something similar ; comp. 1 Cor. iv. 2, note, vii. 29 ; 2 Cor. viii. 13. The particle gives force ; the ellipsis, in a feeling of courtesy, restrains that force.
1. 'Ytfaxovere, obey] This expresses even more than be subject, be subordinate (ch. v. 21, b<7rora<fff6psvoi), [comp. ver. 5.] To obey is the part of one who is less experienced ; to be subject or subor dinate^ of an inferior. — dixaiov, right) even by nature.
2. T//X/CC, honour) Their duty is more expressly prescribed to children than to parents ; for love rather descends than ascends ; and from being children men become parents. — si/roXjj, command ment) Deut. v. 16, Honour' thy father and thy mother, as the Lord thy God ENETEIAATO, COMMANDED thee, that it may be well, etc. — Kpury sv iffct'yysMfy the first ivith promise) The com mandment in regard to having no strange gods,1 carries indeed a promise with it, but likewise a threatening, and of these, either the one or the other belonging to [applying to] all the command ments. The commandment respectingthe profanation of the name of God has a threatening. For our duties to God are espe cially due, and most necessary ; therefore they are guarded with such sanctions : our duties towards men are due in a less degree to men, and so far [in that point of view] are not so necessary ; they have therefore a promise attached to them. The command ment about honouring parents, of which Paul is speaking, has a peculiar promise above them all, if we look at the whole Deca logue : if we look only at the second table, it also alone has a promise ; moreover, it is the first with a promise, even in respect to all the commandments, subsequent to the Decalogue. And very properly so, too ; for, taking for granted the pious affection of parents in training their children to submit to the command ments of God, the honour, which is shown to parents chiefly by
1 Beng. joins in or.e our first and second commandment (it being the second to which a threat and a promise are attached ; whereas to our first commandment there is attached neither). — ED.