---
title: "Question 125: Why are superiors styled father and mother? | Westminster Larger Catechism"
description: "Westminster Larger Catechism, question 125: Why are superiors styled father and mother? Superiors are styled father and mother, both to teach them in all duties towards their inferiors, like natural parents, to ex"
canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-125-why-are-superiors-styled-father-and-mother/"
source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=140"
---

# Question 125: Why are superiors styled father and mother? | Westminster Larger Catechism

Superiors are styled father and mother, both to teach them in all duties towards their inferiors, like natural parents, to express love and tenderness to them, according to their several relations; and to work inferiors to a greater willingness and cheerfulness in performing their duties to their superiors, as to their parents.

Scripture proofs: Eph. 6:4; 2 Cor. 12:14; 1 Thess. 2:7-8, 11; Num. 11:11-12; 1 Cor. 4:14-16; 2 Kings 5:13.

Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=140)

## Related reading

- [Question 124](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-124-who-are-meant-by-father-and-mother-in-the/)
- [Question 126](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-126-what-is-the-general-scope-of-the-fifth-commandment/)

Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-125-why-are-superiors-styled-father-and-mother/