God’s glory and their own good) to all such as keep this commandment.
Which Bible passages support this answer?
The Westminster Assembly attached these Scripture proofs to answer 66. Read them together and ask what each one shows about the answer.
- Deuteronomy 5:16
“Honor your father and your mother just as the Lord your God has commanded you to do, so that your days may be extended and that it may go well with you in the land that he is about to give you. (NET)
- Ephesians 6:2-3
2“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment accompanied by a promise, namely, 3“that it will go well with you and that you will live a long time on the earth.” (NET)
What does this answer mean?
The reason attached to the fifth commandment is a promise of long life and prosperity to those who keep it. The answer adds a careful limit in parentheses: as far as it shall serve God's glory and their own good. God keeps the promise in the way that is truly best.
What can we ask our children?
- What does God promise to those who keep the fifth commandment?
- What limit does the answer add in the parentheses?
- Why is it good that God decides what is truly best for us?
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 66 (fold-over card, question on the front)
- Copywork page for question 66 (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.