fourth commandment: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Religious, Formal, Literary, Academic
Quick answer
What does “fourth commandment” mean?
The biblical injunction to honour one's father and mother, as listed in the fourth of the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The biblical injunction to honour one's father and mother, as listed in the fourth of the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament.
The principle or ethic of showing respect and obedience to one's parents, or by extension, to authority figures and elders. It is often cited in discussions of morality, family law, and social values.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Spelling of 'honour/honor' may follow regional norms in surrounding text.
Connotations
Connotations are identical, rooted in shared Judeo-Christian heritage. It may carry slightly stronger cultural resonance in more traditionally religious communities, which can vary by region in both countries.
Frequency
Frequency is low and tied to religious, ethical, or historical discourse in both varieties. Likely marginally higher in public discourse in parts of the US with stronger evangelical Christian cultural influence.
Grammar
How to Use “fourth commandment” in a Sentence
The Fourth Commandment + [VERB] (e.g., states, requires, commands)to + [VERB] + the Fourth Commandment (e.g., to obey, to break, to teach)the + Fourth Commandment + to honour + [NOUN PHRASE]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fourth commandment” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No established verb form.
American English
- No established verb form.
adverb
British English
- No established adverbial form.
American English
- No established adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- No established adjectival form. Periphrastic: 'fourth-commandment ethic'.
American English
- No established adjectival form. Periphrastic: 'Fourth Commandment principle'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Potentially in a metaphorical sense about respecting corporate 'forefathers' or founders in a very formal speech.
Academic
Used in theology, religious studies, ethics, and historical papers discussing the Decalogue, Mosaic law, or family structures in antiquity.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used in religious households or communities when discussing moral teachings.
Technical
Used as a precise term in biblical exegesis, catechisms, and systematic theology to refer to Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fourth commandment”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fourth commandment”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fourth commandment”
- Using lowercase ('fourth commandment') when referring specifically to the biblical text.
- Confusing its number with other commandments (e.g., the 'fifth commandment' is different).
- Using 'forth' (meaning forward) instead of 'fourth' (the number).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The traditional text (Exodus 20:12, KJV) is: 'Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.'
No. Numbering differs between religious traditions. In most Protestant and Orthodox traditions, 'Honour thy father and mother' is the fourth. In the Catholic and Lutheran catechisms, it is the fifth, as they combine the first two commandments on false gods and idols.
Yes, it is often secularised as a universal ethical principle of filial piety, respect for elders, and the foundation of intergenerational responsibility, independent of religious belief.
The biblical opposite is often described as 'cursing' or 'dishonouring' one's parents, which was considered a serious transgression. In modern terms, it would be severe disrespect, rebellion, or neglect.
The biblical injunction to honour one's father and mother, as listed in the fourth of the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament.
Fourth commandment is usually religious, formal, literary, academic in register.
Fourth commandment: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɔːθ kəˈmɑːndmənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɔrθ kəˈmændmənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To honour the fourth commandment”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'FOUR parents? There are TWO. The FOURth commandment makes you think of the TWO people you must honour: father AND mother.'
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS A COMMAND (The command represents an absolute, divine authority structure for the family).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'Fourth Commandment' most precisely used?