Honour Due to Superiors in the Bible
The concept of honour due to superiors is deeply rooted in biblical teachings. In 1 Peter 2:17, believers are instructed to "honour all men," with specific emphasis on honouring the king, indicating a hierarchical structure where respect is due to those in positions of authority [2, 3].
The biblical basis for honouring superiors is multifaceted. It encompasses respect for those in authority, such as governmental leaders and elders, as well as a broader application of treating all individuals with dignity. The apostle Peter's exhortation to honour all men is interpreted by commentators as giving honour to whom honour is due, reflecting a principle found in Romans 13:7 [6, 7].
The biblical text provides various examples and teachings on this subject. For instance, Proverbs 20:29 highlights the dignity of older individuals, stating that "the glory of young men is their strength, but the beauty of old men is their grey hair" [1]. This proverb underscores the respect due to elders based on their age and experience.
In the New Testament, the concept is further developed. The writer of Hebrews notes that Jesus was made like his brothers in all things, implying a certain level of solidarity and respect for human dignity and authority structures [4]. The instruction in 1 Peter 5:5 to be subject to elders and to clothe oneself with humility toward one another reinforces the importance of hierarchical respect and mutual humility within the Christian community [2, 3].
The tradition of honouring superiors is also reflected in the interpretation of biblical passages by various Christian commentators. For example, John Gill interprets "honour all men" as giving respect according to the station and circumstances of individuals, emphasizing the relational and contextual nature of honour [6]. Similarly, Adam Clarke notes that honouring all men involves treating every individual with respect as a fellow creature and potential heir of eternal life [7].
The biblical teaching on honouring superiors is not limited to religious or ecclesiastical contexts but extends to civil authorities and social relationships. The command to "honour the king" in 1 Peter 2:17 is seen as an instruction to respect civil authority, reflecting a broader biblical theme of submitting to governing authorities [7, 8].
The theological underpinning of this concept is tied to the understanding of authority and humility. The biblical emphasis on humility, as seen in the writings of Peter and Paul, underscores that true honour is not about self-aggrandizement but about recognizing the worth and dignity of others, particularly those in positions of authority [2, 3, 5].
Sources
- Proverbs “Exsultatio juvenum fortitudo eorum, et dignitas senum canities. -- Proverbs 20:29”
- I Peter “I Peter 5:5 (LITV) — Likewise, younger ones be subject to older ones; and all being subject to one another. Put on humility, because God sets Himself "against proud ones, but He gives grace to humble ones." Prov. 3:34”
- 1 Peter “1 Peter 5:5 (NASB) — You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”
- Hebrews “Therefore he was obligated in all things to be made like his brothers, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. -- Hebrews 2:17”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Humility — A prominent Christian grace (Rom. 12:3; 15:17, 18; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 4:11-13). It is a state of mind well pleasing to God (1 Pet. 3:4); it preserves the soul in tranquillity (Ps. 69:32, 33), and makes us patient under trials (Job 1:22). Christ has set us an example of humility (Phil. 2:6-8). We should be led thereto by a remembrance of our sins (Lam. 3:39), and by the thought that it is the way to honour (Prov. 16:18), and that the greatest promises are made to the humble (Ps. 147:6; Isa. 57:15; 66:2; 1 Pet. 5:5). It is a "great paradox in Ch”
- 1 Peter (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Peter 2:16: Honour all men,.... To whom honour is due, according to the place, station, and circumstances in which they are, the gifts of providence and grace bestowed on them, and the usefulness they are of, whether they be Jews or Gentiles, rich or poor, believers or unbelievers: it is a saying of Ben Zoma (e), "who is to be honoured, or is worthy of honour , "he that honoureth creatures"; meaning men in general, or the Gentiles particularly, who were sometimes so called by the Jews; See Gill on Mar 16:15, and may be meant by "all men" here: love the brotherhood; or "you”
- 1 Peter (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Peter 2:17: Honour all men - That is, Give honor to whom honor is due, Rom 13:7. Respect every man as a fellow creature, and as one who may be a fellow heir with you of eternal life; and therefore be ready to give him every kind of succor in your power. Love the brotherhood - All true Christians, who form one great family of which God is the head. Fear God - Who gives you these commandments, lest he punish you for disobedience. Honour the king - Pay that respect to the emperor which his high authority requires, knowing that civil power is of God; that the authority with which ”
- 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 2:17: Honour all men--according to whatever honor is due in each case. Equals have a respect due to them. Christ has dignified our humanity by assuming it; therefore we should not dishonor, but be considerate to and honor our common humanity, even in the very humblest. The first "honor" is in the Greek aorist imperative, implying, "In every case render promptly every man's due" [ALFORD]. The second is in the present tense, implying, Habitually and continually honor the king. Thus the first is the general precept; the three following are its three great divi”