---
title: "Question 124: Who are meant by father and mother in the fifth commandment? | Westminster Larger Catechism"
description: "Westminster Larger Catechism, question 124: Who are meant by father and mother in the fifth commandment? By father and mother, in the fifth commandment, are meant, not only natural parents, but all superiors in age and gifts; and "
canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-124-who-are-meant-by-father-and-mother-in-the/"
source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=139"
---

# Question 124: Who are meant by father and mother in the fifth commandment? | Westminster Larger Catechism

By father and mother, in the fifth commandment, are meant, not only natural parents, but all superiors in age and gifts; and especially such as, by God’s ordinance, are over us in place of authority, whether in family, church, or commonwealth.

Scripture proofs: Prov. 23:22, 25: Eph. 6:1-2; 1 Tim. 5:1-2; Gen. 4:20-22; Gen. 45:8; 2 Kings 5: 13; 2 Kings 2:12; 2 Kings 13:14; Gal. 4:19; Isa. 49:23.

Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=139)

## Related reading

- [Question 123](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-123-which-is-the-fifth-commandment/)
- [Question 125](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-125-why-are-superiors-styled-father-and-mother/)

Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-124-who-are-meant-by-father-and-mother-in-the/